Travel&Vacation

As hotels and airlines begin to cater more to our four-legged friends, many people are starting to enjoy the benefits of traveling with a pet. Some hotels go as far as pampering our animals with personalized beds, gourmet treats, and turndown service. And several airlines even offer frequent flyer miles for the dog or cat who’s always on the go. However, before you start planning a vacation, it’s important to prepare yourself and your pet for the road ahead.

Know before you go

The first step in planning a trip with your animal is considering what’s in it for him or her. Oftentimes, it’s more practical to hire a sitter or board your pet, so you want to be certain that he or she is going to get just as much enjoyment out of the journey as you will.

Once you’ve decided to bring your pet along, you need to think about safety. While packing extra food, water (ice cubes work wonders), and favorite toys, it’s wise to take a minute to locate the closest veterinarian to where you’ll be staying. Healthy pet is an excellent resource, and is part of the American Animal Hospital Association. In just a few clicks, you can print a list of doctors and directions to have handy in case of an emergency. It’s also a good idea to pack a basic first-aid kit for any journey.

Make sure you have a current ID tag with your pet at all times. Microchips are also a safe and secure way of keeping track of your pet, especially for those traveling to a foreign country. Pack a few extra color photos in the event that you get separated.

Before any big trip, by flight or car, it’s important to familiarize your pet with its kennel, carrying case, or car seat. Start by introducing the animal to it for short periods, and then slowly increase the amount of time for each session. If flying, make sure your pet’s kennel is up to standard, is accepted by the airline, and fits your pet comfortably.

Most pets rely on routine, so it’s important to keep things as normal as possible. Robert D. “Jake” Tedaldi, D.V.M., winner of
Boston Magazine’s
2006 “Best of Boston” award for veterinarian, suggests that you, “Try to make the arrangements and transitions as stress-free as possible by attempting to reproduce the living experience your animal is already accustomed to.” For instance, keeping a regular feeding and walking schedule wherever you go will help your pet feel more secure. It’s also comforting for the animal to have familiar items such as a favorite toy or blanket.

Doctor’s Visit

A doctor’s visit is imperative before any big trip. Make sure your pet is up-to-date with vaccinations, especially rabies, as they are legally required everywhere you go. Let your doctor know your destination, duration, and means of transportation to help them know the best way to keep your pet healthy.

A veterinarian may recommend sedation for a longer trip, especially for an animal that’s anxious or aggressive. If you decide to sedate your pet, Dr. Tedaldi recommends taking “any sedatives you’re planning to use on your pet for a ‘test drive.’” That is, try the sedative well in advance when you have the time to observe your pet’s full response to the medication. He adds, “This way you’ll know what to expect when the day arrives. Everyone, including your pet will be less stressed as a result.” In addition to a veterinarian’s recommendations, it’s wise to do your own research before making any final decisions.

For domestic flights, most airlines require a health certificate acquired within the previous 10 days. For international flights, it’s wise to make an appointment with a doctor six months in advance, as different countries have different restrictions and requirements. Keep copies of your pet’s records and an extra photo of your pet with you in a safe place while traveling.

Airplane Travel

The first step toward ensuring a comfortable flight is in the booking process, especially since many airlines have special requirements, and some don’t even accept pets. Several airlines have also implemented a pet embargo that restricts animals from flying in cargo during extreme temperatures (over 85 degrees or under 35 degrees). For instance, Delta Airlines will not allow animals to fly in cargo from May 15 through September 15. Before booking any flights, be certain the airline has no special restrictions that will prevent your pet from flying. Also, consider booking a nonstop flight versus one with several layovers. This may be more expensive, but it’s safer and less stressful for you and your pet.