Pet owners often forget that their pet needs a trip to their veterinarian prior to traveling, especially if you are planning international jet setting. A trip to the veterinary clinic can ensure that your pet is in good health. If your pet isn't ready or healthy enough for travel, your veterinarian may be able to provide kennel services or recommend one for you. Assuming that your pet is in good health, your veterinarian will be able to provide your pet with the necessary shots and paperwork required for travel. Dog health records are required at most hotels and all airlines.
If your pet is going to travel internationally, they will need specific paperwork and shots from the veterinary clinic, which is determined by the country you are visiting. Your veterinarian should be able to provide you with the appropriate certifications prior to travel. The certificates should be dated within 10 days of your travel date. Pets traveling to European countries are subject to a six-month quarantine before they are allowed into the country.
Consider having a microchip placed in your pet at the veterinary clinic. The microchip can be helpful if your pet is lost and has no other identification on them. Pets traveling to European countries will need a different type of microchip that your veterinarian can obtain for you. Your pet should always travel with a collar that has all identification information on it in case your pet should get lost. If your pet is on medication, this should be on the collar as well.
Your local veterinary clinic may also be able to offer you pet insurance options for traveling as well as an annual policy to cover pet illnesses. Pet life insurance can be purchased through airlines. It is not uncommon, unfortunately, for animals to die while in transit on airlines. The cargo hold area on an airplane can get very cold as well as very hot, depending on the outside conditions. Pets can die from stress related illnesses as well as heat exhaustion and exposure to the cold. If you have a very valuable pet it may be prudent to look into purchasing either or both of these pet insurance policies. Dog health insurance policies are available for many breeds with a few exclusions. Those breeds that can be excluded include German Shepherds who have hereditary hip displasia and Shar-peis that have a host of hereditary problems. Your veterinarian will be able to advise you on which insurance companies will cover any hereditary problems that your pet may be subject to.
A trip to the veterinary clinic may also be necessary even if your pet is just traveling in a car. Many dogs become car sick on long journeys and your veterinary can provide you with tranquilizers to make your pet's trip less stressful and more comfortable. Your veterinarian will also advise you to be sure to travel with a collar that isn't a choke collar and a leash so that you can take your pet out for a walk at rest stops. Pets need to stretch out their legs and have a chance to relieve themselves the same as their human companions do.
Traveling with a pet can be an enjoyable experience if you are prepared for everything that you may encounter on your journey. Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with all the paperwork required as well as the information you will need to keep your pet healthy and happy on their journey.