Traveling With Your Furry Companion

Do you have any plans for a trip in late summer? Perhaps you’re going to a remote lodge or joining your family at the beach. Many of our darling friends enjoy traveling to new areas with their adoring humans. Many folks would prefer to stay at home. Certainly, there may be times when you must accompany your pet on a trip for reasons other than leisure, such as relocating to a new place. Continue reading for advice from a London, ON veterinarian on traveling with your dogs.

Traveling With Pets In Cars

Fido and Fluffy prefer car rides to aircraft rides. Certain criteria remain unchanged: you must exercise caution and take all essential precautions to ensure your companion’s comfort and safety during the ride.

Crate Pets for Travel

Pets are required by law to travel in a container or carrier when flying on planes. Typically, there are no such universal restrictions regulating car travel, although crating pets remains the best option. Fido may look cute when traveling with his head out the window, but this can be extremely dangerous. Bugs, gravel, dust, and even lighted cigarettes are all potential hazards for your dog. Furthermore, if you were to come to a sudden halt—or worse, get engaged in an accident—he may sustain serious and potentially deadly injuries.

Taking the time to ensure that your pet is comfortable in their crate should begin well before the trip. It’s preferable to begin this process when your furry pet is still young. Even if you don’t plan to crate your dog every night, it’s crucial that he feels at ease when crated for travel or appointments. For this to happen, your pet must regard their container as a comfortable den rather than a jail. You want him to form positive connections with it. Begin by putting toys and treats in their crate, and then gradually shift to feeding them in it. As you proceed, you can gradually close the door and lengthen your pet’s stay inside the crate.

Another option to consider is car seat belts and netting. Handle these with caution. They prevent your favorite pet from roaming the cabin and causing problems, but they may not provide adequate protection in the event of an accident. Check out reviews and contact your veterinarian for assistance.

Do Some Pets Get Car Sick?

Some pets, like humans, are prone to motion sickness. If your pet falls ill while traveling, you can help them adjust by gradually introducing them to automobile rides. Begin with lesser distances and gradually expand their length. Your veterinarian can also provide medicine if necessary.

Another crucial aspect to remember is that if your pet is prone to vehicle sickness, it is better not to feed them just before the trip.

Keep Pets Comfortable

Comfort reigns supreme during car journeys. Getting your pet an excellent crate is a good start, but there are other considerations to consider as well.

• Make sure the cabin is comfortable and inviting. Before taking your pet out in the car, start the engine and adjust the climate control, especially if you’re driving during the summer or winter.
• Proper air circulation is also necessary. Roll a window partially down and/or turn on the air conditioner.
• Never leave pets in cars unattended, especially during hot weather. Temperatures inside cars can reach lethal levels in just a few minutes! When working with dogs, it is critical to take frequent breaks so that Fido may stretch his legs and meet his needs. This is a great time to use a park or trail-finding app.

Making Flight Arrangements For Your Pet

Our pets may experience anxiety when traveling by plane. Fido and Fluffy will become more stressed as the day or flight progresses. A three-hour direct trip is far more comfortable for your pet than a 14-hour trip with layovers.

It is typically recommended to avoid flying with larger dogs unless absolutely necessary. If you intend to fly with your pet, you should take your time and conduct extensive research before making your ticket.

You might be interested in the guidelines for traveling with pets. Air Canada accepts pets, but if someone on the flight has allergies, your pet will be unable to fly unless they are in a carrier with a filter. Going to the States? The TSA has established standard protocols to ease the passage of dogs through security. Pets must be on leashes or in carriers, although you may need to briefly remove the leash and carry your pet through the metal detector. Carriers will also be inspected.

Service animals are legally allowed on planes. Aside from that, each airline has its own unique qualities. Some airlines, including Southwest, Alaska, United, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Spirit, and Frontier, allow pets to travel in the cabin. Always confirm with the airline. These needs can also vary depending on weight limits and whether you are permitted to purchase a seat for your pet.

Things To Consider When You Book Your Flight

If you’re traveling with your pets, it’s better to arrange a nonstop trip if possible. It’s ideal if your pet is tiny enough to join you in the cabin during the flight. On the other hand, larger pets may need to be transported in the luggage compartment.

Consider carefully before booking a reservation, as it may create tension and inconvenience. The cabinets are fairly noisy and do not provide the same degree of climate control as the cabin. If there are any delays, your darling friend may be locked in his kennel for a while longer. That does not mean you should never fly with your pets. Simply do your research. Visit each airline’s website and read the reviews left by other travelers who brought their animal pals along. Furthermore, it is preferable to book a nonstop flight or one with a short layover.

Consult your veterinarian as well. Travel documentation may be necessary. In addition, your pet may require extra immunizations or parasite treatments. The location of your journey will, of course, be the decisive element.

It may be beneficial to administer anti-anxiety medication or sedatives to your pet while traveling. Always consult with your veterinarian before administering anything to your cherished pet. If you decide to give your pet soothing medication, make sure to follow the instructions carefully.

In addition, make sure that your pet has a microchip and is wearing identification tags. GPS tags are also an excellent idea. Before you make a purchase, consider all of your alternatives.

Make sure your contact information is on file with the carrier. Baggage tags can be used for this, but a mailing label covered in clear tape will also suffice.

Enjoying Your Vacation

Once you get to your destination, keep your furry companion under control by utilizing a leash or restricting them within a safe enclosed area. Look for any potential hazards in the region. Each environment is home to its own unique plant and animal species, some of which can be dangerous.

After you’ve finished the check-in process, take your dog for a leisurely walk and let him investigate his surroundings. This is a great method for you and your pet to explore your surroundings while spending valuable time together. Remember to take some gorgeous photographs!

Schedule An Appointment At Our London, ON Pet Clinic

Does your pet need a travel certificate? Please do not hesitate to contact us if your pet requires any veterinarian treatment. As your London, ON pet hospital, we are here to help!