Whether driving or flying, traveling is stressful and even if a person does it all the time, most pets don't. There's a lot to remember to do and prepare. Here's a checklist to help make traveling with a cat or dog easier and keep them happy and healthy.
Pack a Pet's Regular Daily Food
Food is familiarity and comfort for an animal and having their normal eating habits in a strange location makes a cat or dog much more at ease. This also helps prevent dietary disasters such as loose stools or vomiting. Bring plenty of water if traveling by car and if possible, bring their dishes from home.
Pack the Favorite Dog or Cat Toy
Children feel better bringing their favorite toy or cuddle blanket with them overnight and cats and dogs are no different. Most pets have at least one favorite chew toy or feathery cat play-thing that they consider "theirs" and feel more at ease with a little piece of home with them on a trip.
Use a Pet Carrier During Travel
Cages or pet carriers are recommended for traveling in cars any time, even short trips and airlines require animals to be in a crate or a pet cage. This prevents accidents as well as keeping dogs and cats and their travel companions safe.
Pack a First Aid Kit
If a dog or cat takes medication, make sure to have an ample supply plus a little extra packed for the duration of the trip. Layovers and delays may create an extra day or two of unexpected travel and it is better to be prepared. Also pack the most recent vaccination and medical history.
Vaccinations and Pet Travel
It is always good to keep vaccines current for a pet's health but if the trip is out of the country, additional vaccines may be required and sometimes well in advance. It is a good idea to check with the destination country's embassy to determine what vaccines and other requirements are needed for a traveling cat or dog.
Additional Pet Travel Tips
- Consider a microchip If a cat or dog would bolt in fear and disappear on a trip, an implanted microchip provides a much better chance of finding them. The shot to insert one is less painful than a vaccine shot.
- Keep cats and dogs from eating grass or other plants on the trip. Besides unpleasant side effects, some are toxic.
- Bring flea and tick prevention or treat with a long-lasting product before leaving.
- Pack plenty of water and a few treats
- Bring an extra leash
- Mark off rest stops with pet areas and stop frequently
By preparing a few things in advance, vacationing or traveling with a cat or dog is much more pleasant and relaxing for everyone.
Elizabeth Richards - Elizabeth Richards has published almost 200 articles for Suite101 since 2007 as a Contributing and Feature Writer.
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