Explore

Travelling with Pets

When microchipping your pet, remember to register your information online. That way, if your pet goes missing and is found, people will be able to contact you!

If possible, bring along a supply of your pet’s regular food, but if travelling internationally, check the quarantine rules of your destination country!

Be aware that some dog breeds are prohibited to import into certain countries! These breeds often include: American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bulldog, Pitbull Terrier, Tosa Inu, Fila Brasileiro or mixes thereof.

Don’t forget bottled water and be sure to bring any medications they need. It will help keep your pet happy and healthy both during and after your trip!

Be prepared for an emergency, find the number of the nearest 24-hour veterinary emergency hospital and program it into your cell phone, along with the office and emergency number for your regular veterinarian. That way, if there’s a situation where your pet needs medical attention, you are prepared with the necessary information on hand.

Car Travel

⁠

Get your pet used to the car by letting them sit in it with you, without leaving the driveway, and then going for short rides.

Avoid carsickness by letting your pet travel on an empty stomach. Make sure they have access to water, or that you take regular water breaks during the drive.

Keep your pet safe during a crash by using a seat belt or crate.

Do not let your pet ride with their head sticking out of an open window. This can lead to eye irritation or even a head injury.

Never let your pet ride in the back of an open truck. This is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe injury or death.

Stop frequently to exercise and have potty breaks. Remember to clean up after your pet.

Car rides are boring for everyone, so if you have kids, instruct your children not to tease or annoy the pet in the car.

Never, ever leave your pet unattended in a vehicle in the summer. If you must leave the car, designate a member of the group to stay with your pet.

Air Travel

When making your reservations, you must make a special reservation for your pet. There are restrictions on the number of animals permitted on each flight. They are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Before you leave home, teach your pet to relieve himself on multiple surfaces — not just grass! Having the ability to potty on different terrains, such as concrete, mulch, and gravel, will alleviate their discomfort as well as the possibility of accidents while you’re on the road or otherwise.

To make sure your pet doesn’t get bored, bring along a few new toys — and a couple of old favorites.

Instead of taking their usual bulky food and water bowls, buy collapsible ones and let them get used to using them one week or so before you travel.

Health Certifications

Airlines make it clear that it is the owner’s responsibility to verify the pet’s health and ability to fly.

When traveling by plane, plan to visit your veterinarian before your trip. Certification of health must be provided to the airline no more than 10 days before travel.

Rabies and vaccination certificates are also required. Make sure to research the exact requirements of your destination country.

Be sure to also check the age regulations of your country and airline before booking to make sure your pet is old enough to fly! Some exceptions can be made; such as if the pet is flying with its mother.

Regulations

Be sure to check the temperature of the flight’s starting point and destination; it may be too hot or too cold to be safe for your pet. Federal regulations prohibit shipping live animals as excess baggage or cargo if an animal will be exposed to temperatures that are below 7 degrees Celsius (or 45 degrees Fahrenheit) or above 30 degrees Celsius (or 85 degrees Fahrenheit) for more than four hours during departure, arrival, or while making connections.

Remember that each airline has its own variations on regulations and services when it comes to transporting pets. For example, if your pet’s carrier doesn’t meet their requirements, the airline may not allow your pet to fly.

Pets whose carriers cannot fit easily under a passenger seat, or who exceed the cabin weight limit of the airline (usually maximum 8-10 kg), will need to travel as excess luggage in cargo.

Keep in mind that some breeds are prone to breathing issues (brachycephalic or snub-nosed) and are thus restricted from flying as excess baggage or cargo regardless of the temperature, so double check with the airline before booking your ticket!

Dog breeds often implicated: English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Pugs

Cat breeds often implicated: Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, and Persian

Choosing a Crate

⁠

A_dog_that_is_in_an_airline_crate_of_the_right_size.png

⁠

When choosing a crate for your pet to travel in keep these things in mind:

Make sure the crate is large enough to allow your pet to stand, turn, and lie down.

Choose a carrier that is strong, with handles and grips, and free of interior protrusions.

Some airlines have specific requirements - to be on the safe side, always choose a crate that is “IATA approved”.

Ventilation on opposing sides, with exterior rims or knobs to prevent blocked airflow, will help make sure your pet gets plenty of fresh air while traveling.

A “Live Animal” label with arrows showing upright position. Also include the owner’s name, address, and phone number.

Remember to stock the crate with absorbent lining, food and water bowls, and your pet is ready to go!

Lodging

Find out in advance which hotels/motels at your destination or on your route allow dogs. Many do not, or have size restrictions.

If your pet is allowed to stay at a hotel, respect other guests, staff, and the property.

Keep your pet as quiet as possible and take care to secure your pet if left unattended. Many pets will cause a disturbance or destroy property if left alone in a strange place.

Ask the management where you should walk your dog, and pick up after them. Do not leave any mess behind and leave your room in good condition. Remember that one bad experience with a dog guest may prompt the hotel management to refuse to allow any more dogs.

Prep the vacation home (or room). Before you let your pet have free run, make certain it’s safe for your pet to explore. Be sure that electrical cords are out of reach and that previous occupants didn’t leave anything on the floor or under furniture that could be potentially harmful.

Car Travel

Air Travel

Health Certifications

Regulations

Choosing a Crate

Lodging

Want to print your doc?
This is not the way.

Try clicking the ⋯ next to your doc name or using a keyboard shortcut (

CtrlP

) instead.