Traveling With Your Pet

If you’re planning on taking your pet on vacation with you the best piece of advice is BE PREPARED.

Take into consideration your pet’s health needs before you begin your journey.  It’s important to your pet’s health and safety to make plans ahead of time so your entire family can enjoy a great vacation experience.

First, determine whether your pet will be a good traveler.  If he is prone to anxiety, stress and fear in new situations, it isn’t a good idea to take him along.  It’s possible that new and strange situations can injure your pet’s health.

If you’ve decided to travel by car, it should be easy to schedule regular stops for your animal to exercise (and relieve himself).

Make time for regular grooming if your pet has special needs.  Make sure he has a comfortable place to sleep in the vehicle so he can be comfortable during your journey.

If you plan on staying in motels, make reservations at pet-friendly motels or hotels.

If you’ve decided to travel by air, most US-based airlines allow dogs and cats on board.  Some offer services for other domestic or exotic pets.  It’s imperative that you check each airline’s guidelines prior to boarding the plan.  Airlines require carry-on pet carriers and kennels heading to the cargo area of the plane.  Requirements vary in size from one airline to the next.

Remember, you must make a reservation for pets traveling on board.  Most airlines have restrictions on how many pets can travel in the cabin on a single flight.  Book ahead to make sure your pet isn’t left behind.

In addition, make sure to ask your airline about the cost to fly your pet.  Fees can very based on whether you’ll be carrying your companion on board or checking him in as cargo.

Airlines also have age and health code requirements for all pets on board.  In order to fly your pet you must have a veterinary health certificate dated within 10 days of outbound travel for domestic flights and within two weeks for international travel.

A vaccination certificate is required for all adult pets.  Contact the airline ahead of time to ensure you fully understand their specific pet travel regulations so that you and your family can have an easy check-in and boarding experience.