Air travel for pets and emotional support animals has grown in recent years. In fact, according to a study by AAA and the Best Western International, over 50% of U.S pet owners take their cats and dogs with them when traveling. As a result, carriers are tightening their restrictions to avoid danger and discomfort for human and nonhuman fliers alike.
Traveling with pets can make a vacation more fun for you and your family if you approach it carefully. Below, you will find some tips to make any trip with your pet safe and enjoyable.
Be attentive to how your pet feels before the Trip
If you’re taking a pet on a trip, pay attention to how they react to being in a new environment and having new experiences. Watch your pet – ensure they perceive the journey as a pleasant event as some pets tend to run away from their owners when they experience a “shocking” event in the course of a trip.
Also, get specifics on travel requirements of various countries for traveling with pets. According to experts suggest on ThePets you may need medicines, special vaccines, import permits, health certificates, and procedures that may vary depending on the country you’re traveling to.
Keep Dogs away from Windows
A dog sticking its head outside the windows during a trip may look cool, just like in the movies, but it is a reckless thing to do. No matter the distance you’re traveling with your dog, they should never be allowed to stick their heads out the window. Not only can litter and debris whack the dog with their heads out the window, but it could also place their respiratory system at risk, especially if the weather is chilly.
Invest in a Comfortable Pet Harness
Restraining your pet might seem like some form of torture, but in fact, it’s the safe thing to do, especially if you have a large dog breed. You should look to get comfortable one, and that can be connected directly to the existing seat belt.
It’s possible your pet might complain a bit, but in the course of the trip, they’d get used to it and stay put. Some pets might be a bit rogue and insist on their freedom, but as a pet owner, their safety and your safety must take precedence. You could also consider getting harnesses that come with bed-like boxes, especially if you’re traveling with a small or mid-sized pup.
Preparing to Ride
Like learning to sit, frisbee, rollover, or blaze, a pet can be taught to ride on land, air, or water. Experts suggest starting the process by getting the pet used to the transport they will be traveling in. You can do this by allowing them to see it from afar and up-close and letting them sniff about and adjust to the new surroundings. You can even associate the experience with a treat, so they consider it brings fond memories to them when actually traveling.
You can also take the pet a long or short trip and make a stop where loves to play. This way, they come to associate particular kinds of trips with fun and treats. If the only experience on a car is to the vet’s office, don’t be surprised when they give you some flack when you try taking them along for a long trip.
ID your Pet Properly
Never travel with pets unless they have some form of identification on them. You could include tags on their collars or some form of a microchip implanted containing up-to-date information about you, the owner, or GPS tracking. Pets are prone to take flight when they experience new things, and you don’t want your pet running off without hope of tracking them when they do. In conclusion, having a relaxed attitude is key to making the most of your trip, traveling alone, or with your four-legged companion. By following the simple rules above and taking the necessary documentation, you can be sure your trip would be pleasant and exciting.
