The following are a list of things to think about before you travel with your pet.“LoJack” Lassie
Implanting a pet with a homing device was practically science fiction in years past. Today it’s a simple procedure performed during a veterinary office visit. A microchip “only the size of a grain of rice is injected under the [pet’s] skin” without fuss or discomfort. You must also register the chip with the manufacturer's database, so that animal control agencies can track it if your pet disappears. As always, your pet should be wearing an ID tag with his or her name and your cell number. And it's smart to carry a recent photo of Fido with you should he disappear.
Coach or cargo?
If you’re flying with a cat or small dog, stowing it in its carrier under the seat in front of you is the most desirable option. Fido needs to stay put throughout the flight, so ensure the carrier “conforms to the shape of the seat without collapsing” or turning over.
Pack your papers
Have a vet examine your pet within ten days of your trip and issue you a health certificate. The airlines will ask to see it, especially if you’re transporting Fido by air cargo. Many hotels will also want to eyeball the document to verify Fido is flea, tick and disease free. All European Union countries and many other overseas destinations will require the certificate to bear a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) stamp, which you can obtain for a $45 fee at your local USDA office. Bone up on country requirements and leash laws, too.
Treat your terrier like a toddler
If you’re hitting the highway, contain your pet as you would for air cargo, stowing it in the back of the car. Take bathroom breaks every two hours if motoring with a dog.
Get Fido in the mood to travel
Conditioning your pet to travel before your trip is critical. If Spot or Felix don’t get out much at home, test your pet’s sociability, taking it places like dog parks and [elsewhere] out of its environment and see how it reacts. Take short car rides, perhaps initially with a friend in back, to reassure your pet that the traveling by car is safe.
Start keeping your pet in its carrier at your feet, so that over time the carrier “becomes a fun place to be,” and your pet doesn’t just associate the carrier or travel with going to the vet or groomer.
Have a vet examine your pet within ten days of your trip and issue you a health certificate. The airlines will ask to see it, especially if you’re transporting Fido by air cargo. Many hotels will also want to eyeball the document to verify Fido is flea, tick and disease free. All European Union countries and many other overseas destinations will require the certificate to bear a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) stamp, which you can obtain for a $45 fee at your local USDA office. Bone up on country requirements and leash laws, too.
Treat your terrier like a toddler
If you’re hitting the highway, contain your pet as you would for air cargo, stowing it in the back of the car. Take bathroom breaks every two hours if motoring with a dog.
Get Fido in the mood to travel
Conditioning your pet to travel before your trip is critical. If Spot or Felix don’t get out much at home, test your pet’s sociability, taking it places like dog parks and [elsewhere] out of its environment and see how it reacts. Take short car rides, perhaps initially with a friend in back, to reassure your pet that the traveling by car is safe.
Start keeping your pet in its carrier at your feet, so that over time the carrier “becomes a fun place to be,” and your pet doesn’t just associate the carrier or travel with going to the vet or groomer.
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