Tips for Traveling With Pets
Whether you want to or not, traveling with your pets will occur someday. There are many reasons why pet owners need to travel with their pets and those reasons may be:
1.) Bringing your pets to see the Vet. Depending on the type of pet, you will need a pet carrier to put your pet in.
2.) Sending your pets to friends, relatives or pet motels before you travel out of town.
3.) Taking your pets to a pet show / event.
4.) Moving house.
5.) Changing jobs or moving to a new area.
6.) Other reasons that require you to travel with your pet.
Time of travel with pets:
It is extremely important that you know how long the travel will take as your pets may not be suitable for long journeys.
SHORT TRAVEL - traveling time takes less than 2 hours.
MEDIUM TRAVEL - traveling time more than 2 hours but less than 6 hours.
LONG TRAVEL - traveling time more than 6 hours.
Please consult with your veterinarian to find out whether your pet is suitable for only short travel or can withstand the rigors of medium to long travel periods.
You must also take into account several things before traveling with your pets:
1.) Food - make sure there’s enough food for your pet throughout the journey.
2.) Water - your pet can get dehydrated in air-conditioned cars. Hot weather will also make your pet more thirsty.
3.) Toilet - your pet will do its toilet regardless of whether you’re at home or traveling. Make sure you’re prepared for it.
4.) Space - make sure there is ample space for your pet to rest, sit or lie down comfortably.
5.) Temperature - ensure that your vehicle is not too hot and not too cold.
6.) Noise - switch off or slow the volume of your radio or music player.
7.) Road condition - drive carefully and slowly at turnings and uneven roads. Sudden brakes and movement may agitate your pet.
8.) If you need to stop for the bathroom or to eat, ensure that your pet is safe, comfortable and secure. Do not leave your pet alone in your vehicle for more than 5-10 minutes. Take turns with other travelers to look after your pet, you can ask your friend or family to eat their meals first, then you go later when they’ve returned.
9.) Do ensure that your pets (referring especially to large dogs) do not obstruct the view of the driver. Do ensure that pet carriers or cages do not obstruct the driver’s view too.
10.) Before traveling, ask your local authorities on the law and legalities of transporting pets. Check out state regulations when traveling between states or districts with pets, especially relating to exotic species.
11.) Plan your travels, map out your route and estimate your time of traveling, arrival and potential stops.
12.) Do ensure that the cages or pet carriers for your pet travels are suitable for your particular type, breed and size of pet. Choose a sturdy and comfortable pet carrier.
13.) Do ensure your pets are properly vaccinated and have visited the vet before medium to long travel periods.
14.) Be responsible, careful and aware whilst traveling in your vehicle with your pet. Avoid consuming alcohols prior or during traveling.
15.) Do not travel long distances with your pet if it is sick or ill. Avoid medium to long travel if your pet is injured.
16.) Avoid traveling long distances with your pet if you are ill or sick. Confined spaces in your vehicle may make your pets susceptible to infections, especially when you’re coughing or sneezing a lot!
Learn how you can travel with your small dog anywhere by clicking here.
