When traveling with your pet, it is essential to do some research and plan ahead for a safe, stress-free trip. Below is some helpful information to help you understand some of the things to keep in mind. However, each trip is different, so you will need to thoroughly research your specific mode of travel and travel vendors when planning your unique trip.
ROAD TRAVEL WITH PETS
For all car trips, your pets must be properly restrained in order to prevent driver distractions and keep the pet safe in case of an accident.
Small Pets
Small animals, cats, and small dogs should be placed in a portable carrier or crate and securely strapped in to prevent movement.
Large Dogs
Larger dogs can be strapped into a special dog seat belt in the back seat. If you have a van, SUV, pickup truck, or roomy hatchback, your larger pet can be placed in a large kennel that is securely tied down in the back of the vehicle.
NEVER Do This!
Don't ever let your pet hang their head out the window or ride in the bed of a pickup truck without being in a strapped-down kennel. Both these situations put your pet in danger of being hit directly by another vehicle or poles, trees, mailboxes, or signposts near the roadway. Airborne debris, such as insects, kicked-up rocks, and dirt, can also fly into their eyes, nose, mouth, or ears, causing inflammation or injury. Additionally, a dog's ears flapping at high speeds for an extended period of time can damage their eardrums.
Plan Ahead
If you are taking an extended road trip with your pet, it's important to build in time for stops to let your pet stretch their legs, use the bathroom, and have access to food and water. Collapsible silicone bowls are excellent options for mobile feedings. If you are going to walk your pet, make sure you place them in a sturdy harness with a leash, and hold the leash securely in your hand before opening the car door to let them out.
AIR TRAVEL WITH PETS
Before making plans for air travel with pets, recheck the TSA's and your airline's specific policies. Policies vary from one airline to another and change over time, so it is important to educate/re-educate yourself before planning and purchasing tickets for every trip.
Below are some general tips to keep in mind:
- Your pet may need to reach a minimum age before they are allowed to fly.
- You may need to get a USDA veterinary health certificate just before your travel date.
- You will likely be asked to present your pet's vaccination record when you arrive at the airport.
- If traveling internationally, the destination country may not allow pets to enter at all. If they do allow pets, they may have strict rules, require specific permits, and/or have a quarantine period.
Once you have done your research and determined that you can fly with your pet, below are some suggestions to help you plan for the flight:
- Book early! Airlines limit the number of pets on a given flight.
- Expect an extra pet fee (not a seat purchase).
- Arrive at the airport 2-4 hours early to get checked in.
- Let your dog or cat explore and become accustomed to their crate before your travel date.
- Your carrier (soft- or hard-shelled) must be airline-approved, and each carrier can house only one pet during the flight. Note: Service dogs can travel without a crate but require special documentation.
- Large carriers must go into the cargo hold and require special preparation. For their protection, some large, short-nosed breeds are not allowed to fly due to potential breathing issues in the cargo hold at high altitudes. Check with the airline to ensure your large dog can travel with you.
- Below are some large carrier tips.
- Again, the large crate must be airline-approved.
- The crate must be clearly labeled "Live Animal."
- Provide water (frozen solid or in ice chunks) attached to the crate door in a spill-proof bowl. Some airlines may require a water bottle with a funnel instead, so check your specific airline's details.
- For layovers, pack pre-measured portions of dry food in a sealed container securely attached to the crate along with detailed feeding instructions for airport/airline staff.
- To prevent motion sickness, feed your dog a light meal about 6 hours before your flight time.
- Allow your pet access to water until just before your check-in time.
- Give your dog a chance to get some exercise and have a potty break just before you check in at the airport.
TRAIN TRAVEL WITH PETS
Just as with air travel, rail travel with pets is subject to rules and restrictions. For example, on Amtrak, pets:
- Must be a minimum of 8 weeks of age.
- With their kennel, the weight cannot exceed 20 pounds.
- Must be "healthy and non-disruptive."
- Are allowed only in Coach and Acela Business classes.
- Are limited to one per traveler.
- Are only allowed on trips 7 hours or shorter.
- Aren't allowed on multi-ticket rides.
Additional restrictions or different restrictions may apply to specific Amtrak routes and other train services. So, with Amtrak, local metro, specialty trains, or international train services, it's crucial to research all pet policies before bringing your pet along.
MANAGING PET TRAVEL ANXIETY
Travel can often cause anxiety for pets. For short car trips, special precautions are normally not needed. For long car trips, air travel, or train travel, your veterinarian may recommend anti-anxiety medication to calm your cat or dog. Some options include:
- Gabapentin: Popular for both dogs and cats, it helps with stress, vocalization, and can be used for grooming, vet visits, and travel.
- Trazodone: A common choice for dogs to ease anxiety during stressful events like flights.
- Alprazolam: A benzodiazepine for situational anxiety, but requires careful monitoring due to stronger sedative effects.
- Dexmedetomidine: FDA-approved for noise anxiety in dogs, applied transmucosally (between cheek and gums).
If using an anti-anxiety medication for travel, it's important to test its effectiveness and timing before you travel. It's also important to know that the recommended medication and its timing and effectiveness can vary by dog vs. cat, breed, and individual pet.
Important Note: Anti-anxiety medications are not recommended for pets who will travel by air in the cargo hold because these medications can affect the dog's ability to self-regulate their body temperature at high altitudes, and your pet will be alone with no one to respond in case of emergency.
Managing pet stress with medication should never be done without the guidance of a veterinarian. If you need assistance or have questions, feel free to call our office at:
336-644-1522