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How to: Travel with Pets – the Ultimate Guide

3/26/2012

1 Comment

 
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These days, pets are often given the same privileges as their human owners 
when it comes to grooming, play dates, pet spa treatments, gourmet meals and 
exercise routines. Since pets are usually considered a part of 
the family, why should things be different when you take the whole crew on a 
vacation? Unfortunately, traveling with a pet can be a bigger hassle than your 
typical trip to the groomer’s, but we’ve compiled this ultimate guide for a 
pet-friendly vacation to make sure everyone has a good time.  

 Traveling by Air 

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Air travel is often the most convenient way to get to your destination, but 
if you plan to take Fluffy on board, you need to be aware of the extra 
procedures and dangers headed your way.




  1. Tips 
    for Safe Pet Air Travel
    : Visit the Human Society’s website for tips 
    on keeping your pet comfortable and safe during a planet trip.

  2. Stow your pet under the seat in front of you: If your dog 
    or cat is small enough to comfortably fit in a carrier the size of most carry-on 
    items, you may be able to keep your pet under the seat in front of you for the 
    entire plane trip. That way, your furry friend won’t be subjected to riding 
    alone in the back with everyone’s heavy suitcases.

  3. Put identification information everywhere: First, make sure 
    your pet’s ID tags are securely attached to his or her collar. Go ahead and clip 
    another ID tag or luggage tag onto the carrier door, and consider writing your 
    contact information directly on the animal’s carrier to avoid mistakes and 
    theft.

  4. Research companies that specialize in transporting pets: 
    Companies like Pet Air specialize in 
    transporting pets, taking care of everything from booking flights to selling 
    kennels and carriers.

  5. TakeYourPet.com 
    Travel Tips
    : This guide from TakeYourPet.com suggests trimming your 
    animal’s nails to minimize the injury it can cause to itself, you and other 
    animals or people.

  6. Pack a toy or favorite comfort item in your pet’s carrier: 
    To make the trip more comfortable for your pet, pack a familiar toy or blanket 
    inside your pet’s carrier to ease their anxiety. Rawhides aren’t always a good 
    idea, though, as they can cause upset stomachs.

  7. Bring a photo of your pet: In case you have trouble finding 
    your pet after landing, have a recent photo ready to show airport security and 
    baggage claim attendants to prove you’re the owner and help locate your 
    pet.

  8. Pack pet meds in accordance with TSA 
    carry-on regulations
    : Make sure you pack your pet’s medications in a 
    TSA-approved system, which requires that liquids and gels 3 oz. or less be 
    packed in a quart-sized plastic zip-top bag. If you have to dump out your pet’s 
    medicine or take a later flight to have time to stick it in your check bags, you 
    could be in for a disaster.

  9. Pack a small bowl for water: Dogs and cats can get 
    dehydrated easily, so bring a small bowl or collapsible container so that your 
    pet has water as soon as you land or retrieve it from the baggage claim.

  10. Be familiar with airline travel restrictions and 
    guidelines
    : Before booking a flight for your pet, make sure you are 
    prepared to deal with all travel restrictions set forth by the airline. Many 
    airlines like Delta require pets to be at 
    least 8 weeks old, restrict the destinations where pets can fly to, and charge a 
    fee for in-cabin carriers.

  11. Pet Air 
    Travel
    : Ask-the-Vet.com publishes this guide to taking pets on an 
    airplane, including a list of pet regulations for several major 
    airlines.

Traveling by Car 

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 Traveling by car can be easier on your pet than booking a flight, but check out this list to make sure you’re well-prepared for the trip.




  1. ASPCA 
    Car Travel Tips
    : The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty 
    to Animals (ASPCA) posts this list of car travel tips to make sure your pet 
    travels safely and comfortably.

  2. Bring a water dish and a bottle of water: Just in case the 
    rest stop where you plan to take a break doesn’t have fresh water or a dish to 
    put it in, pack a bowl and a water bottle to rehydrate your pet during the 
    trip.

  3. Try not to leave your pet alone in the car: If you’re 
    traveling by yourself, this tip may be hard to abide by, but limiting your rest 
    time to bathroom and stretch breaks is safest for your pet. If you can, park 
    your car near the window of the place where you stop so that you can keep an eye 
    on your pet. Always roll down the windows a bit to keep fresh air going in and 
    out of your vehicle.

  4. Don’t give a big meal before the trip: Stick to your pet’s 
    regular feeding schedule as much as possible, but decrease meal portions before 
    you get in the car; otherwise, you may have a big mess to clean up in the 
    backseat.

  5. AVMA.org: 
    Travel By Car
    : The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) 
    recommends not letting your animals ride with their heads out the window, no 
    matter how much fun it seems. Besides risking injury, animals can also get bugs, 
    dirt, and other irritants in their eyes, ears or noses.

  6. Keep your pet comfortably secure: Keeping your pet in a 
    carrier is the best and safest way to travel in a car. Your pet will be less 
    likely to be injured if you have to slam on the breaks or get into a fender 
    bender, and you won’t have to worry about your pet jumping into your lap while 
    you barrel down the highway.

  7. How 
    to Choose the Best Travel Pet Carrier for Your Pet
    : Whether you 
    have a large dog or a small kitty cat, make sure you know how to select the most 
    appropriate carrier for your pet. This guide will help you out.

  8. Pack a clean-up kit: Just in case your pet gets car sick, 
    go ahead and pack up a simple clean-up kit with a pet cleaner suitable for 
    fabric, carpet or leather. Also bring along paper towels and a small garbage 
    bag.

  9. Plan stops ahead of time: Even if you’re familiar with the 
    route you plan to take, plan out your breaks ahead of time. You’ll feel more 
    comfortable stopping at places you know are well-lit, have plenty of grass for 
    your pet’s bathroom breaks and are far enough from the highway for a quick 
    run.

International Travel 

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For international moves and extended vacations, pet owners need to be 
prepared for customs regulations, vaccination reports and other complicated 
procedures. Use this list to make sense of it all.




  1. Pet Passport, 
    Immigration and Quarantine Info.
    : PetTravel.com publishes links and 
    resources for international pet travel. Find immigration rules and regulations 
    for over 100 countries, including Argentina, South Africa, the Bahamas and 
    France.

  2. Official USDA 
    Certification
    : PetTravel.com reports that "all EU Countries as well 
    as many other countries now require that a veterinarian certificate issued in 
    the United States have an official USDA Certification stamp." Follow this link 
    to find out more information about how you can secure one for your pet.

  3. International Animal Export 
    Regulations
    : The USDA page for exporting animals and animal 
    products from the United States is full of helpful information.

  4. Globetrotting 
    Pets
    : The website for the book Globetrotting Pets: An International 
    Travel Guide has sample information and tips for traveling to different 
    countries with your pets, from tourism contact information to a helpful travel 
    check-list for your pet.

  5. Pets on the 
    Go! International Resources
    : This website has import/export 
    information for the U.S., Hawaii, Guam, Great Britain and Mexico, as well as an 
    international pet-friendly hotel search, air travel tips and more.

  6. Pet 
    Relocation — Tips for International Pet Moving
    : This post serves as 
    an excellent guide and check-list for moving a pet abroad. You’ll find 
    information about finding and packing a suitable crate, things to remember on 
    the day of your trip, and plenty of other questions you should be prepared to 
    ask airlines, customs and other offices.

Staying in a Hotel 

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  1. Keep a list of pet-friendly hotels with you: Before your trip, make sure you have a list of pet-friendly hotels in the area you plan on traveling through. Even if you have a reservation, it’s best to have one or two alternative options just in case you have a layover, car trouble or other problems before you get to your final destination.

  2. Hotel-Guides.us 
    Pet-friendly Hotels and Motels
    : Use this guide to see whether or 
    not hotels are dog- and cat-friendly. The site also also has tips for bringing 
    along your pets to a hotel.

  3. Stay in a ground-floor room: MSNBC recommends 
    staying in a ground-floor room, "preferably one that opens to the outside. That 
    way you can take your pet in and out without going through a lobby and you will 
    disturb as few people as possible."

  4. Put up the "Do Not Disturb" sign: When you leave your pet 
    in your room by itself, put up the "Do Not Disturb" sign so that the cleaning 
    staff won’t get surprised by your pets…or vice versa. You’ll save yourself from 
    complaints, extra messes and even worse, potential lawsuits if your pet 
    frightens or injures a member of the hotel staff.

  5. Pet-Friendly 
    Hotels
    : Forbes reviews posh pet-friendly hotels around the U.S. in 
    this article.

Advice from the Pros 

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The Dog Whisperer and other professional animal handlers have loads of tips 
and advice for pet owners just itching to take their pets on vacation.





  1. Cesar’s Travel Tips: The Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan dedicates this web page to giving pet owners travel tips like "bring your dog’s blankie," "use a soothing scent," and "claim your new space."

  2. Traveling 
    With Your Pet
    : The AVMA has lots of travel safety tips for pets, 
    including those needed for camping trips and vacations that require bus and 
    train travel.

  3. Ten 
    Most Common Poisonous Plants
    : If you’re taking your pet into 
    unfamiliar territory, print out the Animal Poison Control Center’s list of the 
    ten most common poisonous plants to avoid disaster.

  4. Pet 
    Moving Tips
    : The online Residency Guide offers lots of relocation 
    tips for when you have to move with a pet. Find tips for dogs, cats, fish, birds 
    and other pets.

  5. Traveling 
    With Your Furry Friends
    : "America’s Most Trusted Pet Expert" Warren 
    Eckstein has lots of pet travel tips that include people preparation, pet 
    preparation, and a checklist of items to pack for your pet.

  6. If Your 
    Dog Has Ticks
    : Trips to the beach, the mountains, or even to 
    certain locations increases your dog’s chances of getting ticks. If you spot one 
    of these nasty parasites, check out this guide for information on what to 
    do.

  7. How 
    to Travel with a Dog
    : Check out Expert Village for a series of 
    videos that teach dog owners the dos and don’ts of traveling with their pet. You 
    will get to know more about dog costume and dog 
    t-shirt
     here.

  8. Cesar’s 
    Beach Tips
    : If you can’t wait to take your pooch to the beach, read 
    Cesar Millan’s tips on planning a safe, rational, pet-friendly beach 
    vacation.

  9. Protect Your Pet: 
    Summer Safety Tips
    : MSNBC interviews pet expert Andrea Arden for 
    tips on taking care of your pets during the summer months and in warm-weather 
    climates. Read about sun protection, keeping your pets safe around water and 
    avoiding parasites.

  10. Travelers Digest: 
    Information for People Traveling With Pets
    : These travel pros have 
    put together a long list of resources for pet owners planning a 
    vacation.

General Tips and Precautions 

Check out this list for more tips and resources that will make traveling with 
your pet more enjoyable.

  1. Get your pet used to traveling: If you plan to take your 
    pet for a long ride in the car, get him accustomed to the trip by bringing him 
    on short errands around town first. If your pet will be sitting in a carrier 
    during a flight, have him or her sit in the crate for a similar amount of time 
    at various intervals before your vacation.

  2. Make a new ID tag with travel contact information: If 
    someone finds your lost pet while you’re in vacation in Florida, calling your 
    home phone number in Wisconsin isn’t going to do any good. Make a new ID tag at 
    your vet or animal supplies 
    store
     that has your cell phone number or hotel contact information.

  3. How 
    to Pack a Puppy Travel Bag
    : Watch this video from Expert Village to 
    make sure you’re prepared to look after your puppy on a trip.

  4. How to Travel 
    Train Your Cat
    : This simple guide contains good tips for getting 
    your cat used to travel, including putting it on a cat leash and taking practice 
    car trips in a carrier.

  5. Most 
    Effective Ways to Calm Anxious Cats
    : Veterinarians and pet experts 
    Foster and Smith review anti-anxiety products for cats on this site.

  6. Top 
    10 Dog-Friendly Cities to Visit in North America
    : From Chicago to 
    Vancouver to Salt Lake City, find out which North American cities are the most 
    welcoming to visiting dogs.

  7. Traveling 
    With Your Toy Dog Breed: Planning a Pet-Friendly Vacation
    : 
    Traveling with a pint-sized pup might seem super easy. You can take them 
    everywhere, they make small messes and are generally easy to groom. This guide, 
    however, has tips for dealing with some of the unique travel dangers and 
    annoyances that toy dog breeds face.

  8. Car 
    Sickness and Fear of Riding in Cars
    : If your cat is scared of 
    riding in a car but you need to take it on a car trip, try these tips to gently 
    walk your pet through the process.

Health Concerns 

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Make sure your pet has as much fun as you do on vacation by putting its 
health and well-being first.




  1. Get a pre-vacation check-up: If you’re going away for a 
    long trip, or if your pet is chronically ill, take it to the vet for a 
    pre-vacation check-up. Your vet will tell you if it’s safe to take along the pet 
    and can give you some pointers for caring for your animal during the trip.

  2. Make a file for all your pet’s health records: Keep a file 
    with all of your pet’s medical records handy in the car, in your carry-on bag 
    and everywhere else you plan on taking your pet during the vacation. You never 
    know when local authorities might demand to see up-to-date rabies vaccinations, 
    and most of the time, dog tags won’t cut it.

  3. Bring a list of emergency phone numbers: In case your pet 
    needs immediate medical attention when you’re away from home, research the area 
    you’ll be staying in to find contact information and hours of operation for 
    local vets.

  4. CDC Importation of 
    Pets, Other Animals, and Animal Products into the United States
    : 
    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires certain health 
    information from pets returning from trips abroad. Use this list of resources as 
    a check-list before you even leave the U.S.

  5. Animal 
    Diseases
    : The USDA Animal and Health Inspection Service website 
    gives descriptions of many different animal diseases that could affect your pet 
    on vacation.

Traveling with Exotic Pets 

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Dogs and cats aren’t the only ones who get to travel nowadays. Read below for 
tips on bringing along your more exotic animals.



  1. Travel with 
    Exotic Pets
    : PetFriendlyTravel.com publishes information for exotic 
    pet owners who need official paperwork allowing them to travel abroad.

  2. Can 
    a Rabbit Tolerate a Long Drive in the Car?
    : Read About.com’s 
    in-depth analysis of taking a pet rabbit on a long car trip.

  3. Pet 
    Bird Travel Tips
    : The Bird Channel website has several great tips 
    for traveling safely with your pet bird, including choosing the right carrier, 
    how to set up a "home away from home" and more.

  4. Travel 
    with Horses
    : The website HorsesWorldWide.com lists horse-friendly 
    vacations and lodging options in the U.S. and abroad.

  5. Double check exotic animal regulations: Healthypet.com recommends checking 
    the customs and animal policies of your vacation destination to make sure your 
    exotic pet is allowed inside the borders. If it’s not, you’ll have to leave your 
    pet at home or cancel the vacation.

1 Comment
Pet Friendly Hotel link
9/23/2012 05:34:22 pm

I agree with each and every conclusions made on this topic. It is really very informative. Thanks for sharing.

Reply



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  • MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS TICKETS
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  • YACHT & BOATS RENTALS
  • FLIGHTS WITH CASHBACK
  • BLOG
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