Flying With Your Pet

Familiarize yourself with the pet policies of the airline you are flying,
and take note of the following in regards to their pet policies:

• Does the airline allow you to take your cat or small dog in the cabin with you?
• If that option isn't available to you, does the airline have any restrictions on transporting your pet below the cabin?
• Does the airline have any special pet health and immunization requirements?
• What are the airlines specifications and requirements for pet carriers?

You can help ensure a safe flight for your pet by following these tips:

• Use direct flights.
• Always travel on the same flight as your pet. Ask the airline if you can watch your pet being loaded and unloaded below the cabin.
• When you board the plane, notify the captain and at least one flight attendant that your pet is traveling with you and whether your pet is with you or below the cabin. If the captain knows that pets are on board, he or she may take special precautions.
• Do not ship pug-nosed dogs or cats such as Pekingese, Chow Chows, and Persians in the cargo hold. These breeds have short nasal passages that leave them vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and heat stroke in cargo holds.
• If traveling during the summer or winter months, choose flights that will accommodate the temperature extremes, particularly if your pet is traveling below the cabin.
Fit your pet with with a collar that can't get caught in carrier doors. Affix two pieces of identification on the collar—a permanent ID with your name and home address and telephone number and a temporary travel ID with the address and telephone number where you or a contact person can be reached. Affix a travel label to the carrier with your name, permanent address and telephone number, final destination, and where you or a contact person can be reached as soon as the flight arrives. Make sure that your pet's nails have been clipped to protect against their hooking in the carrier's door, holes, and other crevices.
• Give your pet at least a month before your flight to become familiar with the travel carrier. This will minimize his or her stress during travel.
Do not give your pet tranquilizers unless they are prescribed by your veterinarian. Make sure your veterinarian understands that the prescription is for air travel. Do not feed your pet for four to six hours prior to air travel. Small amounts of water can be given before the trip. If possible, put ice cubes in the water tray attached to the inside of your pet's kennel. A full water bowl will only spill and cause discomfort.
• Try not to fly with your pet during busy travel times such as holidays and the summer. Your pet is more likely to undergo stress during hectic travel periods.
• Carry a leash with you so that you may walk your pet before check-in and after arrival. Do not place the leash inside the kennel or attach it to the outside of the kennel.
• When you arrive at your destination, open the carrier as soon as you are in a safe place and examine your pet. If anything seems wrong, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately. Get the results of the examination in writing, including the date and time.

Traveling By Car

You're all packed and ready to hit the road for an adventure with your four legged friend. Using a little common sense rules of the road will help ensure that your precious friend has a happy and safe trip.

• No heads out the window: Although many pets find that sticking their head out the window is the best part of the road trip, it's not safe. Your pet can easily be injured by flying debris. This should go without saying, but NEVER travel with a pet in the back of a pickup truck. Some states have laws restricting such transport and it is always dangerous.
• Frequent pit stops:
Always provide frequent bathroom and exercise breaks. Most travel service areas have designated areas for walking your pet. Be sure to stay in this area particularly when you pet needs a potty break…and of course, bring along a bag to pick up after your pet. When outside your vehicle, make sure that your pet is always on a leash and wearing a collar with a permanent and temporary travel identification tag.
• Proper hydration:
During your pit stops be sure to provide your pet with some fresh water to wet their whistle. Occasionally, traveling can upset your pet's stomach. Take along ice cubes, which are easier on your pet than large amounts of water.

• Watch the food intake: It is recommended that you keep feeding to a minimum during travel. Be sure to feed them their regular pet food and resist the temptation to give them some of your fast food burger or fries (that never has a good ending).
• Don't leave them alone:
Never leave your pet unattended in a parked vehicle. On warm days, the temperature in your vehicle can rise to 120 degrees in minutes, even with the windows slightly open. In addition, an animal left alone in a vehicle is an open invitation to pet thieves.
• Practice restraint:
Be sure that your pet is safely restrained in your vehicle. Utilizing a pet safety harness or travel kennel are the best ways to keep your pet safe. They not only protects your pet from injury, but they help by keeping them from distracting you as you drive. A safety harness functions like a seat belt. While most pets will not have a problem adjusting to it, you may want to let them wear the harness by itself a few times before using it in the vehicle. If your pet prefers a travel kennel, be sure it is well ventilated and stabilized. Many pet owners prefer vehicle barriers, particularly for larger pets. Vehicle barriers are best suited for SUVs. No matter what method you choose, back seat travel is always safer for your pet.
• Safe and comfortable: Whatever method you choose to properly restrain your pet in your vehicle, be sure to make their comfort a priority. Just as it's important for your "seat" to be comfortable for your long road trip, your pet's seat should be comfortable too. Typically their favorite blanket or travel bed will do the trick. There are also some safe and very cozy pet car seats available that your pet may find quite comfy. Following some basic rules during road travel will help to make your journey with your little one much more enjoyable and safe!



TAKING YOUR PET ON THE WATER

Before hitting the high seas with your pet, be sure to take necessary steps to ensure that your pet's trip is a happy and safe one.

• Identification Tag:
Make sure your pet has a collar with an identification tag. Include contact information, marina address and slip number.
• Familiarization with the Boat:
It is best to gradually introduce your pet to your boat and the water. Let your pet explore the boat while it is docked before going out on the water. Turn on the engine and let them get used to its sound, smell, and feel while the boat is docked. Then, take your pet out on small cruises and gradually build up to longer cruises.
• Safe & Easy Boat Access:
Provide a special pet ramp for your pet to get on and off the boat. This not only includes from the dock to the boat but also from the water to the boat. Pets weigh much more wet than dry and it can be very difficult to lift them back into your boat after a swim.
• Floatation Device: A life jacket can also ensure safety while on the water. Not all pets can swim (including some dogs). Even if your pet is a good swimmer, getting tossed overboard can put any animal into a panic. In addition, your pet could suffer from exhaustion or hypothermia. Many pets also fall into the water from the dock or while trying to get from the dock to the boat. Having your pet equipped with a floatation device with a lifting handle makes retrieving your pet much easier and safer. Help your pet get used to the PFD by first practicing at home for short periods of time. Start by putting the PFD on your pet and let them walk around with it on. The next step is to let your pet swim with it on for a short period. It's a new experience for your pet so it's important for them to get used to it before the boat trip.

Moving

Moving to a new home can be just as stressful on the family pet as it is on you. Here are some tips to keep your pet happy and safe on moving day.

• Maintain normal routine: Pack over a period of time and try to maintain your pet's normal routine. Advance planning will make your move less stressful.
• Keep your pet secure: Place your pet in a safe, quiet place, such as the bathroom or pet carrier on moving day so that he or she cannot escape. If you place your pet in a room, place a large sign on the door that says DO NOT ENTER. Containing your pet in a pet carrier on moving day will keep them safely confined as well. Gradually get them used to the carrier ahead of time by having your pet spend time in it prior to moving day.
• Purchase a new ID tag for your pet: Get a new pet ID tag that includes your new address and telephone number. An up-to-date ID tag is a lost pet's ticket home.
• Safe car travel: Be sure that your pet is safely restrained in the car. Utilizing a pet travel harness or travel carrier are the best ways to keep your pet safe. They not only protect your pet from injury, but they help by keeping them from distracting you with their usual enthusiasm as you drive. Keep their heads inside the windows, make frequent pit stops, and don't leave them alone. Pet barriers also work great!
• Talk to your vet: Talk to your veterinarian about your pet that hates to travel. They can recommend behavior modification tactics or medication that might lessen the stress of travel. Depending on your new address, your pet may also need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates.
• Find pet friendly lodging in advance: Browse our selection of pet friendly accommodations across the U.S.
• Plan ahead for air travel: Check with your veterinarian and the airline if your pet will be flying. Visit our Airline Pet Policies page to familiarize yourself with the rules specific to the airline you are flying.
• Prepare your new home: Pets love familiar surroundings so be sure to take with you all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need from day one in your new home.
• Pet photo: Have a recent photo of your pet on hand if your pet becomes lost.