Traveling with your pet !!!

One of my favorite hobbies is Traveling. Who likes to travel alone?  Not me! My favorite or main travel companion is Mimi my beagle. Thank God I have the possibility to take her to most places. But the question is always to where does it make sense and where is it more of a hassle than a joy.  Also, it is important to consider the regulations at your travel destination.  

A simple Google search can help you find government sites that offer pet immigration information. Make sure to read everything carefully since some countries require vaccinations several months before travel; some require parasite testing 24-48 hours before your visit; and other regulations.

You should also introduce your pet to the carrier you plan to use well in advance of the travel day allowing your cat or dog time to get used to the shape and smell of the carrier. I got Mimi used to her crate or traveling carrier by feeding her dinner inside. After a while she goes there even just to take a nap. It makes travel less stressful for your pet because it feels a part of home is always with them.

Traveling With A Pet By Plane

Note that when you get to the airport, the Transportation Screening Administration has special screening rules, which can vary from country to country. In general,  you will need to take your pet out of their carrier just prior to beginning the screening process and carry them with you (the empty carrier will pass through the bag screener separately). If you’re concerned that your pet will be too frightened or poorly behaved to go through the regular security checkpoint, you can request a private room.

There’s a lot to consider when traveling by plane. Rules vary by airline, so be sure to check with yours before booking your ticket. If it’s possible, have your pet fly with you in the cabin. The cargo area can be problematic for pets. Pet deaths in the cargo area are relatively rare.

Unless your pet is a service animal, it can’t travel in the cabin unless it can fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you with enough room to stand up and turn around. You’ll also be required to pay an additional pet fee depending on the airline. Don’t forget that airlines only allocate a few spots for pets per flight, so you’ll need to make a reservation for your pet well in advance, before those spots fill up. If your pet is too large to meet the size requirements, you’ll have to fly them in the cargo area. Keep in mind, however, that not all airlines allow this option. For those that do, the fee will likely be higher than flying in the cabin.

What we always do before boarding a plane and Mimi is in the cargo area, we tell a flight attendant who can communicate with the pilot so they keep an eye on the cargo area temperature.

.

You’ll also need to prepare your pet’s carrier. Ensure there is a “live animal” sticker on every side of the carrier, and attach a note with your name, flight number, contact information and pet information. Consider attaching an extra bag of food to the outside of the carrier in case there are any major delays. Again, the carrier should be big enough that your pet can stand, turn around and lie down easily.

Regardless of whether your pet flies cabin or cargo, you’ll need to time your pet’s feeding and potty breaks just right. I recommend giving your pet plenty of exercise the night before, feeding them that evening and avoiding food the day of travel (a little water is OK). Many major airports have pet relief areas so animals can go one more time before boarding, but if that’s not an option, you will need to bring potty pads in their carrier.

Remember there are some breeds which should not fly either because of being red listed for being too dangerous or because they can’t breathe properly.  

Taking Your Pet On A Road Trip

Before a long road trip, take your pet on short car rides to get them used to the car. Familiar smells from home can keep your pet more relaxed, so bring along your pet’s favorite toys and bedding. Once you’re on the road, taking breaks is important. Don’t forget to always put on a harness and/or leash before exiting the car for safety reasons. If you’re traveling with a cat, it might be easier to place a litter box on the floor behind the seats rather than risk taking them out of the car.

Always keep windows and the sunroof closed when traveling with pets to avoid them escaping. Pet owners should also consider pet seat belts in their vehicles. Since its safer for you and the pet,

Never leave your pet alone in the car even if the temperature seems tolerable. The interior of a car can heat up to 100 degrees or more within minutes.

Rooming With Your Pet In A Hotel

If you’ll be staying in a hotel with your pet, it’s important to book with a pet-friendly hotel that’s also budget-friendly. Not all hotels allow pets and those that do usually charge an extra fee per night, per animal. That fee will depend on the particular hotel.

Remember that some hotels don’t allow pets in the restaurant so make sure your pet is either carted when left alone ortrained so it does not have separation anxiety and therefore destroying  your room.

Keeping Your Pet Calm And Safe While Traveling

No matter what method you’re using to travel, there are a few safety precautions you can take to make sure your pet is always safe.

Important things to pack when traveling with your pet:

Finally, make sure your pet has proper identification. Buy your pet an id tag with your name the pets name and your phone number.

As far as keeping your pet relatively calm, there are a few things you can try. Items such as a favourite blanket or a T-shirt you recently wore can alleviate some of the stress of traveling by bringing the smell of home along for the ride. However, keep in mind that you should only bring these items along in the car; toys, blankets and other items in your petscarrier can present a safety hazard during air travel.

Some pet owners also find success with using a thunder shirt .The weighted jackets provide comfort just as swaddling a baby in blankets would.

If your pet is food motivated, you might try a calming treat. These typically contain calming and natural extracts like lavender and chamomile. CBD is also a popular calming ingredient in some treats. Just be sure to discuss this ahead of time with your vet and be sure the treats agree with your pet. Also, avoid feeding your pet if it won’t be able to relieve itself for an extended period of time.

When In Doubt, Keep Your Pet At Home

As much as you’d like to keep your furry loved ones at your side at all times, travel can be too risky and stressful for some animals. If your pet is particularly nervous, susceptible to changes in temperature or could use a couple of rounds of obedience training, it’s probably best for you both to leave them at home with a trusted sitter.

When Mimi and I travel I always tend to choose places that are pet friendly so I can take her everywhere and so she is not locked in the room all day. I have to say one of the most dog friendly places is Austria especially Vienna.