Traveling
With Pets
Written
by Dorothy Shirk
They’re
furry, they’re friendly – they’re absolutely lovable. Family
pets are often a big part of the family, and sometimes it’s
hard to leave those adorable rascals behind when you leave
town. With these simple tips, your pet won’t have to miss
out on one fun moment of the family’s big vacation!
GET
A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH
Before
you take your beloved pet anywhere, take him to the vet for
an overall checkup, and ask for the number of an associate
in the area where you will be staying. A few weeks before
you depart, get your pet a physical, complete with vaccinations
necessary for the area to which you are traveling. A direct,
uncrowded flight is best (an evening flight if the weather
is warm), but the vet can also give you tranquilizers to calm
your pet for the long journey. If you’re unsure whether your
pet is up for the trip – ask. Although a cross-country flight
may be no problem for you, a pet may suffer greatly while
left in a hot baggage area. Don’t wait to find out that Fido
couldn’t handle the hike up the mountain – or even the plane
journey there.
Most
airline and state officials mandate a clean bill of health
in the form of a health certificate dated within 10 days prior
to travel before your pet can fly with you. And even if he
is in tip-top shape, traveling abroad sometimes assumes an
automatic quarantine upon arrival for your pet whether or
not there is an outbreak of a disease (Hawaii does, so contact
your travel agent for assistance in this matter).
For
U.S. territories and foreign countries, contact the appropriate
embassy, governmental agency or consulate at least one month
in advance before making arrangements for your pet. Moreover,
some states require certain pets to have entry permits issued
by the destination state's regulatory agency, and may request
to view the interstate health certificate in advance of issuing
the permit. Some even limit the time during which the entry
permit is valid.
PAPERS
FOR YOUR POOCH
Always
keep an ID collar with your name and phone number on your
pet, and always travel with favorite toys, proof of vaccination
and proper licenses. Bring color photos of your pet, as well,
in the unfortunate event he gets lost.
PETS
ON PLANES
Because
airlines limit the number of pets that can be on board at
once, have your travel agent notify the airline of your pet
when your reservation is made. Also ask for the allowable
dimensions of your pet carrier. Regulations state that dogs
and cats must be at least eight weeks old and fully-weaned
before flying. If your pet is pregnant or in heat, do not
subject her to air travel. Written instructions for food and
water must accompany any shipped pet regardless of the amount
of time they are scheduled to spend in transit. Unless your
vet signs a certificate otherwise, your pet may be exposed
to temperatures less than 45 degrees.
If
your pet is less than 15 pounds and you are on a domestic
flight, you may be able to fit a small, airline-approved kennel
(check with your travel agent) under the seat in front of
you. Out of respect for the person sitting next to you, inform
passengers that you’ve brought your pet along so they may
switch seats with someone else if they suffer from pet allergies.
Have paper towels and a scooper on hand for any inevitable
accidents that may occur. On international flights, larger
animals can be shipped (for a fee) in the forward cargo bins,
which are climate-controlled. Contact your travel agent or
the airline for specific information on fees and requirements.
TRAVELING
'KENNEL' CLASS
One
thing you should not underestimate is the importance of a
quality travel kennel, no matter if you’re traveling by bus,
car, plane or train. Let your pet eat and sleep there before
you leave, and throw an old sock – worn by you – in as well
so he may accustom himself to the kennel in time for travel.
Exercise, feed and give water to your pet before you leave,
and place a dish for food and one for water inside the kennel.
If you’re shipping your pet, write the words “LIVE ANIMAL”
all over the crate with arrows pointing in the upright direction,
and put your name, phone number and address on a well-fastened
label. Secure but don’t lock the crate so airline personnel
can access it if necessary. Make certain enough air is getting
in. Check with your travel agent or call your airline and
find out if there is an additional cost for your pet to travel
with you.
ON
THE ROAD WITH FIDO
Be
careful if you’re driving to your destination. Countless pets
die each year from heatstroke after being left alone in hot
cars for even a few moments. As a general rule, if you leave
your car, your pet should leave, as well. If you park, make
sure it’s in a shaded area to keep the car cool. For safety’s
sake, check that your car’s air conditioning is functioning
before taking a long trip on a hot day. Never let your animal
jump around or hang out the window – it’s dangerous for both
you and him.
A
strong, mesh crate (the bottom lined by towels) with plenty
of food and water is advised, with enough room so your pet
can stand, turn and lie down. But exercise is necessary –
stop frequently at rest stops for water and exercise, keeping
a leash on your pet at all times. If your pet is unaccustomed
to car trips, increase his time in the car before you take
him on vacation. One piece of sugar candy – not chocolate
– before hitting the road may quell motion sickness. Although
you do want to feed your pet at least four hours before air
travel, leave a window of six hours before a car trip during
which your pet is not eating. If he’s overly fussy, it may
be best to rethink bringing him along.
YOUR
PETS AND HOTELS
Ask
your travel agent to call ahead to make sure your hotel or
motel allows pets. Or, for a list of pet-friendly lodgings,
call the Convention and Visitors Bureau at your destination.
Once there, clean up after your pet – don’t abuse the privilege.
Likewise, pack a supply of plastic bags to make this chore
easier. Request a room at the end of the hall so other guests
aren’t bothered by the possible noise.
So
plan ahead, bring the right supplies and rely on these Tips
on Traveling with Pets to ensure that you and your pet have
a safe and enjoyable trip. With the helpful hints we have
listed here, your pet can be the perfect addition to a perfect
vacation.
A
NOTE ABOUT BIRDS, REPTILES AND SMALL ANIMALS
Travel
is not recommended for smaller animals and birds because of
the stress it causes them. Reptiles are especially discouraged
because of their specialized requirements.
PET
FRIENDLY VACATION SPOTS Travel is not recommended for smaller
animals and birds because of the stress it causes them. Reptiles
are especially discouraged because of their specialized requirements.
1.
Florida
2. California
3. France
4. Colorado
5. Disney World (tie)
National Parks
Source: ASTA-member travel agents survey
SEEING-EYE
DOGS
If you are a disabled person traveling with a seeing-eye dog,
notify your destination hosts and airline ahead of time.
