For many people, summer means travel – whether it’s a road trip, camping adventure, or a fly-away vacation.  If Fido or Fluffy is coming along, here are some tips to prepare for your adventure – regardless of your transportation method.

  • Confirm what veterinary health documentation is needed for out-of-state or out-of-country travel.  If you’re taking your pet out of state or out of the country, health and/or travel certificates from an accredited veterinarian may be required.  Check the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s pet travel information site to find out what specific documentation will be needed for domestic and international travel.
  • Plan a visit with your vet before you leave.  Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date, you haven’t missed giving a dose of heartworm, flea and tick medications, you have a few extra days of regularly administered prescription medications or food, and that a microchip is in place.  If your pet is already microchipped, update the registration information to include your current address and at least one cell phone number.  Most importantly, confirm with your veterinarian that your pet is healthy enough to travel as age, illness or temperament may cause complications.  Before leaving the clinic, ask for a printed copy of your pet’s health history to take with you and take a picture to save on your phone in case the printed history is misplaced.
  • Properly identify your travel buddy.  In addition to updating your pet’s microchip registration information, affix an ID tag to your pet’s collar that includes your pet’s name, home address and at least one cell phone number.  Our doctors encourage pet families to have both microchips and ID tags for their pets because a collar can get removed or lost, but a microchip greatly increases the changes that your pet is returned to you if he or she goes missing.
  • Familiarize your pet with its travel crate or carrier and car rides. An appropriate travel crate or carrier should be well-ventilated and large enough for Fido or Fluffy to stand, sit, turn around and lie down.  If your pet is flying with you, either in the passenger or cargo areas of the plane, be sure to check your airline’s pet carrier size guidelines and specifications before purchasing.  If your pet isn’t used to car trips, take him or her out for a few shorter rides in the weeks prior to your departure.  Make sure to use positive reinforcement (treats or affection) so your pet sees this activity as a good thing and not something to be afraid of. 
  • Make sure your hotel or vacation rental is pet-friendly and available. Whether you drive or fly, if you’re not staying with family or friends you’ll need to find a hotel or vacation rental that is pet-friendly and available for your travel dates.  Websites including petswelcome.com and bringfido.com can help you find just the right accommodation for you and your four-legged friend.  Be aware of fees that may be associated with sharing a hotel room or vacation rental with pets.

Planning ahead when traveling with pets can be the difference between an unforgettable vacation and one you’d prefer to forget.  Watch this space next month for tips when traveling by car with your furred best friends.