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This is the time of year that thousands of families pack up to go off to enjoy the hot and sunny summer months. Traveling with the kids can be challenge enough, but what if you want to bring your pets? Whether you are moving to a new home or traveling to that summer condo in Florida, there are several solutions to common problems that occur when you want to bring your pets. Below are solutions!
· Obtain a USDA Health Certificate from your Veterinarian.
·
Be
certain to bring several copies of proof of vaccination. Check the vaccination and
test requirements of the area you will be visiting to make sure your pet is
current on all vaccinations needed. For example, if someone were moving
from New York to Louisiana they would need to have a current rabies
vaccination and test negative for heartworms. The owner would need to start
the pet immediately on a Heartworm preventative. (To learn more visit
Understanding and Preventing Heartworms).
·
Be sure to
have ID tags on your pets’ collar.
You can go to
most pet supply stores for example and make
them in 5 minutes for about $5.00.
They should have the owners' and
the pets' name with a phone number, such as your cell phone. You may want to
print a separate tag which has the from and to location. An
additional option is microchipping your pet. If
your pet will be in a carrier, see
Mark your Crate Properly
below. Be sure to clearly label the carrier with your pets’ name, your
name, traveling details, phone number and vaccination records.
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On those occasions when you can't take your pets with you, consider these tips:
· Make kennel reservations well in advance, especially around the holidays.
· Have your pet examined within 2 weeks of kenneling.
· Make sure your pet is up to date on vaccines and is given any vaccines required by the kennel.
· Have copies of your pet's health record and vaccine record to take the kennel.
· Leave an emergency contact number and make sure that person is going to be available.
·
Your pets
have become accustomed to their water
and food from home, just like you. To
avoid sudden change and sickness in your pet, it is best to bring their usual
food and a jug or so of water, depending on length of the trip. If flying,
freeze some water in one of the water bowls hooked inside carrier. See
Include two empty dishes
below for additional information.
· If pet is on medications, take enough to last the trip plus a few days.
· Be aware of emergency veterinary services available near your vacation spot.
· If traveling by car, try getting your pet accustomed to the car when it's not running.
·
Be sure to
put pet in a size appropriate carrier. If you are flying and the carrier is
too large they
could be jostled around and if it is too small they would not be able to
move or change positions. Bring a chew toy and blanket for comfort and
familiarity. See Absorbent
Material below for further details.
·
Get on the
phone and the web to find pet friendly lodging. You would be surprised what is
available for pet lovers. Ask their vaccination and lodging
rules too. It is always best to know the rules before you get there.
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After you read the
following guidelines, be certain to call the airline you wish to use. You
need to be fully, if not overly prepared.
Flying with your Pet in the Cabin with You
Most airlines require pets to be 15 lbs or less to fly in the cabin with their owners (this weight includes both the pet and the carrier). This also means the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.
· Check with the airline about the carrier size and dimensions. Most airlines sell carriers or you can buy one from a pet supply store.
· Be sure to confirm with the airline the day before travel that your pet is coming with you.
· Remember that you will need a USDA Health Certificate in most cases. Just assume you do. Check with the airline as to how recent the certificate must be issued. The USDA considers a health certificate good for 30 days but many airlines and states have their own ideas about how long a health certificate should be valid (10 days is typical for domestic travel).
Some states require special vaccinations as mentioned above. Foreign countries often require special notarization of the certificate beyond the veterinarian’s signature, so be sure to check with the consulate regarding what you need.
· Some animals may be stressed or frightened by travel. See your Veterinarian for safe solutions on controlling anxiety.
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· Some airlines have maximum weight requirements. Be sure to check if you have a big dog.
· You need to know where to drop off and pick up your pet and how much extra time to plan for. Be certain to find this out well in advance especially if you're traveling internationally.
· Most states will not accept animals younger than 8 weeks of age. Such youngsters will not be allowed to travel by air.
Federal regulations require that each kennel, or crate, be properly marked as follows:
· Display a “Live Animals” label with letters at least 1 inch high, on top and on at least one side of the kennel.
· Indicate the top of the kennel with arrows or “This End Up” markings on at least two sides.
· Feeding Instructions Label. If food is necessary, it must be attached to the outside of the kennel.
· Feeding Certification Attached. Certification must be attached to the kennel stating that the animal has been offered food and water within 4 hours prior to drop off at the airline. IMPORTANT: Do not feed your animal in the 2 hours prior to departure, as a full stomach can cause discomfort for a traveling pet.
· Contact Information Label. Make a label with your
name, address, and phone number at the origin and destination cities and attach it to the outside of the kennel. Though a cell phone cannot be used in flight, any contact information is helpful. It is also a good idea to include your pet’s name on the label (in case of escape, it may help to call the animal by name).
· Include two empty dishes. One for food and one for water, securely attached to the container and accessible from the outside. You may freeze water from home, in one or two dishes, prior to flight. Be sure to indicate in your feeding instructions if you want their bowls refilled.
· Absorbent Material. The kennel must contain absorbent material or litter. (Black and White printed newspaper is a good choice). Please note that the use of straw, hay or wood shavings is strictly prohibited for international shipments. Check with your airline for other prohibited material.
Now that your
family is armed with the travel knowledge you need,
all that’s left is
to plan where you
are going! Have a great summer and wonderful traveling no matter
when you go!
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FYI
According to the Animal Welfare Act, there are specific temperature guidelines to which airlines must adhere. Ambient temperatures in holding areas for cats and dogs must not fall below 45 degrees F for more than 4 consecutive hours. Dogs and cats must not be exposed to temperatures below 45 degrees for more than 45 minutes when being moved to or from a holding area. If temperatures are to be lower, a certificate from the veterinarian must accompany the pet stating that the pet is acclimated to lower temperatures.
AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) – “The animal(s) in this shipment appear healthy for transport but need to be maintained at a temperature within the animal’s thermoneutral zone.”