Many airlines also require these vaccinations also. Check with your vet for the complete range of vaccinations required, and of course, check with the airline and country to which you're heading.
Most travel by trains and buses for a small pet (dog or cat) in a carrier, is usually free. Try to avoid crowded (rush hour) conditions, since the crowds will only make your pet nervous.
Car trips can be hazardous to your pet. How many times have you seen a small dog sitting on the drivers lap, looking out the window? Or the cat lying on the rear shelf on the car? A sudden stop, or even an accident can send your pet flying.
A loose pet in a car can also escape if someone opens the door, forgetting that your pet is able to jump out before you can grab him or her. They make special harnesses for dogs like seatbelts, and the cat-carrier can always be used to transport your cat safely. Of course, make sure the carrier is also secured to the back seat with a seatbelt.
Many dogs and cats do not travel well in a car. Consider speaking with your vet about tranquilizers. If your pet gets car sick, consider travel-sickness pills. Again, check with your vet for recommendations and dosage.
There have been too many incidents of cats and dogs suffering from heatstroke after being left in a hot car. Leave at least two windows (for cross draft) open slightly to provide fresh air. You might consider one of those solar powered fans that fit in the window. The fan fits snugly in the window, the sun powers the fan, and air is circulate within your vehicle. However, we strongly recommend that you DON'T leave animals in the car in hot climates or during the warmer months, as even a short time in a hot vehicle can be injurious to your pet.
Flying the Pet-Friendly Skies
(All airline policies have been updated)
Most people feel that it's next to impossible to take their pet on a plane when, in reality, it's largely a matter of being well informed. While we do not recommend you take your animal on a plane (except as carry-on baggage), we know that sometimes you may not have a choice. Unfortunately, if you own anything larger than a small dog, you cannot take it in the cabin. This means your pet has to travel as checked baggage or cargo. Not a great option. But whatever the case, knowledge is power, so we've gathered as much information as possible from all the major airlines so that you will be familiar with their particular rules and policies. But first, here are some general tips to bear in mind:
- Never sedate your pet on a flight. High altitudes and sedatives are a dangerous combination and should never be mixed.
- Always have your pet's leash and collar easily accessible for walking prior to departure, but do not take the pet out of the kennel inside the airport.
- Identification tags for your pet and travel kennel, including pet's name, home address and phone number, are essential.
- Never use a muzzle on your pet during travel, as this is dangerous to the pet.
- Familiarize your pet with the kennel prior to the trip so that it is comfortable to him/her at travel time.
- Always make advanced reservations or arrangements with the airline when you are making your own reservations. The airline always reserves the right to refuse travel if there are too many pets on board, so make sure you advise them early.
Whether your pet will travel with you in the cabin or as checked luggage in the cargo area (this will be primarily determined by size), your pet will need to be contained in a kennel or container for the entire trip. Most pet supply stores carry both soft-sided (for in cabin travel) and hard-sided kennels approved for air travel. Additionally, the airlines also sell kennels at the counter. As always, check with the airline first to arrange for this purchase.
In selecting a kennel, you must first determine the proper size. Your pet's size is determined by the following:
Length: from nose to root of tail
Width: length across shoulders
Height: (in standing position with head erect) from ground to highest point
It is important that your pet can stand, sit, turn around, and lie down comfortably throughout the flight. |
