Pet Travel

Tips for traveling with pets

Pet owners adore their pets, so it is only natural if you are a pet owner that you want to take your pet with you when you travel. Pet travel requires advance planning to ensure your pet's happiness, as well as your own and that of your fellow travelers.

An advance visit to the veterinarian is a good idea before any trip to ensure that all vaccinations are current. Your pet's vet can also advise you on any health concerns regarding your destination and suggest medication or treatment if your pet is prone to travel sickness. Since it is easier than you realize to become separated from your pet while traveling, consider implanting an identifying microchip, which is a safe and inexpensive procedure. Your vet's office may also be a good source for pet travel supply items; pet stores and online pet suppliers are also good pet travel accessory resources.

Consider purchasing insurance for pet travel prior to your trip. As with travel insurance for people, you can purchase a one-time policy or an annual policy.

Car Travel with a Pet

When traveling by car with your pet, feed it only lightly before the trip. Use a pet seat belt or pet carrier to restrain your pet. If it is warm, use the air conditioner and schedule frequent, regular stops. When you stop, make sure your pet is on a leash. If you're traveling with your horse, make sure the horse trailer you use is the right size and well-ventilated, to keep your horse comfortable for the journey.

Air Travel with a Pet

Invest in a sturdy pet travel carrier if your pet will be traveling by airplane. If your pet is small enough to travel with you in the airplane's cabin, a soft-sided carrier is a good choice for a pet travel bag. For pet travel in the airplane's cargo hold, a well-ventilated crate is required; ensure that latches are secure, and cover the bottom of the crate with something soft and absorbent, like a blanket or towel. Do not enclose a leash with your pet; it could become entangled.

Make the reservation for your pet well in advance, as airlines limit the number of pets booked on each flight. Make sure to check the pet travel regulations with the airline on which you are booked. If your plans include international pet travel, including pet travel in Europe, be sure to check regulations in the country or countries to which you intend to travel. Also, be aware that almost all pet travel airlines charge extra fees for traveling with pets, whether inside the cabin or as cargo.

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Posted by norma on November 18,2010 at 03:44 PM

Possibly moving to trinadad and have a 11year old dog and 12 year old cat need to know if there is quarenteen and what vaccination are required to fly them

Posted by Patty on October 28,2010 at 01:19 PM

I am planning on a permenant reurn to the UK and have 3 cats, one is 27 years old, one is 7 years old and one is 11 months, all have their shots, chips etc, and are used to travelling with me in a vehicle, never on plane. I a wondering if my old lady can withstand this flight?

Posted by Pam Iserloth on October 13,2010 at 06:20 PM

I am moving from Indiana to Florida with 2 9 year old cats - we have large carriers but there's not much room for food, water, liter - my vet said he would give me Valium for them as one is car sick and the other is scared of her shadow. I worry about a 15 hour drive in a cat carrier - he assures me they'll be fine - will they???

Posted by Fulvia on April 18,2010 at 12:01 AM

I am mooving from Romania to Florida. Which are the requirements for flying my dog with me, and for his entrance in USA.

Posted by Marjorie Hill on August 14,2009 at 07:22 PM

I am moving from Pennsylvania to Texas and I have a dog and a cat.How can I fly my pets?

Show 1 replyreply

Posted by Cait on November 05,2009 at 10:38 PM

Hi Majorie, I also I am moving with my pet, quite the distance too, (AL to WA). If you have not yet bought an airline ticket, it is wise to base your decision on pet flight expenses. I'm not positive, but Southwest might have the lowest cost in cabin travel, but it you have a cat and a dog, you will most likely have to fly them as cargo, as most airlines allow. Delta/NW fly animals cargo with their pet program, and cargo (depending on weight and size) starts at $179.00. Your dog should probably be flown cargo, to allow for movement in a large kennel, while your cat can be flown in the cabin with you as underseat carry on for $100 dollars. You must make these arrangement as early as possible in order to secure one of the few spots available. I believe all Delta/NW requires is the reservation, size restrictions, health certificate, and payment. Check with your airline and veterinarian as soon as possible. I hope your travels go smoothly. If fleas are a problem for your pets, it may be a good idea to treat them right before the move, as to not infest your new house with them. have a nice move.

Posted by shelley bigney on July 03,2009 at 09:21 PM

while traveling with my 9mth old shepard,she tries to catch or go after the other vehicles especially large trucks.how can i stop her from dowing this?