If you’re a pet parent who enjoys traveling, you’ve probably already dealt with the difficult decision of leaving your cherished furry friend behind. And if you do manage to keep them behind, you might find that you spend the entirety of your vacation feeling nervous and eager to return home and be reunited!
However, you might no longer have to decide between canceling your plans and leaving your dog or cat at home. There are currently an increasing number of pet-friendly travel alternatives available. This will prevent you from having to endure your dog’s sad eyes gazing wistfully at you when you bid them farewell in the future.
However, if you’re getting eager to arrange a trip that welcomes pets, keep in mind that it necessitates careful thought. To get ready to travel with your four-legged family members, you will need to carefully consider everything from the documentation to bring to the mode of transportation.
Visit the Vet
Inform your veterinarian as soon as you can about your plans if you will be traveling abroad. Together, you can make sure that your pet is fit for travel and satisfies the country’s standards. You may need
- Blood Tests
- Vaccinations
- Health Certificates
Airlines
Regarding whether and how a pet may fly, different airlines have varied policies. Your pet might be allowed to fly with you either in the cabin or in the cargo hold, depending on the airline. Beforehand, confirm this with your airline.
Only small dogs and cats that can fit in specific carriers under the seat are permitted in the cabin on flights that permit pet travel. Any stopovers must be taken care of by their owners. They may not be permitted in the cabin by some airlines, in which case they will be transported as cargo in a heated and ventilated hold. According to the International Air Transport Association, because it is quieter and darker, cats and dogs may travel and sleep better this way.
Another option is to ship your pet as air cargo on a different flight. Get your pet used to the shipping kennel in advance if this is your option, a requirement due to your dog’s size or the restrictions of the destination country. To prevent any accidents during transportation, make sure the door latches tightly. For guidance on when to give food and water, consult your veterinarian. You must make arrangements for pickup at the final location if a pet is flying as air cargo.
Travel by Sea
When it comes to what documentation is needed and if you can bring a pet or service animal on a cruise, different cruise lines have varied policies. Contact your cruise ship in advance to confirm this. You must satisfy federal entry criteria to enter or reenter the United States with your dogs if you travel internationally with them on a cruise ship or other maritime vessel. Be aware that the CDC has temporarily banned the importation of dogs, including those that have travelled to a high-risk country in the previous six months, from countries where there is a significant risk of dog rabies.
Travelling in a Car
The easiest kind of transportation to employ if you’re thinking about organizing a dog- or cat-friendly trip is a car. Road vacations are usually a great way to see the world and get about. It’s arguably the simplest method to travel with your cherished animal companion, especially if you’re driving your own vehicle. With a car, you can stop whenever you want to stretch your legs, get some food, or relieve yourself.
Pet’s Comfort
For animals, the transit process can be most stressful during loading and unloading. Before the flight, get your pet used to the carrier. Select routes that have fewer connections or layovers. Choose your departure and arrival timings to stay out of the heat or the cold. For instance, it can be best for your pet if you arrive at a popular location at night. Ask your veterinarian for advice. Sedatives and tranquillizers should not be used during flights, according to the International Air Transport Association, as they could endanger wildlife. Before leaving home and once again before arriving, take your pet for a walk. Check-in as late as you can to avoid stress if your pet is permitted in the cabin. Check-in early if your pet will be travelling as cargo so that it can go to the plane’s quiet, dimly lit hold.
The Takeaway
Make sure your pet is in good enough shape to fly. If you have any reservations, think about leaving your pet during your trip with a dependable friend, or relative, boarding a kennel or using a different means of transportation. Your pet will reach its destination safely and in good health with proper planning, and it will return home afterwards.
