7 Travel Tips for your next trip to the United States
by Susan Dankert, Member Services Coordinator - PIJAC Canada
Ever travel with your cat or dog in Canada? There are numerous things to remember and pack, such as leashes, collar, food, medication and a favorite toy, but there are many more things to consider when taking your pet across the border into the United States. How will your pet travel? Are there any restrictions? Are vaccinations up to date? Now more than ever it is imperative to make sure you have everything prepared when heading south. Here are some suggestions to help you get ready.
1. Make sure your pet is healthy . Any pet that is too young, injured, sick or pregnant should not be making any grand treks, especially far away from home. No matter the health of your cat or dog, travel can always cause stress. Be sure to keep this in mind as you plan your adventure.
2. Ensure your dog or cat has identification . It is a good idea to give your pet two identification tags. Include one with your home address and phone number, one with the address and phone number of your destination and don’t forget to include the vaccination tags as well.
However, collars and tags can be lost in transit, so consider having your pet microchipped. A microchip is a permanent way to identify your pet and although it is a new technology it can be a great back up to tags alone. Should the worst happen and you become separated from your pet, identification tags and a microchip will go a long way to reuniting you with your best friend. These are also ideal ways to provide proof of ownership.
3. Check to see if the vaccinations are up to date . It is essential to make sure your pet has up to date vaccinations. If a vaccination is needed the vaccination must be administered at least 30 days before your departure and make sure it meets the requirements of your destination and the places you will be traveling through to get there. Carry a health certificate signed by a registered veterinarian showing the vaccinations your cat or dog has had, when they were administered and when they expire.
It is suggested that health and rabies certificates should be obtained and signed no more than 10 days before your departure. If your certificates are in French make sure you have an English translation available and be sure the vaccinations your pet has been given will not expire while you are away or you may have trouble getting back across the border.
4. Purchase a pet carrier if you are traveling by air . Check with the airline well before your scheduled departure to determine their regulations for pet transport. If your pet is small enough, the airline may let you bring him or her on board with you. In most cases cargo space for animals is on a first come, first serve basis so it is to your benefit to book your flight early. Policies and cost for transporting your pet will vary between airlines.
Whenever possible take a direct flight to avoid having your cat or dog transferred from plane to plane and exposed to the outside elements as temperatures between Canada and the southern States can vary greatly. Also, remember to anticipate extra time at the airport to check your pet in. Pets are not always checked in at the general ticket counter so call ahead to find out where you need to go and how much time you will be required to get your pet settled with the airline.
The carrier itself should be very sturdy, well ventilated and of such a size that you pet will be able to stand up, turn around and lie down in comfort. It should also include handles and grips on the outside so the airline staff can safely transfer your pet between the terminal and the plane. Finally, don’t forget to clearly display your home and destination contact information on the carrier.
5. Research your destination. Find out if there are any health risks to your pet such as heartworm or Lyme disease in the local region or county. If you live in an area where there are no ticks or fleas, find out if they are present where you are traveling to so that you can treat your dog or cat accordingly and avoid any potential discomfort or illness for your pet and for you.
6. Check for breed or other restrictions. In recent years some areas in North America have begun banning certain breeds or species of animals. Be thorough and check each location you are stopping at along the way and make sure your pet is allowed to be there. It is also a good idea to call ahead just before you leave and make sure regulations haven’t changed.
7. Consider obtaining a pet passport. A pet passport can be purchased at many local pet stores or on the internet. The passport will help you to keep all your pet’s pertinent health information, and emergency contacts organized and readily available. This can also help decrease the time you spend at a border crossing.
Preparing to travel with your dog or cat into the United States involves much more than packing an extra box of treats. It takes a lot of planning and research, but is well worth the effort when all is said and done. Vacationing with your pet can be an enriching experience and following the simple suggestions above will help to ensure your travel experience goes smoothly and your trip together is a fun and relaxing one.
For more information check out www.caa.ca , www.cbp.gov and the AAA, “Traveling With Your Pet” 4th edition.
PIJAC Canada’s goals are simple: to promote and represent all segments of the pet industry, to establish appropriate and generally accepted standards of care, and to promote the importance of pets to Canadians.
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