Animals are like kids that every pet lover is aware of. You have to pamper them and take care of them just like your kids. You can’t leave them alone to do any stupid task which may harm them later. You have to keep an eye on them every time. And when it comes to traveling or travel with pet you don’t want to do anything which may not be comfortable for them at all.
Although traveling with pets is in trend. But you certainly don’t want your pet to suffer. Not every animal loves adventure, some may like to stay at home in their comfortable place. But if you’re planning to vacation or there is an emergency to shift your place, then you can’t leave your pet alone. So this may become a traumatic situation to deal with.
But if you already decided to go out with your pal and if your’ pet has no choice left, and then select the mode of transport wisely. You probably don’t want to freak them out. Here is a complete guide listed below which you should consider while traveling with your best pals.
General Tips On Travel With Pet
Consult A Veterinarian
Before you go with your pet on a trip it is advisable that first consult your veterinarian. Get a complete health check-up of your pet. As some animals can’t handle travel due to some health problem or because of their age or past injuries. So it’s better to have to know is your pet can travel or not. Some hotels also want a written document by your veterinarian as proof to allow you and your’ pet to stay there. Because of their hotel policy, so it is better to get a routine check-up of your pet just before your trip.
Pet’s Identification
Animals are like babies they don’t know where they are going, what they are doing. You have to keep an eye on them every time. But what happened if they accidentally run away while in chase of some fly. You don’t want to lose your pet on your trip, aren’t you?
So it’s advisable to purchase an ID tag for your travel buddy collar. That ID tag should consist of your contact number, home address, location of your hotel and hotel contact number where you’re planning staying.
You can also consider microchipping your pet. Microchipping is a safe and permanent form of identification of your pet. But before planning to do so, make sure you are fully aware of it.
Get Ready All Important Documents When You Travel With Pet
Take your pet’s medical reports with you while traveling. As if in case of some medical emergency you can consult other veterinarians available at that location. Even some hotels and traveling destination places also have certain regulations. According to which you have to show these documents like ID proof. Such ID proof documents are- certificate of veterinary inspection, and an official health certificate or proof of rabies vaccines.
Also Read: Best Pets For Travelers For Travelling
Be Ready For The Extra Cost
It may sound cool or fun to travel with your pet. But in reality, you have to deal with many things at the same time. Traveling to a different place needs a full budget plan and if you’re considering adding your pet friend with you, then get ready for the extra cost. From getting your pals health check-up to paying extra charges of hotel, buying a crate, flight’s extra charges, toys, and food, that all you have to consider.
Train Your Pet Before Travel With Pet
If your pet is traveling with your first time, then give them proper training. Proper training will save you from lots of trouble. Train your pet to follow your commands, how to sit on the crate, how to stay in flight, and how to behave; these things will surely help you in your journey.
Buy A Crate
If you’re traveling in-plane or ship then it is advisable to buy a crate. Buying a crate also needs a piece of full information about your pet. You have to consider their size before purchasing any size crate. If you’re planning to take a flight then read their recommendation, what material and size of the crate are allowed there.
Flying With Pets
If you’re looking to fly with your best animal pal, you should first consider certain things. Most airlines have their own rules and regulations so you have to consider them all. Many of the airlines have restricted some animals to fly onboard. So the category of the animal also matters.
Consult your vet
Consult your vet first, many animals don’t fit for air travel because of their health, age, and breed concern. Some animal breeds because of their small nose have a risk to breathe at such high altitudes, such as Boston terriers, bulldog, and Persian cats. Animals under 8-12 weeks or older than 10 years are restricted from air travel.
Enquire your airline
Check the airline policies before booking it. Look for the prices they offer and the extra charges for your animal. Also, check how many animals a passenger can carry with them. Check for the rules and regulations, and which category animals they permit. How many pounds your animal should weigh, know these things before booking.
Take your pet in a carrier
Airlines may permit you to carry your pet at cargo, they may charge extra for this. If your’ pet weighs less than 10 pounds then airlines permit you to take them with you. But remember some passengers don’t feel safe or allergic or not like animals, so consider that case too while traveling.
Know the temperature range
It is advisable to travel early morning in summer and at midday during winter. Airlines have their own certain rules for transporting animals at a certain temperature. If the temperature is below 45 degrees or above 85 degrees Fahrenheit then, airlines will not transport your pet.
Don’t change flights
Search for the direct or small flights for you and your pet. Changing flight may risk to your animal health and behavior. Animals are prone to air travel, so before booking a flight look for the flight schedule first.
Feed a little as you can
You can feed your pet with a little amount of meal, as it can save them from hunger. And you can feed them after arriving at your destination. But avoid feeding a large meal.
Get them in walk
Get your pet to a walk before heading towards your flight. It will help them to digest their meal if you fed them something. If you’re taking your pet in cargo then it’s better to take them for a walk and get them to freshen up.
Reach early to the airport
Arrive as early as possible, as it will give you extra time for any special handling by the airline. It will also allow you to deal with your pet’s mood. You can take them for a walk and allow them to breathe freely and help them to release their stress and fear about traveling.
Be cautious about the sedatives
It’s advisable to not give any kind of sedative to your pet during air travel. Sedatives can create a risk of heart and respiratory problems at high altitudes. But, if you wish to give your pet sedative then consult your vet. Bring your veterinarian’s document with you while traveling.
Prepare the crate
Prepare the crate with identifying labels that should be colorful, large and easily readable. Make sure that your pet’s crate has some unique identification. You can mark their crate with their name, baggage address label, your contact number, and home address. Following are the requirements that some airline follows:
- The crate must be large enough so that your pet can sit, stand and lie down easily. It should be enclosed and strong enough to withstand normal travel loads.
- If the crate has wheels remove them before traveling.
- Crate floors must be made of some absorbent material or it should be leak proof.
- The crate must have handles to handle and carry them.
- The crate must be marked with the words “live animal” at least one inch high, with directional arrows indicating the proper handling of the crate.
Car Traveling Tips
Always stay with your pet
Watch your pet while traveling; don’t leave them alone in a car. No matter what the outside weather is, the car inside temperature gets rises during day time. This might be a risk for your pet. Don’t allow them to put their heads outside the window. It is advisable to put your pet in a crate to avoid risk during an accident. Tie the crate with a seatbelt or there are some crates also available with safety belt which you can tie with your seatbelt.
Take them for a walk
Get your pet on a frequent walk; this will help them to relax. Many animals love to explore new places, but prepare them for it. Get them a collar or even you can microchip them it will eventually help you. There are always high chances of animals to get lost while exploring. So it’s better to be prepared for it too.
Feed them properly
You can’t do an experiment with new food on a road trip with your pet. A road trip can be stressful to them and their enjoyment and enthusiasm level can make them thirsty every time. So you should carry plenty of water with you while traveling with your animal. New food can cause your animal some health issues maybe they can’t handle and digest them. So it is better to take a good amount of food and water with you.
Be aware of your pet car sickness
Just like humans, animals do suffer from carsickness. So to protect them from such sickness it is better to open windows partially, frequent walks will also help. You can also consult your vet before taking your animal to the car travel. Take some prescribed sedatives with you, while traveling for an emergency.
Travel with the pet on ship
Prepare your pet
Prepare your pet for a water trip. Introduce your pet to dock, ship, seawater and the harbor environment. Take them on the boat and see how they react. Teach them how to stay on the boat. Frequently take them on a small boat, start the engine and see how they react. Take them on small boat rides so that they can get a glimpse of your water trip. Help them to sniff the air of dock, because it is a little different than the normal one. Expose them to the sea environment.
Get the vaccine, and bring all their health documentation with you. If you’re planning to visit a different country then read their regulation.
Bring a kit for your pet
Prepare a kit for your pet having a flotation device, shades, sunscreen, and identification and so on. Before heading on board, first prepare your pet. You can take them on a small pool first to splash and swim in the water. Teach them how to use a flotation device.
Prepare them for the dock, and rehearse with them. Take baby sunscreen with you during traveling. Chances are high of getting a sunburn, yes right, animals can also get a sunburn. Their ears, paws, and nose can easily get a sunburn. To avoid such changes you can baby sunscreen to protect your pet.
You can also use shades for your pet to protect them from an excess of heat. Carry plenty of water with you. Some animals may have water sickness, so prepare your pet for it too.
Enquire the ship’s rules
Some cruise doesn’t allow animals, so go through their website before planning a trip. Check their rules and regulations and also the charges. Some cruises have their own rules and restrict some breeds on board. So check for the category first, and how many pounds should your pet weigh.
Your pet may be a loving creature for you but not everyone thinks like you. Many areas are restricted for animals too before docking get an idea about such location first. While traveling with your pet keep your pet health documents with you, and check their validations. If you’re looking to go abroad then consider other country’s rules and regulations.
Travel with a pet on the train
There are certain rules which you have to consider while traveling with your pet. These are enlisted below:
- A passenger can take their pet along with them on their train journey only in first-class or AC coach.
- It is considered to book two or four-berth if you’re traveling with your pet on a train, charges may apply.
- Passengers traveling in another class are not permitted to bring their animals with them.
- If you find your pet without booking its ticket, you’ll have to pay a fine.
- Passengers may contact the parcel office to book their pets.
- Do check first which category animals are allowed.
- Book a luggage/brake van if you wish to travel with your pet. Extra charges depend upon the services and type of animal you wish to take with you.
- Extra charges depend upon the weight of your animal.
- You should carry food and water with you for your pet.
- Vaccine them and bring the documents with you.
- Label the crate.
Conclusion
Q. Can you take dogs with you on a train?
A. Yes, you can travel along with your dog on a train, but first, check the rules and regulations and book a separate ticket for them too.
Q. Is traveling in the train is safe for your pet?
A. You can take them with you on a train. But, the carrier where they are being kept can be dangerous for them and may affect their health.
Q. Is traveling in-plane is safe for your pet?
A. Yes, it is but not every breed is ready for traveling, so consult your vet before planning a trip with them.
Q. Can a cat be a good companion for travel?
A. Cats don’t like to explore new places and to travel. They might love to stay at home and relax and follow their routine.
Q. Do your dogs need a passport for traveling abroad?
A. Yes, your dog too needs a passport if you’re planning an abroad trip with it. Some countries have certain rules for such travelers, so consider them too before heading there.
Q. Can you rely on food offered at the train for your pet?
A. You can, but it’s better to take some food and water with you. It is better to not experiment with your pet’s health.
Q. Can crate be a good idea for a road trip?
A. Yes, you can’t risk your pet life. You may be a brilliant driver but you can’t rely on the other person. So better to take precautions to protect from an accident.
Q. What will be the best time for air travel?
A. It is recommended to travel early in the morning during the summer season or mid-day during the winter season.