Does not wanting to leave your dog or cat behind hold you back from taking the trips and vacations you want to? Or perhaps you can't stand the idea of putting your pet into a kennel during your next trip. Traveling with your pet is not as difficult as you may think. For example, when taking a flight, pets may ride either in a carrier that slides under your seat in the airplane, or in the cargo hold, which is a pressurized, safe and heated area very similar to the passenger compartment of the plane. Before you make a reservation, be sure the airline will accommodate your pet. Some airlines do not take pets in-cabin; some discount airlines don't accept pets at all. So if you purchase your airline tickets through the Internet, make sure your pet will be able to travel with you. Pet passengers require a reservation, whether traveling in-cabin or cargo. Airlines have restrictions on the number of pets they will carry in order to provide safe travel for all. So making your pet's reservation at the same time you purchase your ticket is a good idea. Extra charges for both in-cabin and cargo pets will be assessed. Purchase a health certificate from your veterinarian. Health certificates are only good for ten days, so if your visit will be longer than that you will have to purchase another health certificate for the return trip. Your in-cabin pet will need a carrier. These soft-sided carriers come in several sizes, so buy or borrow one that allows your pet plenty of room. Some of these can be bought with wheels to make transport through the airport easier; these also reduce "pet space" under the airplane seat. Window and middle seats have more room underneath than aisle seats due to the seat configurations. Pets traveling in cargo will need an airline-approved kennel. Generally, these are hard-sided, non-collapsible crates. If your pet already has a sturdy crate it may double as a shipping kennel, but do make sure it is airline approved. Most experts do not recommend tranquilizing your pet. The motion of the airplane seems to have a soporific effect, causing pets (and people) to snooze. Once in the air you'll find that your pet will probably sleep. A word about training is appropriate here. Crate training your pet will make him/her a better traveler. There are many resources available that will show you how to accomplish this. Time spent training will definitely pay off. Don't hesitate to join the legion of folks who travel with their pets. With a little preparation can be safe, simple and rewarding.
I have several great tips to help you get through the challenge of traveling with your pet.
If the pet is to be accompanying you on an airplane, consider calling several airlines and check if you're particular pet would be perhaps allowed to ride in the passengers' compartment, with you. Many airlines are letting certain sized dogs and cats do just that. Small pets are allowed to sit at your feet in their carriers. Other airlines will allow you to purchase a seat for the pet carrier.
One way or the other, you will need a carrier for your pet. When choosing a carrier, there are a few things to consider. For safety it is recommenced to choose a carrier that your dog can just stand up in, and be able to turn around in. This size carrier promotes the dog to lie down and rest and is much safer in case of sudden unpredicted flight shift changes. That could cause the dog to be hurt if tossed into the sides of the carrier with a greater force due to it being to spacious.
If your dog has a hyperactive personality and you are concerned that the pet may be very hyperactive and upset due to travel, speak to your veterinarian in regards to possibly prescribing a mild tranquillizer for the flight.
Never, let me repeat never attempt to medicate your animal without first having talked to its veterinarian. This practice is dangerous.
It is wise to feed your dog about 3-4 hours prior to travel on an airplane. This gives the dog a better chance of not experiencing nausea or vomiting. Make sure to give the dog ampul time to void before heading to the airport, and before putting the pet in the carrier, for the flight. Offer a small mount of water before putting the dog in the carrier.
It is also smart to book your flight in the morning hours. Many airlines have strict rules that pets cannot travel in cargo if the temperature is above 85 degrees. With an early flight as a rule this won't be a problem.
When packing your dogs supplies, pack the food and goodies that they are accustom. If you are traveling to a destination that you might have a fear of the water you will consume? Make sure you consider the water your pet will consume. You won't want your pet to develop digestion problems away from home. Pack one of the pet's toys, and if they have a favorite blanket, I would bring it along too.
When taking your pet outside, make sure they are leashed at all times. Pets (especially dogs) are creatures of habit, and could become lost in a strange environment.
Have a recent picture of your pet; in the case the pet becomes lost. Last but not least. Have a dog tag made before leaving home. The tag should have where you are staying on your trip. Add this tag with his excising tag.
This is beneficial, just in case you have not been able to locate your pet by the time you have to return home .At some point someone may find your beloved pet, and be able to locate you, with the good news.
Both Sally Rutherford & Sharon Stajda are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Sally Rutherford has sinced written about articles on various topics from Best Beach in World, Personal Desktop and Entertainment Guide. I recently did a review of a product you may be interested in. It explains how to save 50 to 75% on hotels and flights using travel agent only special rates!