Travel Guide for Pet Owners

If you have a dog or pet and you’re going on a trip, one of your concerns would be, will you take your pet with you or just leave him with a sitter? To be sure, consult your veterinary if your pet is suited for traveling. This is especially important if you’re going to travel by plane. For instance, some dog breeds are not suitable for traveling in cargo flight.

Unless you plan to relocate, it is recommended to leave your pet at home in the care of a friend or a pet sitter. If you have a friend who is also a pet lover and who is willing to care for your dog while you’re away, then that solves your problem.  

However, there are pet sitter services that you can hire as well. Just make sure that you’ll be hiring a pet sitter who has experience and genuine concern for pets. 

If you do decide to take your pet with you, here is a travel guide for you:

1. Schedule a pre-trip health check up. General check-up and vaccination is very important since a health certificate from a certified vet is required to obtain legal travel pass for your pet. In some cases, a tranquilizer or sedative may be prescribed. Never attempt to give your pet any medication without a vet’s prescription.

2. Prepare your pet’s travel documents. Make sure that you are aware of the laws and regulations of the State or country you’re traveling to. Some countries require a quarantine certification aside from the health certificate issued by your vet.

3. Choose the right travel carrier. Make sure that there is enough ventilation and that your pet will be comfortable in his travel carrier. If you’re traveling by plane, there should be food and water included in the carrier.

4. Prepare your pet before the trip. Let your dog or cat get used to his travel carrier weeks before your trip. You can do this by putting his food bowl inside the carrier and letting him stay inside for a few minutes, increasing the time of confinement with each day.

5. Give your pet an ID tag. The ID tag should contain your home address and your contact numbers. Make sure that the tag is securely placed so it will not be detached from your pet.

6. Don’t overfeed. On the day of your travel, feed your dog with a light meal. Just let your pet sip a small amount of water to quench his thirst to prevent an upset stomach that can be caused by traveling.

7. Carry a photo of your pet with you at all times. It will be invaluable in case your pet gets lost at your destination.

8. Find a pet-friendly hotel. Make sure that you have made your reservations with a hotel that accepts guests with pets. Don’t forget that some hotels have a "no-pet" policy so you’ll want to verify this before making a reservation.

9. Make sure that the airline allows traveling pets. Some airlines have a no-pet policy so you’ll also want to confirm in advance if you’ll be able to take your pet with you on board or be transported as cargo. Ask for the airline’s complete rules and regulations for traveling pets so you’ll have enough preparation time.

10. Travel on a direct and same flight with your pet. If possible, it’s best to travel on a direct flight rather than one with stopovers to ensure your pet’s safety. It is also recommended to choose the same flight as your pet to avoid possible problems.