It’s common for many families to travel with their pets. Being prepared for any trip can be difficult, especially if it involves your beloved pet or service animal joining you. We know that preparing for this can be a daunting task, so we’ve gathered some information to help you out if you’re planning on taking a trip with your furry loved one.
Things to Consider
Firstly, it’s important to keep in mind any documentation that you may need. This can include:
- Knowing that you have rights for accommodations under the Disabilities Act if your service animal will be joining you.
- Ensuring that you have the proper documentation that allows your pet to travel with you, especially on flights.
- Providing advanced notice of any and all accommodations.
- Having proof of vaccines, microchipping, and other important documents if possible.
What You Should Plan For
As with any trip, you’ll need to take at least a couple of weeks to plan. Here are some things that can make the trip easy and hassle-free:
- Keep every document that you’ll be bringing with you up-to-date.
- Bring the pet essentials like toys, food, water, a first aid kit, leash, and a photograph of your furry friend as proof that he/she belongs to you.
- Buy or bring a pet carrier if needed. As a passenger, bring a soft-sided kennel. As cargo, bring a hard kennel for their protection.
Make the Appropriate Calls
Be sure and call the airline you’ll be traveling with ahead of time to plan out your trip with your pet. If you’re traveling overseas, contact any of these organization for more information on traveling with your pet:
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
- Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Department for Environmental, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
- International Airline Transport Association (IATA)
- U.S. State Department
Visit Our Pet Hospital Today!
Here at Valley Animal Hospital, we offer many services to help you and your furry or feathered friend overcome any health issues. If you’re in need of tips to help make your pet’s travel time enjoyable, then reach out to us. We can also help with vaccinations, check-ups, behavior counseling, and microchipping!
