Yeah! Fluffy and Fido are going on vacation with you! I’m sure they are looking forward to splashing in new streams, taking in the sun in a new window-sill or simply being spoiled in a new place. Before you leave, there are some tips you should follow to keep your pet safe.

1. ID your pet: Place an ID tag and/or update your pet’s microchip information with the address and phone number of where you will be staying. Rather than buying a new pet ID tag you can write the updated information on a small piece of paper and then tape it over the existing tags (be sure to place tape all around it so it is waterproof). The fastest way to get a pet back if it becomes lost is to have it wear an ID tag and be microchipped. It is also always good to carry a small picture of your pet with you at all times.

2. Know where the closest 24-hour veterinary emergency clinic is! Be sure to have their phone number handy and have pre-printed directions. Bring all your pet’s medical records including their vaccination record.

3. Take a pet first aid class. Pack a small pet first aid kit to take on your trip. Contact local shelters or veterinary clinics to see if they offer or know of any classes in your area.

4. Bring extra of all your pet’s supplies. This includes extra food, medication, leash, blanket, litter, and bowl. Just like a human pharmacy, unless you have a written prescription, you cannot get your pet’s prescription filled at another veterinary clinic.

5. Be sure traveling with your pet is appropriate. Having a veterinarian check your pet before any long trip is the safest thing to do. Make sure it is in your pet’s best interest to vacation with you.

6. Make sure the facility you will be staying at allows pets, and find out what their rules and regulations are. This includes if you are staying with friends and family. Many hotels do not allow pets loose in the room unattended, so you may need to bring a kennel for your pet.

Flying With Your Pet:

Most travel experts recommend not to fly your pet unless you absolutely have to. Though pet travel by air is governed by the United States Department of Agriculture, each individual airline may have their own set of rules and regulations on what they do and do not allow. Your pet may be treated like cargo and be put in an area where temperature and pressure is poorly regulated. If you have a small dog or cat, you may be able to have them fly with you in the passenger area depending on the airline. Since the rules and regulations vary between airlines it is best to contact the individual airlines. It is important to follow their requirements exactly in order for your pet to be permitted to fly. This may include things like obtaining a health certificate 10 days before travel, showing proof of certain vaccinations, age restrictions, and specific kennel requirements.

For More Information:

Sites Devoted To Compiling Individual Airline Regulations:

Bring Fido

PetTravel

General Information on Traveling With Your Pet:

Humane Society of the United States (search keywords: pet air travel, traveling with pets)

Pet Place (search keywords: airline travel, pet travel)

American Veterinary Medical Association (search keywords: pet travel)

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This entry was posted on Monday, August 4th, 2008 at 11:23 am and is filed under Amy Breton, Pet Travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.