Pet travel: Ten tips to make travelling with a pet easier

Travel safely with your pets by car or by plane.

Travelling with your pet can be challenging for you, frightening for your pet and can even cause delays in your travel plans or injuries to your pet if you are not prepared. While it may not be possible to take all the worry out of pet travel, these tips may help make the trip more pleasant.

Tips for pet travel

1. If travelling by plane, especially out of the country, make sure you know what requirements you must meet beforehand. Health certificates may be required and your pet may need to have vaccinations administered or other testing or procedures performed, sometimes as much as several months in advance. Make sure a pet carrier is available and that it meets the airline requirements as well. There may be temperature restrictions if the pet is not flying in the cabin with you.
2. If travelling long distance by car, make sure you have food and water handy for your pet. Offer small amounts of water frequently during the trip. Do not feed for 2-3 hours before travel if your pet gets carsick. If travelling long distance, offer your pet food after you have stopped for the evening.
3. Plan to stop frequently to allow your pet to urinate, defecate and stretch his legs.
4. If your pet is stressed by travelling, try a DAP® (dog appeasing pheromone) collar or spray for dogs or Feliway® spray for cats. DAP® collars are simply placed around the neck like any other collar. DAP® and Feliway® sprays can be sprayed inside the car or carrier to help calm the pet. These products are readily available through veterinarians, pet stores and online pharmacies.
5. A familiar toy, blanket or bed may help calm the pet also.
6. Do not leave your pet alone in the car. Especially in warmer temperatures, the pet may overheat.
7. Be careful about leaving the windows of the car open. The pet may attempt to jump out of the car or get stuck in the window. Pets allowed to ride with their head out of the window while the car is in motion may suffer injury to their eyes.
8. Make sure you have copies of all of your pet's medical care, in case of emergency. Copies of vaccinations may also be necessary.
9. Make sure your pet is secured in the car with a seatbelt or harness.
10. If your pet suffers from carsickness, ask your vet about remedies such as Cerenia®.

Travelling with a pet

By planning in advance and being prepared on the day of travel, pet travel may be a smoother and more pleasant experience for all involved.