Traveling With Your Pet

Traveling By Car:

It just isn't safe for your dog or cat to be roaming all over the car while you are trying to drive. My German Shepherd/Husky mix used to always knock the car out of gear while he was switching from the front seat to the back seat - not good!

• Prepare an area for your pet, if they will not be riding in a carrier or crate. You can buy a metal barricade that will prevent your pet from switching seats unexpectedly.

• Crack the windows for your pet to sniff, if you so desire, but don't open the window enough so that they could fall out! Window surfing can be damaging to eyes and ears at high speeds.

• Stop every few hours for bathroom breaks, and to give your pets a chance to stretch their legs.

• Always have water available. Animals can quickly suffer from heat-related problems in a closed car.

• If your pet seems to have balance issues in the car, you may want to think about getting him a harness seat belt to help him stabilize.

• If your pet gets carsick, ask your vet about a mild sedative for long car rides so he will peacefully sleep the ordeal away.

Traveling By Plane:

Different airlines have different regulations, but there are some basics to keep in mind:

• Always travel with your pet's vet history and vaccination history. Your precious Poodle may have never bitten anyone before, but you don't want to be caught unprepared if she changes her mind and starts nipping at strangers.

• Your pet will need to go through security screenings, just like you do. Her carrier and leash and toys will have to go through the x-ray belt, and you will be asked to carry the pet through the metal detector.

• Pets under a certain weight limit may be allowed to travel in the cabin, if they are in an approved travel carrier that will fit below the seat in front of you.

• If your pet is traveling in the cabin, you may want to ask the vet about some sort of sedative so they will be peaceful and quiet during the trip.
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• If your pet is traveling in a crate apart from you, make sure she has proper ventilation and room to stand up and turn around.

No matter where you are traveling, make sure your pet wears a collar and identification tags at all times! You may want to put your cell phone number on the tags, so if your pet gets lost while you are away from home, you still have a good chance of being reunited.