Everyone loves going on holiday, and that includes your pets! But while taking them on a road trip may might not take much planning, taking them on public transportation – such as a plane – is a totally different situation all together.
Here are the top 5 pet transportation tips to bear in mind when taking your pets traveling with you.
Ensure you have the right documentation
First things first; your pet must be wearing an identification tag that displays your contact information- especially your mobile phone number. If you’re staying with friends or family abroad then it’s often a good idea to get a new ID tag printed with their local telephone number. It’s also a good idea to take a couple of current photographs of your pet in case it gets lost, it will be a lot easier to find with current photographs.
Your pet will also need up-to-date vaccination records when travelling with most major airlines, especially when boarding last minute.
Always check the health of your pet prior to travel
Whenever your pet is travelling, they will need to be checked out by your vet to ensure that they are fit for the mode of travel you will be using. Even if your pet is deemed healthy, they may still need their vaccinations updated so don’t just assume that they are ready for travel if they seem okay and normal to you.
Consider getting your pet micro chipped
Whenever you’re taking your pet on your travels, it is strongly suggested that you get your pet micro chipped. Should your pet escape without their collar or tags and they’re not at home, a microchip is your best chance of getting them back. If your pet is already micro chipped then double check the registration of the chip to make sure it is current.
Try to make things as pleasant as possible for your pet
It’s more than likely that your pet won’t be a fan of traveling, so make every effort to make things as pleasant for them as possible. This means taking their favorite toy or blanket, as well as making sure they have plenty of food and treats.
And when it comes to your travel plans, consider the following advice for the comfort of your pet:
– During the summer, choose early morning or late evening flights to avoid extreme temperatures and conditions that may upset your pet
– Avoid travelling during the holiday periods if at all possible
– Use direct flights if possible to avoid delays
Consider giving them a sedative
Pets can get extremely anxious whist travelling- especially when flying- so it’s worth considering sedating them to make the journey a lot smoother. Some sedated animals however may have trouble breathing at higher altitudes, especially those prone to respiratory distress. Always ask your vet for their advice about sedatives when you take your pet to its pre-flight physical.
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