Essential Tips for a Safe & Stress-Free Journey by Dr. Angie
Now more than ever, people are traveling with their pets. With the holiday season coming up, it is important to make note of travel safety tips for your pets.
With any type of travel, it is recommended to have your pet microchipped for identification and consider having them wear a collar with your contact information as well. With proper identification, if your pet were to get lost during travel, you would have a better chance of reuniting. Depending on the length of your trip, having food and water for your pet is recommended. Additionally, if your pet is on any medications, bring those with you. Before travel, contact your veterinarian to ensure your pet is up to date on vaccinations and that there are no special animal requirements for travel to your destination.
Car travel:
Keeping your pet within a well-ventilated carrier is always recommended to prevent roaming around the car and distracting you while driving. Your pet should be able to stand, sit down, and turn around freely in a carrier. Depending on the length of the car ride, take frequent breaks, especially for a dog, for potty breaks. If you plan a longer road trip, consider taking a few shorter trips beforehand to get your pet used to being in the car. Lastly, never leave your pet alone in the car, even for a few minutes, as vehicle temperature regulation can harm your pet.
Airplane travel:
If traveling by airplane, we recommend checking with the airline to see if a health certificate is required for your pet. This exam is completed within 10 days of travel by an accredited USDA veterinarian. At this time, Spay Illinois cannot accommodate these certificates, so contact your full-service veterinarian. Again, a carrier is needed for travel; some airlines require specific requirements with carrier dimensions.
If you feel your pet may be anxious about traveling, natural products like Feliway Travel Spray or Adaptil Travel Spray can be applied in the carrier, helping to reduce stress. Additionally, calming treats like Zylkene Capsules or Composure Pro Chews given 2 hours before travel can aid in further relaxation.
If you have further concerns about how your pet will do with travel due to extreme anxiousness, please consult a full-service veterinarian to discuss prescription sedative options.
Safe travels this holiday season from Spay Illinois!
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