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TRAVELING WITH YOUR PET and CHOOSING A PET SITTER

 

 

TRAVELING WITH YOUR PET

 

In this section: Traveling by Car, Traveling by Air, Traveling by Bus or Train, Camping with Pets, and Pet Travel Tips

Traveling by Car

The most important factor in traveling with your cat or dog is in planning and preparation. When planning to travel, call ahead to confirm that hotels/motels are pet friendly. If staying with friends or relatives, ask their permission before showing up with your pet. Prior to traveling with your pet, consult with Dr. Rich or Dr. Ashley about motion sickness or anxieties your pet may have when traveling. Keep in mind whether or not your pet is happy riding in the car. Pets that become car sick will only be miserable and make your trip unpleasant.

Be sure your pet is wearing a collar, ID tag and if possible, implant a Home Again Microchip
Identification (call our office for an appointment to have one implanted in your pet). Keeping your pet up to date on their vaccinations is also very important. It is a good idea to keep a copy of your pet’s vaccine history with you while traveling.

Dogs that enjoy car travel may be content wearing a restraining harness while traveling. Most pet stores carry a wide range of pet travel harnesses that buckle into seat belts to secure your dog safely. Provide a comfortable pad or blanket for your pet to lie on. Because most cars have airbags it is best for your pet to travel in the back seat to avoid possible injury. Pets should always be kept safely inside the car. Never allow your pet to travel in the back of an open truck. With a sudden stop or swerve your pet could easily be ejected and seriously injured.

Because most cats are not comfortable traveling in cars, for their own safety as well as yours, it is best to keep them in a carrier. It is important to restrain these carriers in the car so that they don't bounce around and cause possible harm to your pet. It is best to do this by taking a seat belt and securing it around the carrier.

Make frequent stops to allow your pet to exercise and “go potty” and remember to clean up afterwards. Always keep your pet on a leash during stops.

If traveling between states or to another country, a health certificate may be needed. Call Four Paws Animal Hospital if one is needed.

WARNING: On warm days, the temperature in your car can rise to 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with the windows opened slightly. DO NOT leave your pet unattended inside a hot car!

Traveling by Air

Most airlines require a health certificate for your pet 10 days prior to traveling. Some major airlines now allow small pets to travel in carriers as carry-on luggage that will fit beneath your seat. Consult with the airlines about specific pet travel regulations and restrictions. If you are traveling internationally, consult with the United States Department of Agriculture about travel requirements.

Be sure to confirm your flight arrangements the day before to ensure there have been no unexpected flight changes. Arrive at the airport early, exercise your pet, personally place your cat or dog into the crate, and pick up the animal promptly upon arrival at your destination. When boarding the plane, let the flight attendant know that your pet is in the cargo hold. If your pet will be traveling with you in the cabin, arrange to check-in as late as possible to reduce the amount of time your pet will have to spend in the busy terminal. If your pet is traveling by a pet crate consider the following:

Defective kennels are the most common cause of escape or injury to animals during air travel. Airline approved crates are available from most airlines or pet stores, they must:

• Be large enough to allow the animal to stand, sit erect, turn around, and lie down in a
  natural position.

• Latch securely.

• Be strong and free of sharp edges or corners, and have handles or grips.

• Have a solid, leak-proof bottom covered with plenty of absorbent material.

• Be clearly labeled. Include your name, home address, phone number, and destination
  information, as well as a designation of "Live Animal", with arrows indicating the
  crate's upright position.

• Be adequately ventilated.

If possible get one with a water bowl holder and take time to familiarize your pet to the crate prior to flying.  Ask Dr. Rich or Dr. Ashley for specific feeding instructions prior to travel. For your pet's
comfort, air travel on an almost empty stomach is usually best.

Traveling by Bus or Train

Most states prohibit animals from riding on buses and similar regulations restrict travel on trains. Exceptions are made for service dogs. Consult your local carriers for current information.

Camping with Pets

Although vacationing in rural settings with your pet can be a pleasant experience there are challenges. Skunks, raccoons, porcupines, snakes, and other wildlife can bite or otherwise injure your pet. Keep your pet within sight and on a leash. Carry an adequate supply of water for you and your pet. Be considerate of other campers. Prior to the trip, ask any staff member at Four Paws about flea, tick, and heartworm prevention and make sure your pet is vaccinated against rabies. Before taking your dog on a long hike, be sure he/she is physically able to handle the exercise.

Additional Pet Travel Tips

Some animals require sedation for travel. See Dr. Rich or Dr. Ashley if needed.

When traveling by car, pack a simple pet first-aid kit that includes assorted bandages, antiseptic cream, an anti-diarrheal medication that is safe for pets (ask Dr. Rich or Dr. Ashley to suggest a product), gauze squares, and the phone numbers of a national poison control hotline and a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.

If you have a microchip, the cost of Poison Control is included.

In addition to an ID tag (with your name, home address, and phone number), your pet's collar should include a travel tag with information on where you are staying while away from home. Should your pet become lost, this will allow you to be contacted locally.

Perform a daily "health check" on your pet when away from home. In unfamiliar surroundings, your pet's appetite, energy, and disposition may change. Watch for unusual behavior, excessive scratching or biting of any body part, vomiting or diarrhea, or excessive drinking.

 

 

CHOOSING A PET SITTER

 

In this section: Where do you find a pet sitter?, What should you look for in a pet sitter?, and How can you help the pet sitter and your pet?
 

If you choose not to take your pet on vacation with you this summer you may want to employ a pet or a house sitter. Hiring a pet sitter can be a rewarding experience for you and your pet. Pet sitters do much more than give your pet food and water while you're away from home. A good pet sitter also spends time with your pet, exercises your pet, is able to give medications and knows how to tell if your cat or dog needs medical attention. Additionally, pet sitters may offer additional services, such as bringing in mail and newspapers, watering plants, turning lights on and off, or providing overnight care for your pet.

Just because someone calls themselves a pet sitter doesn't mean they are qualified to do a good job. Just like traveling with your pet takes planning and preparation, researching a pet/house sitter is important too. You may consider the following:

Where do you find a pet sitter?

Start with a recommendation from a friend, neighbor, Four Paws, your local humane society, or kennel club.

What should you look for in a pet sitter?
 

It's important to learn all you can about a prospective pet sitters' qualifications and services. Before selecting a pet sitter, interview the candidates over the phone or at your home. Consider the following:

• Can the pet sitter provide written proof that she has commercial liability insurance (to cover accidents and negligence) and is bonded (to protect against theft by a pet sitter or his/her employees)?

• What training has the pet sitter received?

• Will the pet sitter record notes about your pet, such as his likes, dislikes, fears, habits, medical conditions, medications, and routines?

• Is the pet sitter associated with a veterinarian who can provide emergency services?

• What will happen if the pet sitter experiences car trouble or becomes ill? Does he/she have a backup?

• Will the pet sitter provide related services such as in-home grooming, dog walking, dog training, and play time?

• Will the pet sitter provide you with references?

Even if you like what you hear from the pet sitter and from his/her references, it's important to have the prospective pet sitter come to your home to meet your pet before actually hiring him/her for a pet-sitting job. Watch how he/she interacts with your pet—does your pet seem comfortable with the person? If this visit goes well, start by hiring the pet sitter to care for your pet during a short trip, such as a weekend.

How can you help the pet sitter and your pet?

Here are some responsibilities of your own to consider:

• Ensure your pet is well socialized and allows strangers to handle him. Introduce your pet to the potential pet sitter.

• Maintain current vaccinations for your pet.

• Leave clear instructions for pet-care responsibilities and emergency contact information, including how to reach you and your veterinarian.

• Leave pet food and supplies labeled in one place. Make sure that medications and their instructions are clearly labeled.

• Buy extra pet supplies in case you're away longer than planned.

• Leave a key with a neighbor or friend as a backup, and give him and your pet sitter each other's phone numbers.

• Show the pet sitter around your home pointing out important safety features such as the circuit breaker and security system.