| While on vacation, most people arrange for their pets | | | | news! Microchip procedures are harmless, fast and |
| to stay at home and have friend or family member | | | | inexpensive. |
| take care of the animal. Others, who do not have | | | | Don't forget to notify the airline, bus, or train |
| this option, take to alternatives such as a boarding | | | | company if a Seeing Eye dog is accompanying you. |
| kennel or a professional pet sitter. There are several | | | | This is because dogs other than Seeing Eye dogs |
| things that you must take into consideration before | | | | accompanying blind persons are not allowed on buses |
| heading out of town! | | | | and trains. |
| Take out some time to think about whether your | | | | If you're traveling by air, make sure that you've |
| pet is physically capable of traveling. If you are not | | | | made all reservations and arrangements regarding |
| sure, ask the veterinarian. Let your veterinarian know | | | | delivery and pickup from the airport upfront. Rules |
| where you're going and for how long and how you'll | | | | vary from airline to airline. Follow airline instructions |
| be traveling. This will help prevent health risks like | | | | and check the airline's requirements for carrying pets. |
| flea, heartworm, or tick risks for places you will be | | | | If you're taking along smaller pets like birds, hamsters |
| traveling. Also, it's important to ensure that all | | | | and tropical fish, consider transporting them by air |
| vaccinations are updated, besides obtaining current | | | | express. You can obtain shipping containers from |
| health and rabies certificates not earlier than ten days | | | | airline freight departments, pet stores and |
| prior to your date of travel. You'll need this in case | | | | department stores as well. If you're carrying tropical |
| your pet is flying. | | | | fish, have it packed by a local specialist pet shop. |
| If it's the first time that you're traveling with your | | | | Again, it's important to make your pet comfortable |
| pet, it's worthwhile to take a short test trip. This will | | | | with the new environment. If you're obtaining a |
| help you know if your pet gets carsick or restless | | | | shipping container, have it a few days in advance so |
| while traveling, and obtain proper medications from | | | | that you have time to get your pet familiar with the |
| your veterinarian. Also, when traveling make sure | | | | container. Start with placing your pet in the container |
| that you have your pets' favorite toys, food and | | | | for a few minutes each day and steadily stretch the |
| leash with you. This way, the pet will feel more | | | | time until the pet is at ease. |
| comfortable at the new destination. Make sure that | | | | When traveling by air, feed your pet at least five to |
| you use your leash when taking the pet outside, as | | | | six hours before flight time, and give water two |
| the pets can sometimes get nervous in a new place | | | | hours before flight. This will prevent hunger or thirst |
| and try to run. | | | | during the trip. Also, get the pet to the air terminal |
| While at your destination, your pet should always | | | | on time. You should get there 45 minutes in advance |
| sport a special identification tag apart from the | | | | of your flight time if the pet is accompanying you, |
| normal one. Be sure to mark this tag with the pet's | | | | and two hours in advance if you're shipping the pet. |
| name, your name, the person to make contact with | | | | Upon arrival, you can usually pick your pet within 90 |
| at the destination, the person's phone number, and a | | | | minutes from the destination airport. Don't lose your |
| destination address. This will help you get in touch | | | | air waybill number as it is required when making |
| with the pet in case it's separated. A foolproof way | | | | inquires. |
| is to have the pet micro-chipped. Animal clinics, | | | | It's a difference experience altogether when your |
| humane societies, kennels, and shelters all over use | | | | darling pet is at your side while on vacation. After all, |
| scanners that can read the implanted chips. This will | | | | for those who are passionate about their pets, |
| help you reunite with your lost pet. Here's good | | | | getting there with the animal is half the fun! |