Holiday Travel With Your Pets

The Holiday Season is upon us and many people will be traveling with their pets either by car or plane. Here are some tips for having a comfortable and safe trip for you both.

First, and foremost, do not travel with a pet that is extremely nervous about traveling. This will only be an upsetting and unpleasant event for you all.

Consider boarding a pet that doesn’t appreciate travel. Home pet sitting for five days (with three visits a day) can range from $225 to 300.

Kennels run from $125-$175 a night for your average sized dog. You might even consider a reliable neighbor child who could use some spending money. I’ve always had very good luck with mine.

If you travel by plane know that each airline has certain requirements that must be met before your pet can be boarded.

Call the airline well in advance and ask them about their requirements, which may be different from airline to airline also check with the Dept. of Agriculture for any requirements they may have.

Traveling with your pet through the airlines can range in cost from $170 to $200.

Southwest Airlines does not allow pets of any kind.

Your pet must be over the age of 8 weeks to travel by air.

Restrict your pet's food and water 4 hours before departure to minimize his urge to potty and give the main meal at the end of the day or after you reach your destination.

Freeze the water so it will thaw by the time your pet is thirsty but won't splash out during loading or unloading.

Take along a few of his favorite chew toys and something with your scent on it to help settle him.

Line the kennel with shredded paper or towels in case of an accident.

Consider a mid-week or late-night flight, it usually has fewer passengers.Here are some important things to remember when traveling with your pet:-Be sure your pet is properly identified with a current tag and/or microchip.

Groom your pet ahead of time to insure they are pest free and clean and comfortable.

Be sure to bring the things that your pets are familiar with such as: their food dish, toy, blankie, etc….

-Have proof of rabies vaccinations ( if older than 12 weeks) and current health certificates with you when you cross state borders.

-Include a leash and harness while traveling as many pets tend to slip out of their collars and become lost.

-Temperatures must be between 45 to 85 degrees if traveling in cargo. The requirement can be lowered to 20 degrees if your veterinarian provides a certificate of acclimation.

-Pet carrier dimensions on average must be 22 inches long by 14 inches wide and 9 inches high and fit under the seat in front of you. Limited number of pets can travel in the cabin so call early for reservations as they fill up quickly.

-Short nosed breeds may not travel in cargo if temperature is greater than 70 degrees due to the fact that they are more susceptible to heat exhaustion than long nosed breeds.

-Veterinarians recommend against tranquilizing your pets while traveling by air since the effects of tranquilizers on animals at high altitudes are unforeseeable which raises their risk of breathing and heart problems.

Be certain your kennel is good shape and is approved for air travel.Defective kennels can lead to injury and escape.

If you are traveling outside the United States you must have an international health certificate. Some countries require not only the international health certificate but also another form that is required for their particular regulations in their country. Your veterinarian can assist you with this or you can contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture to determine the requirements of a particular country.

If traveling by car, insure that your pet is fastened securely in the seat or cargo area of the vehicle. Use either a carrier or a seat belt harness.

NEVER let a pet roam the car. If the car stops suddenly the pet can be hurdled into the front causing the driver to lose control as well as causing grievous injury to the driver and itself.

Make frequent stops so that your pet can exercise and relieve themselves. Pets can’t always wait like humans can.

Always put your dog on a leash when leaving the car for an instant. When a pet is in an unfamiliar place it can get disoriented, curious, or spooked easily.


Happy Holidays
The Pet Food Freebies Team


Great article thought I'd share,

DAG