PET  TRAVEL

Don't forget your pets!! 

There are many factors to consider when planning your trip and it's easy to become overwhelmed.  One of the most important things to remember is to include your companion animals in your planning!  Are you taking your pet with you?  Leaving him or her at home?  Boarding them at a kennel facility?  Whatever your choice, be sure to adequately prepare so that your furry friend has a good vacation, too!  Below, we have compiled a list of factors that you should consider when planning your trip.  Preparing ahead of time will assure that your pet is as comfortable as possible while you are away.

 

Where Are You Going and For How Long?

Depending on where you are traveling to and how long you plan on staying, you may or may not wish to bring your pet with you.  For instance, if you are going to Tahiti for two weeks, you would more than likely leave your companion at home.  However, if you are going to France for one year, it would be less likely that you would want to leave your pet behind.  Each country has a different set of standards for pet travel.  Many countries require quarantines, special vaccinations, and specific documentation in order to allow an animal through their borders.  If you are taking your pet with you to a new country, be sure to research those particular requirements so that both you and your pet are adequately prepared for the journey.  

• In warm weather, be sure to keep the air-conditioner running and do not leave your pet alone in a closed vehicle.  In cold weather, be sure that the vehicle is warm enough for your companion to travel comfortably.  Remember: Automobiles can act as an oven in warm weather (even as low as 60 degrees Fahrenheit) and as refrigerators in cold weather. 
• Pets are always safest inside a crate.  Car seats are available through many pet supply retailers.  If you use a regular carrier, be sure that it is comfortable, well padded, and secured (with a seatbelt if possible).
• Do not roll the window down far enough for your dog to stick his entire head out.  Serious injury may occur if this is the case.  Crack the window only enough for him or her to put their snout through.    
• Whenever possible, pets should be microchipped prior to traveling long distances.  Your companion should also wear tags for identification.  Tag information should include you information as well as an emergency contact person, besides yourself. Remember: Your home information doesn't do any good if you're not home! You may choose to list your cellular phone number, but remember that you may not always have service. 
• Carry your animal's vaccination certificate and medical records with you.  Even when traveling between states, you may find that you need proof of vaccination.
• To avoid car sickness, feed a small meal three to four hours prior to travel.  Bring along your pet's regular food.  Switching diets quickly can cause animals to have stomach upset, including diarrhea and vomiting.
• Be sure to carry water to offer to your companion in small amounts when you stop at rest areas.   
• Depending on the length of your trip, talk to your veterinarian about safe methods of sedation for your pet.   

• If your pet is small enough, many airline companies will allow you to bring them on the plane as a "carry-on."  Larger animals generally are placed with the cargo in the hold of the airplane. 
• Almost all airlines require your animal to have a physical exam within several days of flying and require vaccination certificates and/or general health certificates in order to travel.

• Place a blanket or your pet's regular bed on the floor in order to prevent shedding on the carpet.
• Do not allow your pet on the furniture.
• Place a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door when your pet is in the room so that housekeeping does not accidentally let him or her out. 
• Treat the establishment with respect so that it will remain pet-friendly!

 Kennel Versus Pet Sitter?

• Tour potential facilities.  Before you make your reservation, stop by any likely kennels and take a look around.  Make sure that the kennels are clean, well ventilated, and have appropriate light and be sure that the play area is large enough for your pet to get adequate exercise.    
• Ask the kennel for references.  Find out how long the kennel has been in business and call the references that they give you. 
• Talk to your friends and coworkers.  If they have pets, it may be likely that they have used a kennel in your area in the past. 
• Determine what the kennel's requirements are.  What vaccinations does your pet need to have prior to being allowed in?  Can you supply toys and blankets for your pet?  Can you leave food and treats? What type of medical documentation does the kennel need?  Be sure to call your veterinarian to ensure that your pet meets all of the requirements. 
• Find out what veterinarian does the kennel regularly use for the animals staying at its facility.  Emergencies may arise and it?s a good idea to know where your pet will be treated in that event.  
• What will your pet's schedule be like?  How often do they get play time?  Where do dogs get walked?  How often does the facility feed and water the animals? 
• Do the staff members appear content? 

• Call the kennel and make reservations.  Make a follow-up call a few days before you leave just to confirm. 
• When you leave your pet, don't make it an emotional situation.  Animals are very sensitive to our feelings and may be distressed if you appear upset.
• Leave feeding instructions.  If at all possible, leave a supply of your pet's regular food and request that the kennel only feed that food.  Changes in diet can lead to diarrhea and vomiting, especially when your pet is already somewhat anxious from being in a new environment. 
• Leave telephone numbers where you can be reached in the event of an emergency.  It is also advisable to leave an emergency contact aside from yourself, just in case you are unreachable.
• Provide emergency instructions.  During an emergency, the kennel will probably use their own veterinarian, but you may also wish to leave the name and telephone number of you pet's regular vet so that they know who else to contact.  You may wish to leave a credit card number on file with the kennel in the event of an emergency.  Try to be specific with your wishes would be in the event of an emergency - you don't want your pet to be "waiting around" for medical attention while the staff tries to contact you. 
• Leave a copy of your pet's medical history with the kennel.  Let the kennel know if your pet is on any medication, what the prescription is, and what it is for.  Provide them with very specific dosage instructions.   
• Alert the kennel to any particular behaviors that your pet may have, such as being aggressive around food or toward other animals. 
• Indicate any special instructions.  Keep instructions simple and straightforward.

• Ask for referrals.  Family and friends who have pets can often recommend a good pet sitter.  You can also call your veterinary hospital and ask for names, as a great number of veterinary technicians also work as pet sitters.  Veterinary technicians usually make great pet sitters, being that they can easily identify medical problems, have easy access to a medical facility, and are capable of giving medication.
• Ask questions and ask for references.  How long has the person been pet sitting?  Can they give the necessary medication?  How often can they be at your home?  Does the sitter have a contingency plan if he or she is unable to make it to your home for some reason?  Ask for their references and call them.
• Expect that the potential pet sitter will ask you questions.  A good sitter will want information about your pet(s) before accepting the job.

• Have the sitter come to your home to meet you and your pet(s).  Make sure that both your animal and the pet sitter seem comfortable with one another. 
• Alert the sitter to an behavioral peculiarities your pet may have, such as aggression around food of towards other animals.  Also inform them of favorite hiding spots, especially when cats are concerned. 
• Leave your contact information, as well as an emergency contact in case you are unreachable.  Leave your veterinarian's information as well. 
• You may wish to call your veterinarian before you leave to let them know the name of the person taking care of your pet while you are away.  You can give the hospital permission to allow this person to charge services for you pet onto your account, or you may choose to leave a credit card number with the hospital in case of an emergency. 
• Have plenty of your pet's supplies on hand so that the pet sitter does not have to improvise.
• Call to confirm your plans with the pet sitter a few days before you are scheduled to leave. 
• Leave specific feeding instructions including how much and how often to feed. 
• Leave your pet's objects (leash, toys, bowls, food, etc) in an open area where the pet sitter can easily find them. 
• Tell your pet sitter any necessary medical information.  It is important for your sitter to know your companion's medical history. 

 If you would like any additional information regarding your local kennels, pet sitters, or any additional travel information, please contact you veterinary hospital.  Have a safe and happy trip!!