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Travel Tips
General Preparation
Planning and preparation are necessary when travelling with a
pet, regardless of distance. Although many pet owners would like to
avoid the scenario of leaving their favourite animal companion
behind, a responsible pet owner must be objective when assessing
their pet's ability to travel. Young, old, sick or pregnant pets may
be better served by staying at a kennel or with a trusted sitter.
Risks
Always check out the risks inherent in the area you are staying for
seasonal problems: fleas, ticks, heartworm etc. Any of the Pets Can
Stay providers can generally provide this information specific to
their locale, but for your own peace of mind you should always have
your pet assessed by your veterinarian before departure. For your
pet's protection, as well as the protection of others, this visit
should also include making sure that all vaccinations are current
and up to date. Be sure to have all paperwork on hand during your
travels: current health certificate, license and proof of all
vaccinations.
Resources
Check with your Pets Can Stay
host to ensure that you have daytime and emergency veterinary
contacts available in your destination area. This may also be a good
time to explore the possibility of purchasing pet medical insurance.
In case of emergencies, take along activated charcoal and/or milk of
magnesia in case your pet ingests a toxic substance. If possible,
administer only after contacting the local poison control center or
veterinarian.
If this is the first time your pet has travelled, you may want to
start with a short weekend or overnight trip in order to gauge how
your pet would respond to a longer journey. When travelling by
vehicle, bring along some classical or children's lullaby music.
Research shows that animals enjoy both types of music, as it tends
to have a calming effect.
Comfort
Acclimatize your pet to your vehicle. Always keep a car window open
so the pet has plenty of air at all times. Do not leave your pet in
a vehicle alone. If necessary, affix sunshades to the interior of
windows and tailgate surrounding your pet. If the vehicle is air
conditioned, check for functionality before traveling. If your pet
has a favourite pillow that he or she likes to travel with, cover it
with a zipper cover and enclose a plastic covered ice pack inside to
keep cool.
Time
Make certain that your pet has had considerable time to become
accustomed to its carrying kennel before embarking on the trip. An
unfamiliar kennel combined with unfamiliar territory can be very
disruptive to a pet's sense of security. Place something with a
familiar scent (like socks or a worn shirt of the owner) within the
kennel for the duration of the trip. The more familiar the
surroundings, the more successful and enjoyable the trip will be for
you and your pet.
Restraint
Restrain your pet using a pet seat belt or secured carrier. Never
allow your pet to ride in the back of a truck unrestrained or to
stick its head out the window of a moving vehicle. Never give your
pet sedatives or tranquilizers unless under the direction of a
licensed veterinarian. This can interfere with your pet's ability to
maintain proper balance and therefore may prevent your pet from
protecting itself from unwanted injury or falls. (Air travel is
especially dangerous while under the influence of certain
medications as exposure to increased altitude can exacerbate or even
initiate respiratory and cardiovascular problems.)
Rest
Take frequent breaks but keep your pet leashed whenever possible.
Never allow your pet to wear a leash while in a crate as it could
become dangerously tangled. However, it is a good idea to attach the
leash before you get your dog out of the vehicle, as this is the
best way to prevent a runaway animal. Nothing can ruin a vacation
like losing your pet.
Security
Before traveling with your pet, ensure that it is well protected
against loss. Put systems in place in case your pet goes missing in
unfamiliar surroundings, and ensure that they are wearing a collar
with up-to-date identification.
Ensure that your pet has learned basic commands before
engaging him in unfamiliar areas. This is necessary both for the
safety of your pet, other pets and the general public.
Keep fresh water available for your pet at all times both during
travel and upon arrival, and avoid changes to your pet's diet during
this period. Clean your pet's utensils out daily with hot water and
soap.
Clip your pet's nails before travelling, as they will be less likely
to cause damage to your pet's surroundings or to you, should you
need to restrain him. Brush your pet's coat well and remove any
loose hair, and do a quick check for fleas. If necessary, obtain a
flea treatment prior to traveling to avoid infesting any new
surroundings.
Remember to pack a non-toxic cleaner, or a simple mixture of a 4:1
vinegar mixture in a spray bottle, to extinguish any residue of
indoor accidents. Always clean up after your pet. The more pet
owners act responsibly, the more pets will be welcome in public
places.
The more you are able to create a travel environment that has the
feelings of home, the more enjoyable the trip will be for you and
your pet.
Have fun, be responsible and enjoy your trip! |
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