There is no better feeling than getting the whole family together for a trip, including your furry family members. Planning your pet’s care and routine is just as important as planning the vacation itself. Our veterinarians want to share a few pet-care tips so you can travel safely.
Preparing For Your Trip
How do you make your trip a hassle-free experience? Preparation is the key! Microchipping your pet is always a good idea in advance, but you can also:
- Make sure your hotel is pet-friendly.
- A current photo and travel ID tag for your pet.
- Save our phone number if we are your pet’s regular vet.
- Have a list of emergency vets located where you are traveling.
- A digital copy of your pet’s medical records and proof of vaccinations.
- Get your pet a health certificate signed by our veterinarians if you are crossing state or international borders.
Follow even more veterinarian-approved tips for your next trip!
Air Travel
Did you know some dogs are prohibited from boarding planes? Short-nosed dogs, such as pugs, are more likely to have respiratory problems. Your cat may also be banned depending on their weight. You should always check with your airline if your pet is allowed on the flight to your destination.
You should also:
- Carry a decent amount of pet food and water.
- Properly restrain your pet in a fitted harness or carrier for their size.
- Acclimate your pet ahead of time to wear a harness or sit in a carrier.
- Make frequent stops for your pet to stretch their legs and take bathroom breaks.
Travel by Car
Traveling by car may be easier for you and your pet, but there are many other risks to be aware of before taking your trip. Practice the following:
- Never leave your pet in a car unattended.
- Cover your seat interior in case of an accident.
- Keep your dog in a harness until you reach your destination.
- Securing your pet in a carrier if they tend to jump seat-to-seat.
- Avoid placing your dog in a truck bed to prevent accidental injury.
Before you take your trip, ask yourself, are you prepared for a trip with your pet. How long you will travel is a pet-sitter a better option.
Does Your Pet Get Nervous While Traveling?
Our veterinarians can help with that! If you want to help your pet stay calm while you travel by car or plane, then contact our pet doctors before traveling, and ask about possible sedatives or calming medication. Getting nervous during travel is common for pets as their environment changes.
WE WANT TO CAUTION YOU, do not wait until last minute for an appointment. These sedatives have to be planned out ahead of time. Your pet needs to try it 1-2 times ahead of the trip to see how it affects them as these medications affect each pet differently.
Pet Sitting
Pet sitting or taking your pet to a kennel may be a better option if you are traveling for a long time. Even asking a close family friend to pet-sit is a good idea. You may want to leave your pet at home if:
- You cannot afford to pay flight or hotel fees.
- You are traveling to locations with extreme weather.
- You have no backup money in case your pet is hurt.
- Your animal has health conditions that make traveling strenuous.
With a pet-sitter, you can always communicate your pet’s needs, have check-ins, save money, and have access to our veterinarians in case of an accident.
Schedule a Check-Up After Vacation
Check-ups are an important part of your pet’s health, especially if you have a senior dog or pet. Our veterinarians at the Valley Animal hospital are ready to serve your pets before and after your travels. Call (956) 787-2709 to schedule an appointment today.
