Travel Trips

     

When planning a trip, it will be necessary to decide on your dog’s care and whether to leave him or take him along. Consider your pet’s personality and the length and distance of your trip in making your decision.

Leaving Your Dog Behind
Boarding your dog or hiring a pet sitter are options if you decide to leave your dog behind. In either case here are some general tips:

• Ask your veterinarian, groomer or other pet owners to recommend reputable boarding facilities or pet sitters. Many veterinarians and groomers have their own boarding kennels.
• If boarding, visit the facility to meet the people and check the safety and cleanliness of the operation. If hiring a pet sitter, meet the sitter in your home to see how he or she and your pet interact.
• Make reservations in advance of your trip. Many facilities book/fill up early, especially over the holidays.
• Be sure your dog is current on all required vaccinations and ask about additional ones that might be required well in advance of your trip.
• If your dog is on medication, be sure to leave an ample supply and clear, complete instructions.
• Leave feeding instructions and a supply of your dog’s regular food. If leaving your pet with a sitter, discuss his exercise routine.
• Be sure your dog wears a collar with identification tags.
• Leave information about your veterinarian including office and emergency numbers.
• Be sure to leave a number where you can be reached.

Taking Your Dog Along

• Call ahead to be sure your dog will be welcome at the hotels, motels, homes or parks where you will be staying.
• Be sure your dog has all required vaccinations and a current health certificate. Take along a copy of his medical records, including proof of vaccinations.
• Take along your dog’s regular food, special medications, a supply of water and if space is available, his bedding and favorite toy(s).
• Don’t feed him for at least three hours before starting a trip.
• Walk him and allow him to eliminate before departure.
• If traveling in the car, stop along the way and give him water and a walk, as needed.
• Be sure your dog has a collar with an identification tag containing your name and telephone number (including area code). A photo of your pet is important in case he gets lost. Never leave your dog loose in a hotel when you are not there. Keep your dog confined in his crate and check on him frequently. When taking him out of the room, keep him on a leash at all times.
• When traveling in a vehicle with your dog, it issafest for you and your pet to keep him confined to a carrier or restrained with a harness specifically designed for car travel. Never let him ride with his head out the window or in the back of a truck.
• NEVER leave a dog confined in a car in warmer weather—even for a few minutes. The temperature inside a closed car rises quickly. A dog’s circulatory and respiratory systems can become quickly overtaxed to the point where permanent damage or death may occur.

Air Travel
Check with your airline for the specific rules and restrictions about air travel. Some airlines allow pets to travel in the cargo sections of their planes for a nominal fee. If your pet must travel in the cargo section, it is recommended that you avoid flying when the weather is extremely hot or very cold. Some airlines may allow a limited number of very small pets to travel under seats in the passenger section. Ask your airline for details.

Plan ahead and be certain that your dog carrier is approved by the airline and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Such carriers are available at most pet stores. Follow all airline rules, and be sure that the carrier is clearly marked and indicates that there is a live animal inside. You might also consider contracting with a local kennel that specializes in pet travel. They can assist with these arrangements. When you travel, always take your pet’s health certificate and proof of vaccinations with you, as the airlines will ask for them.

Pet airline travel can be stressful. Be sure your dog is acclimated to his carrier before you travel, and this will help reduce his stress. If possible, book direct flights and avoid holiday bookings. Arrive at the airport earlier than required to be sure check-in goes smoothly.