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How To Travel With Your Pet

If you’re planning a road trip with your favorite feline or precious pooch, the following are some of the basic items you need to bring along:

Bedding: Bring your pet’s favorite sleeping items so that he/she will feel comfortable en route.

Bell: If you attach a bell to your pet it will be easier to find him/her if they become lost in a thickly wooded area.

Flashlight: Convenient for late night walks.

Leash: An obvious necessity but something you cannot forget!

Records: Health and vaccination records can come in handy if there is an emergency.

Toys: Don’t forget to pack Fido’s favorite toys to make the trip go more smoothly for the both of you.

ID: Always bring two pieces of ID. One tag should have your permanent address and telephone number written on it, and the other should have on-the-road contact information.

If you’re really worried about losing your pet on the road, take your pet to be tattooed or micro chipped. This can make finding a lost pet that much easier.
And always remember to bring plenty of food and water along.

Cleanup Supplies you can’t live without:

1. Plastic bags for those necessary cleanup jobs
2. Old newspapers
3. A hair remover
4. Baby wipes
5. Paper towels: for cleanup and lining the carrier
6. Spray bottle cleaner
7. Grooming brushes
8. For cats specifically: litter box and litter

Accommodations

Not all accommodations are pet friendly, so it is important to call ahead of time to make sure pets are allowed. Sometimes policies change rather quickly, without much notice, as it can take only one bad pet experience to change a manager’s pet policy.

Flying With your Pet

Know beforehand whether or not your pet will be permitted to fly. Generally healthy animals over eight weeks of age with a health certificate are legally allowed to fly. In your pet’s best interests, however, it is better to wait until a pet is 12 weeks old.
Pets that are pregnant, ill, or too young are not usually permitted to fly because the added stress of air flight can cause grave complications. Also note that particular breeds of dogs have more trouble flying due to difficulty breathing at high altitudes. Bulldogs, pugs, Boston Terriers, and Persian cats have short nasal passages that constrict their breathing.

When is the best time to fly?

Travel weekdays. During the week flying is much less hectic than on the weekend. If it is less busy, both you and your pet will receive better service.
Time of year is also important. When traveling during the summer, note that early morning or late evening flights are easier on your pet, as temperatures are lower at these times. On the other hand, in the winter it is safer to travel in the middle of the day, as that is when the temperatures are warmer. Temperature is a consideration when flying with your pet, as pets often have to wait outside for a few minutes before being loaded into the plane.

Of course, direct and non-stop flights are easier if you’re traveling with your pet. Flights with stopovers that require you to switch planes can be stressful if you want to be sure you and your pet make the connection. Stopovers are more likely to result in errors when you have precious cargo along for the ride. And if you are connecting to a different airline, it is necessary to recheck your animal and pay an added fee.

Cost

Cost varies according to airline, but it is also dependent on the size and weight of your pet. It also depends on how you plan to transport your best friend. The cost will probably end up being around $75/pet. Try to bring your own carrier as it can end up being more expensive to purchase one from the airline.

Passenger Cabin

If you prefer, some airlines allow you to bring your pet in the cabin – but they must be kept in carriers that fit under the seat. No more than 2 pets are allowed on board, and it is necessary to make your reservations well ahead of time if you plan to do this. It is also a good idea to check out the airline’s regulations. Pets traveling in the cabin must be no more than 20 pounds.

Also, you can avoid delays by having your pet’s health certificate and boarding pass ready right when you arrive at the security gate.

Baggage or Cargo

For most people, it is more practical and convenient to fly your pet as excess baggage. Just note that the weight of your animal and the carrier cannot be more than 100 pounds.

Some more tips…

• Be early. Checking in takes time, so it is best to arrive as early as possible. Try to get to the airport 1 ½ hours before the flight.
  
• Have paperwork handy. This will ensure that everything moves along very smoothly. And make sure you bring a health certificate that was issued a maximum of 10 days before the flight day. Also, it never hurts to put on a smile and be friendly to the staff as well.
  
• Choose the right carrier. Your carrier must be airline approved and fit your pet properly. If your pet can stand up, turn around and lie down easily, you probably have the size right, but ensure that the carrier is not too large – you don’t want your animal to become hurt.