Assess your pet.
Be honest about your pet's ability to travel. If your pet is very young or old, or is ill, pregnant, or recovering from surgery, it may be better for all concerned to look into a pet sitter or kennel rather than take a chance on injuring your pet by taking it with you. If you are in doubt, ask your veterinarian. If your pet has not traveled before, try a short overnight or weekend trip first.
Schedule a visit with your veterinarian.
Inform your veterinarian where you will be traveling to, for how long, as well as whether your pet will be traveling by air or car. Ask your veterinarian about any flea, heartworm, or tick risks for areas you will be traveling to. If your pet becomes carsick or restless when traveling, ask your veterinarian about appropriate medications or treatments.
Many pets become separated from their people while traveling and often collars are not on pets when they are recovered at shelters. Seriously consider having your pet microchipped - animal hospitals, humane societies, kennels, and shelters nationwide are using scanners that will read these implanted chips and let you be reunited with your lost pet. Microchip procedures are safe, quick, inexpensive, and very common. Your veterinarian can tell you more about this procedure.
Make certain that all vaccinations are up to date and obtain current health and rabies certificates no more than ten (10) days prior to your departure. You will be required to have these if your pet is traveling by air. These certificates are also strongly recommended if your plans do not include air travel as you may need to board your pet unexpectedly and many kennels will not accept pets without these certificates. And, if your pet does require emergency medical care, these will allow this to take place much more quickly and without the potentially dangerous duplication of vaccinations.
Obtain a secure carrier for your pet.
You need a sturdy, properly ventilated crate of adequate size for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down in comfortably. Knobs or a rim at least 3/4 inches deep is required so that the ventilation will not be blocked. The crate should be free of interior hazardous protrusions, have a door that securely latches, and have handles or grips on the outside to prevent anyone who might need to handle the crate from being bitten. The bottom should be leak proof and covered with a towel or other absorbent material.
Print your pet's name and your name, address, and phone number for both your home and destination on the outside of the crate with permanent marker. Include your personal 800 number if you have one or the words "call collect".
Never put a leash in the crate as your pet could get tangled in it.
Make sure your pet is accustomed to the crate before you begin your trip.
Verify that your pet's tags are current.
Your pet should wear a secure collar at all times with tags showing proof of rabies vaccination and your name, address, and phone number in case your pet becomes separated. Make a set of temporary paper tags with the address and phone number at your destination.
Never allow your pet to wear a choke, pinch, or training collar while traveling. Safety collars, which attach with elastic or Velcro, are recommended for cats.
Before you leave.
Clip your pet's nails. Pets with freshly-trimmed nails will be less likely to damage items in strange surroundings and will be easier to restrain if necessary.
Brush your pet to remove all loose hair.
If your pet has fleas, obtain and complete the necessary treatment before traveling to avoid infesting its new surroundings.
Things to bring.
- A sturdy leash.
- An extra collar.
- An old blanket or sheet for the back seat of your car or wherever the pet's carrier will be secured to make cleanup easier.
- Two old sheets to cover bedding and furniture at your destination.
- Some of your pet's bedding.
- Food. If you do not feed a brand you are certain will be available at your destination and along the way, bring enough for the whole trip. If you feed canned, bring a can opener and spoon.
- Two gallons of extra drinking water from home. When you are down to the last half gallon, begin mixing in equal parts with the water supply at your destination. If your pet is especially sensitive, use distilled water.
- Food & water bowl set.
- Portable water bowl or bottle for use when away from your lodging.
- Treats.
- Toys or chew items.
- All required medications, supplements, and preventatives.
- Tweezers to remove foreign objects from fur or paws.
- Brush or comb.
- Lint and hair remover.
- Baby wipes or moist towelettes to wipe off paws.
- For cats, a full litter pan with extra litter, liners, and newspaper to place underneath for cats.
- Waste removal bags.
- Old towels, carpet cleaner, disinfectant spray, and trash bags for accidents.
- First aid kit.
- Flashlight for nighttime walks.
Be prepared for the worst.
While no one likes to think about it, many pets do become separated while away from home. To increase the chances of a safe and quick return, bring a recent photograph and written description of your pet including call name, breed, sex, age, any microchip or tattoo numbers, and a description of coat, color and markings including any unusual markings, scars, or other identifying marks, as well as weight and height. These will be invaluable if your pet does become separated.
Plan your trip.
Join takeyourpet.com to find lodging along the way where your pet will be welcome.
While you're traveling.
Keep fresh water available for your pet at all times. Avoid sudden changes of diet. If you are unable to obtain your pet's normal brand, switch gradually over to the new food over a period of four or more days. Clean your pet's food and water bowls out regularly with soap.
Never take your pet on an escalator unless it is securely in its crate as its claws or fur could become caught.
Obey all leash laws and make certain to keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier at all times when not securely in a room. Clean up after your pet.
Never give your pet sedatives or tranquilizers unless under a veterinarian's prescription. Such medications can interfere with your pet's ability to maintain its balance and equilibrium, which could prevent your pet from being able to brace itself and prevent injury. Air travel while under the influence of these medications is especially dangerous as exposure to increased altitude can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
