Added: 10/16/2005 |
Travel With Pets: What are the Laws?Is Your Pet Healthy?
Travel with pets not only includes keeping them healthy, but they will most likely need some vaccinations if traveling, especially a rabies vaccination. Ask your veterinarian what kind of vaccinations your little friend will need. If you are flying to another country, your pet may need more than just a rabies vaccination.
Your veterinarian may be able to tell you what other vaccinations your pet will need, but be sure to also check with your airline and the country you are going to. There are different rules and regulations for different countries when you travel with pets. You will have to find out what you need to prepare your animal for your travel with pets. You may find that your dogs vacation will be a little different than bringing a cat, or other small animal, especially if you have a large dog, or one that is known to be aggressive, such as Pit bulls and German Shepards. Be sure you can have a dogs vacation before you make any other plans. You might have to change your destination, etc.
Here are some tips from Pets on the Go!
• The pet should be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned.
• The pet cannot be ill, violent, or in physical distress.
• According to the ASPCA and many veterinarians, as well as most airlines, pets should not be sedated for air travel. If you are concerned about your pet being over anxious during travel, then please discuss this with your veterinarian. Make sure that your pet's nails are trimmed to avoid snagging on the travel crate's door or some other object.
• The pet should have all necessary health certificates and documentation.
• The travel crate must meet the airline's standards and be large enough for the pet to lie down comfortably, turn around, and stand freely. Mark the crate with "Live Animal - This Side Up" and include your name, address, and telephone number in case she gets lost or misplaced in transit. You also should include the name, address, and telephone number of your destination. New Regulations - Containers constructed after October 1, 2000 must meet the following requirements -- The door must be constructed of welded or cast metal of sufficient gauge or thickness to prevent the animal from bending or distorting the door. The door hinge and locking pins must engage the kennel by at least 1.5 cm (5/8") beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door opening where the pins are fitted. The above requirements do not affect plastic pet kennels that were made prior to October 1, 2000.
• Try to book a non-stop flight and take temperatures into consideration. During the summer, fly at night when it's often cooler. In the winter, fly during the day when it's warmer.
• Certain short-nosed dogs such as pugs cannot breathe well in airplane cargo areas. Avoid flying with these particular breeds.
• Do not feed your pet just before traveling due to the potential for an upset stomach during the flight. Give your pet frozen water or, if possible, some ice cubes that will melt slowly (and hopefully will not dump out during boarding).
• Plan your trip well in advance and make sure you follow all airline regulations. Plan to check-in at the airport at least 3 hours before the flight departs.
Here are some websites that can help you find out what the rules and regulations are for travel with pets to different countries:
http://www.petsonthego.com/transairlineregs.html
http://www.pettravel.com/passportnew.cfm
http://www.pettransporter.com/
http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/info/customs/travelcustoms.shtml
What is Pet Travel Insurance?
Pet Travel Insurance is simply insurance for your pet. If you currently have healthcare, they may offer insurance for your pet, as well. Call and check with them to see if you can add your pet to your insurance. Your current provider most likely will be able to. Different policies cover different things, just as they do for you. Here's one place online that sells pet insurance if you can't get it through your carrier:
There are more out there like this. Just type in "pet insurance" into your search engine if you need to find more.
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