Safe pet transport methods will ensure that your pet reaches its destination unharmed. Whether you are traveling by car, train, plane or cruise ship your animal should be provided with safe travel carriers as well as a collar with identification, food and water. If your pet is on any medications they should be attached to your pet travel carrier and the owner should carry another set of medications should the others become lost. Choosing the correct pet carrier may be the difference between a safe and comfortable journey for your pet or a vacation where a pet becomes lost or ill.
Choosing the right travel carrier is the most important part of planning for safe animal transportation. Heavy weight plastic carriers with metal doors and spring-loaded mechanisms are necessary for trips that are handled by carriers. Call ahead to the cargo department of the train, plane or ship to find out the accepted size for a carrier. Pets that are traveling by car can be housed in light plastic carriers and it should be secured with a seatbelt in the rear of your car. Larger dogs can be harnessed in the back seat of your car, much like a toddler. Restraining your pet will keep them from being thrown forward in the event you are involved in an accident.
Pets that haven't traveled in a pet carrier should be allowed to get used to a carrier for at least a week prior to travel. The pet transport method you use will determine the best way to get your pet ready. If your pet is wary, place their bedding in the carrier and allow the pet to sleep in the carrier with the door open. Another method is to feed your pet in the carrier only so they will have to go into the carrier.
Safe pet transport is also accomplished by having your pet checked by a veterinarian within ten days of your travel date. A veterinarian can check your pet to make sure that they are well enough for travel as well as recommend ways to keep your pet comfortable and relaxed for their journey. Occasionally a veterinarian may prescribe medication to help a hyperactive pet calm down for a journey. A check with your pets vet is also important to secure the proper documents. Most hotels, airlines, cruise ships and planes require proof of current vaccinations and certification of flea and parasite management programs before they will allow your pet to travel or stay at an establishment.
Specific instructions should be provided on a pet carrier if your animal is traveling on a plane, train or ship. The instructions should include what medications your animal is on and when they should be given the medicine. What type of food and how much should be given should also be written on the pet carrier. Many frequent travelers will use stickers that can't be easily removed and written on with smudge proof ink to write their pets instructions on the carrier. This is helpful in the event the travel tags are removed from your pet carrier.
Safe pet transport methods include planning ahead for plane travel during very cold or very warm months. If it is very warm you should travel early in the morning or in the late evening. Planes can sometimes stay on the tarmac for an hour or more and your pet will become hot in the cargo bay. The reverse is true for cold weather travel. Plan to travel during the day when it is warmest so your pet won't spend too long in the cold. Another pet transport tip is to arrange plane travel using the straightest route possible, preferably with no stopovers. A shorter trip to your destination will ensure that your pet experiences as little stress as possible.
The key to a successful trip with your pet is planning ahead for safe pet transporting. The reason you are choosing to travel with your pet friend is so that both of you can enjoy a trip together. Work with your travel agent to design a trip that is both safe and enjoyable for both of you.