Travelling with your pet this summer? Follow this checklist

Planning a trip with pets is easier conceived than executed. The ordeal could turn out to be taxing to traumatic for certain pets. It’s essential that you factor in your dog’s personality and behavioural traits before booking your air tickets or having your car serviced.

Make a careful assessment of whether your dog is outgoing with strangers; at ease with venturing into unique environments; and unaffected by spending time in a car or any moving vehicle. These are all great indications of how your pup or senior dog might handle a few days on your spectacular summer sojourn.

The following checklist will prepare you for an awesome trip with your furry friend:

Veterinarian and Groomer

• Go for a routine health check-up with your vet
• Have your pet microchipped with a 15 digit ISO 11784/11785 microchip before vaccination, if necessary
• Verify rabies vaccination expiration
• Discuss any titer test or other testing that must be done
• Also, schedule a visit to your groomer as a clean pet will be a comfortable pet

Pet Supplies

• Leash and collar
• Name tag – with your address, mobile number and destination details
• A photograph of you and your pet
• Bottled water and a portable water dish
• Sealed pet food, dish, and spoon
• Dog or cat treats
• Brush
• Shampoo
• Toys
• Medication (including eye and ear drops, ear powder, tweezers for removing burrs, and any necessary pills or vitamins)
• Pet harness for riding in the car
• An old sheet or two for covering up hotel furniture that your pet may jump up on
• Plastic bags for picking up after your pet

Pet Carriers / Crates

• Pet carrier must have waterproof bottom, adequate ventilation and make your canine buddy feel secure. Your pet must be able to stand up and turn around in its carrier
• Pet crate for larger cats and dogs (or those traveling in a cargo hold) must have a waterproof bottom, spring lock, adequate ventilation and meet other IATA requirements
• Put lots of familiar things in the crate or carrier including something with your scent
• Encourage your pet to rest and nap in its carrier bottom

By Air

If you are planning to book a flight, register your dog with your airline if he or she is flying. Most international and domestic air carriers have an upper cap on the number of pets that can travel aboard. Also, make sure to check on crate or carrier dimensions and have as much identifying information as possible on both pet carrier and your dog’s collar – including your home and destination addresses.

These are some basic questions you need to ask yourself before air travel with your pet:

• Is an import permit required?
• Is a microchip required?
• What vaccinations are required and when should they be administered?
• Is there a Blood Titer Test (RNATT) test required?
• Is an internal and internal parasite requirement?
• Is there a need to make quarantine arrangements?
• Should the pet arrive as manifest cargo?

By Road

• If you’re planning a long drive, spend a few days getting your pup used to being in the car
• For instance, you can drive them to a nearby park a few times to create a positive association
• Prevent carsickness by feeding you pup a few hours before take-off and keeping your car cool, and consider using a harness for safety
• Check for road construction or traffic issues if traveling on the ground
• Set your route in a routing device or in your mobile

Pet-friendly Accommodation

• Find a good pet-friendly hotel and contact them prior to booking online to verify their pet policies. Most of the time, booking online will give you the best prices
• Find a veterinary hospital or clinic nearby in case of emergencies and bring along the information
• Find pet-friendly parks and restaurants nearby so you and your pet can enjoy your stay

Have a wonderful trip ahead with your best pal!