Traveling with your pet

When traveling by car, cats and dogs should be in carriers and crates, respectively. Many animals feel safer when snuggled in a smaller space, especially when partaking in an activity as foreign as riding in a car for long periods of time.

“Most cats aren’t comfortable traveling in cars, so for their safety as well as yours, keep them in a carrier,” the Humane Society of The United States recommends. “It’s important to restrain these carriers in the car so that they don’t bounce around and hurt your cat. Do this by securing a seat belt around the front of the carrier.”

Pets should also be kept out of the front seat. This will help eliminate the risk of small cats getting under the gas and brake pedals, and help keep the commotion at a minimum while driving. Pets should “always be kept safely inside the car” as well, since protruding limbs can “be injured by particles of debris” and cold air can hurt dog and cat lungs. Similarly, open truck bed transport is always a no-no.

Animals traveling via car should always be allowed frequent rest stops where they can stretch their legs – you can take advantage of this time too! Just be sure your pets are collared, ID tagged and leashed. Remember, don’t ever leave your pet alone in the car. Even in cool weather, the inside of a car can reach high temperatures very quickly.

Taking a pet out of the country? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends contacting the destination country’s “consulate or embassy for information about their requirements,” for rules and regulations that may affect you and your animals.

“Travelers are advised to also contact the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for information about their requirements,” the site continues. “The regulations about bringing a pet into the United States [if you are entering or reentering] are the same whether you drive or fly. All animals entering the U.S. are subject to the same laws.”

Before traveling by airplane with your pet, consider many of the pros and cons when utilizing this method. “Air travel can be very risky,” reports The Humane Society. “Air travel can be particularly dangerous for animals with ‘pushed in’ faces (brachycephalic), such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats. Their short nasal passages leave them especially vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and heat stroke.”

The Humane Society urges pet owners to “consider all the alternatives to flying,” as flying should be used as a last resort for transporting a pet. It’s possible to research pet kennels or doggy hotels beforehand; although they can be pricey, they are a safer option.

“If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you,” the Human Society recommends. “Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin,” and almost all airlines require vaccination paperwork and health reports from your veterinarian before being allowed on board. The cargo hold is also another option, however, this extreme environment should be a last resort for pet transportation.

Upon arriving at the destination, many pet owners are met with unexpected pet policies. Many hotels, restaurants, campgrounds, tourist attractions and public parks offer information on their pet policies, so be sure to do your research beforehand. Many locales also offer emergency pet clinic services. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the closest clinics when traveling with a pet in case of an emergency, and can also be beneficial to call the clinic before you arrive. Learning about walk-in policies and the cost of emergency visits can ease the stress if the need for the service arises.

With a little planning and care, travel with your pet can be a breeze. Your pet will thank you!