Are you planning to travel with your pet? While some animals love to travel, it can be very stressful for others. Cats would almost always choose to stay at home. If you take your pet, you need to provide a safe and comfortable travel environment for your pet.
Traveling with a pet cannot be a last-minute decision. For example, most airlines have restrictions and quarantine protocols you must follow. Here are some essential safety facts about pet transportation.
Health Checkup by Veterinarian
Your pet will need a checkup with your veterinarian. To travel, your pet must have some essential documents that authorize that your pet is safe to travel, according to The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Most states, territories, and countries will require:
- A certificate of veterinary inspection (CVIs) by a licensed and certified veterinarian, issued within ten days of the travel date.
- A signed certificate of rabies vaccination, issued within 30 days of the travel date or a year for foreign travel.
And depending on which country you are shipping your pet, you may need country-specific documents that may take up to six weeks to process. Depending on where you are traveling, a pet shipping company will need one to six weeks to arrange for your pet’s safe transportation.
Related Link: Pet Wellness
Safety tips for the different methods of transportation
When traveling with your pet, you should follow these tips to keep you and your pet safe.
By Car
When traveling by car with your pet, the Human Society recommends that you should:
- Have your pet ride inside a crate that has been anchored to the car for stability.
- Not allow your animal to roam inside the vehicle.
- Keep animals in the back seat of the car because an airbag could injure your pet.
- Not allow your pet to stick their head outside the windows.
- Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
- Stop frequently for exercise and potty breaks.
- Never leave your animal unattended in a car. This is particularly dangerous when it is warmer than 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
While some of these tips seem common sense, others seem like no fun. Your dog will definitely want to stick his head out of the window. But these tips will keep you and your pet safe.
Do you need help transporting your animal? All Paws Express is a hassle-free door-to-door pet transportation service.
Related Link: Get an Estimate on Pet Relocation
By Train
A few trains, like Amtrak, allow pets to ride with their owners. Each train will have strict rules and safety guidelines. Pets must remain in their crates at all times on the train for safety. You’ll need to exercise, feed, and take your pet for potty breaks when the train stops.
By Airplane
While traveling by airplane is the least stressful for most pets, it can be dangerous for some animals. Pets with “pushed in” face can have trouble breathing or suffer from heatstroke while flying. Pets that fly must remain in their crates that follow the International Air Transport Association safety requirements.
If you do fly, having them travel in the cabin with you is the safest option. However, most airlines only allow small pets whose carriers can fit under the seat in front of you. And they may only allow a few pets in the cabin at a time.
If your pet is larger, they may have to travel in the cargo area of the plane. You will want a crate that meets safety regulations to do this. If this is your only option, you may want to hire a pet shipping company to help you navigate all the procedures and policies of flying with a larger animal.
Related Link: Domestic Pet Travel
By Bus
Some buses allow pets on board but check with the bus line’s official rules to see if you can. Buses generally only allow small animals that must remain in their travel crates for the trip duration. It will be your responsibility to feed, exercise, and make potty breaks for your animal when the bus makes longer stops.
By Boat
Most boats or cruise ships will not allow pets except for assistance dogs. If the ship does allow pets, they will keep the dog in an authorized kennel. If the boat has a kennel, make sure it isn’t exposed to the elements and frequently check on your pet to reduce stress.
Safety Facts for when traveling Internationally
The US Department of State has strict guidelines about traveling internationally with pets. Not only will your pet need a safety regulation crate, but your pet will also need various health and vaccination certificates from your veterinarian. Your pet will also need to follow import and quarantine restrictions.
Safety Facts when Lodging
More and more hotels are catering to pets. When staying at a hotel, you should:
- Look for pet-friendly hotels and rooms.
- Request a ground-floor room, which will give you easy access to outdoor potty areas.
- Book a suite or apartment room to allow more room for your pet.
- Always put your pet in their crate when you leave them alone in the room.
- Reduce the number of people your animal comes into contact with to reduce stress.
Pet Transportation Services
Pet transportation services commonly provide air and ground transportation. Using a service is an easy and stress-free solution to get your pet to your destination. Pet shipping services also follow all rules and regulations to ensure your pet’s safety during travel.
At All Paws Express, we love animals and strive to make your furry family members as comfortable as possible. Our care is in the details, giving your pet the love and attention they need during relocation. All Paws Express specializes in domestic and international travel for pets. A turnkey solution from pick to delivery, ensuring your pet has a safe and worry-free journey.
Be Safe When Traveling with Your Pet
By following these safety tips and guidelines, you’ll reduce your pet’s stress levels and have a safe journey on your next trip. Remember to consider the different travel methods, and which one will be the safest option for your pet. Flying is generally the easiest and safest way for pets to travel.
You should consider using a pet shipping company to handle your pet’s transportation for a hassle-free trip.
Do you need transportation services for your pet? Learn more about All Paws Express pet relocation services.
Related Link: Learn More About All Paws Express