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Pet Safety Travel Tips Include a Trip to the Vet's Office

Posted by Brandon Weaver | Wed, May 29, 2013 @ 11:38 AM

pet safety travel tipsPets are beloved family members, and sometimes you don't want to board your pet while you're away. This can be due to the high cost, the loneliness factor of pets or simply because it is more fun to have your pet with you when the family travels. Dogs may be the more traveled pet than others, but these tips should still apply to cats, too. Whether you're traveling by car, plane or otherwise, here are some pet safety travel tips for owners to consider:

  1. Visit the vet before you leave town. Get any medications, refills and necessary vaccinations. Talk to the vet about wildlife you may encounter such as ticks, snakes, skunks, etc. Purchasing a pet health certificate is recommended, especially if you are driving across state lines.
  2. Secure your pet in the car. Even though there are vehicles praised for their pet safety features, not letting your pet roam free is more important than you think. Dog seat belts, crates and carriers can be purchased from a variety of merchants. If you're using a seat belt, put your pet in the back seat because of the threat of injury the airbag can cause. Something that often gets overlooked is that a "loose pet" can distract the driver too.
  3. No heads out the window. We all know this is a staple for dogs traveling in cars, seeing their tongues out, ears flapping. But, (and this is a big but) this can be very dangerous because they can be hit by debris. They can also slip along the window sill and fall, and nobody wants that.
  4. Microchip your pet. Attach an ID tag that includes your cell phone number, where you're staying, etc. This should be common practice regardless if you're camping in the woods, traveling on an airplane or playing fetch in the park.
  5. Bring your pet's necessities. Food, treats, medications, grooming supplies and a leash should be par for the course. But what about a spill-proof water bowl or their favorite toy? Why not treat them with bottled water? Bringing ice cubes is also important because they are easier on your pet than drinking large amounts of water.
  6. Never leave your pet unattended in the vehicle. No matter the temperature, but especially in hot or cold weather, leaving your pet in the car is straight-up animal cruelty.
  7. Identify emergency animal clinics close to your location. Research these ahead of your trip, get the appropriate phone numbers, driving directions to the facility, etc.
  8. Bathroom breaks before the trip. Some owners do not realize their pets are uncomfortable going to the bathroom in unfamiliar places. This can lead to longer rest stop breaks and them holding it back in the car. To combat this, pet owners should prepare for traveling by walking their dogs in new places to get them acclimated to new surroundings. This helps make everyone's travel experience better.
  9. Fly smarter. Fly direct routes when possible. Doing so can help you avoid the mistakes that can occur during plane transfers, or delays in getting your pet off the plane. Nobody likes layovers or having to change plans, so why would your pets be any different? Also, consider a non-peak flight. These will often have fewer passengers and more room to accomodate you and your four-legged friend.
  10. Trim their nails before leaving. This helps eliminate the possibility of their paws getting stuck in the carrier's door, walls etc. It also limits the damage in the event your pet gets scared and scratches a fellow traveler.

Just as you would pack a swimming suit for summer vacation or extra layers for winter travel, taking special care for your pets is important for their long term health and comfort. Following recommendations from your veterinarian is of utmost importance because they understand your pet's health history. The key thing is to always be prepared. With that being said, what pet travel tips do you have to offer?

remote deposit capture, veterinarians, RDC

Topics: Veterinarians

Written by Brandon Weaver