Traveling with Fido requires forethought

When I was kid, I don’t remember ever seeing anyone traveling with their pet. Now, as an adult, I seem to always get the seat on the airplane next to the girl with her Chihuahua. For pet owners, traveling with pets is now easier than ever. If you’re planning an adventure with Fido, keep these tips in mind!

Get Your Pet Some ID

Make sure that your pet is wearing an up-to-date identification tag, but, if they should go missing, don’t rely on a collar alone to help reunite you and your pet. Collars can easily get damaged or lost, leaving your pet without any form of identification. At the shelter, we microchip every dog and cat before it goes home. About the size of a grain of rice, microchips are embedded under the skin of your pet and, when scanned at a vet office or animal shelter, connect to your contact information. If your pet is already microchipped, make sure the information tied to your pet’s chip is up-to-date before taking them with you on a trip.

Prepare Your Pet for the Trip
Lots of people get nervous about traveling, so it’s only natural that our pets get nervous, too. If your pet will be traveling in a carrier, make sure they are given enough time before the trip to get used to it. A week before your trip, put the carrier somewhere your pet frequents (like the living room) and put one of their blankets or toys inside. The familiarity of their favorite items will help them become more comfortable with the carrier.

Another factor to consider when traveling with your pet is car sickness. Each animal reacts to the car differently. I’ve transported many dogs to vet appointments over the five years I’ve been at the shelter – some fall asleep as soon as they get into the car, some are nervous and jittery the entire trip, and a few of them vomit. To get your pet ready for a long-distance trip, start by taking them on short rides around the neighborhood. Take your pet to fun locations, like the dog park, so they don’t associate every car ride with a trip to the vet. If your pet is having trouble calming down in the car, try putting the window down a little – enough so that they can feel the wind but not stick their heads out. This usually distracts them from the stress of traveling.

Talk to Your Vet
Before traveling with your pets, make sure they are up-to-date on all their vaccines and have a health certificate from your veterinarian. Depending on where you’re going, a health certificate may be mandatory before you bring your pet into the state or country. Make sure to get a copy of your pet’s medical records from the vet and carry them with you when you travel.

No Roaming
If you need a seat belt, so does your pet. If you’re traveling with a cat or other small animal, make sure they’re in a carrier at all times. Not only are free roaming pets a distraction, they are at risk of serious injury should you get into an accident.

Take Frequent Bathroom Breaks
You might not need a bathroom break every few hours, but Fido does! If you’re driving, factor frequent stops into your travel plans to give your pet a chance to get out of the car and stretch their legs. When traveling by plane, make sure your pet is able to go to the bathroom right before being crated and is taken out as soon as possible when you land.

Know Where You’re Staying
Not every hotel accepts pets and not every friend and family member is eager to welcome your pets into their home. Make sure you have your accommodations sorted out before you travel and double check any rules regarding pets.

Find a Local Vet
Do some research before your trip and make a list of 24-hour emergency facilities and veterinarians near the area you will be visiting. Don’t wait until you need an emergency vet to find one!

Have Fun!
Including your pets in your travel plans doesn’t have to be hassle! By taking just a few simple steps, you can ensure that your pet is not only safe and comfortable, but having just as much fun on the trip as you are!

Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, ME with two parrots, a cat, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.org