Travel Tips for Pet Owners
Hitting the road with your furry friend? Whether you’re planning a summer break adventure or just a weekend getaway, traveling with pets requires some extra preparation. At Animal Hospital of West Woodstock, we want to ensure every trip you take is safe, healthy, and stress-free for your animal companions.
Make a Travel Checklist
Before embarking on any journey with your pet, it’s wise to create a checklist covering all the essentials. A few must-have items include:
- Sufficient food and water for the duration of travel
- Any medications your pet takes regularly
- Up-to-date vaccination records
- A comfortable crate or carrier
- Waste bags for cleaning up after your pet
- A favorite toy or blanket to reduce stress
Having everything organized ahead of time allows you to focus on making great memories.
Schedule a Pre-Travel Vet Visit
As part of your travel preparations, be sure to schedule a visit with your veterinarian. There are a few important reasons for this pre-travel check-up:
- Get your pet updated on any vaccinations they need for travel to avoid health risks.
- Discuss any medications or preventives needed based on your travel plans, such as anti-nausea medications for car rides.
- Obtain a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate)
A proper health certificate shows you’ve gotten your pet travel-ready by having them examined and treated by an accredited veterinarian. It essentially gives your pet a clean bill of health for travel.
A pet health certificate contains important details about your pet, such as:
- Their breed, age, and unique identification (such as a microchip)
- Vaccination records showing they’re protected against diseases
- Verification from your vet that they’re free of parasites and contagious illnesses
- Confirmation they don’t come from an area with rabies quarantines
For international trips, you’ll need a USDA-endorsed health certificate issued within ten days of your departure date. Requirements may vary by country. Make sure your pet meets the specific entry requirements of your destination country, which may include additional vaccinations, treatments, a microchip, import permits, and more. It’s crucial to start the process early, as obtaining all required documents, and meeting timelines can take months for some destinations.
Secure Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Whether you’re driving or flying, do your research to find pet-friendly hotels, motels, and rest stops along your route. When making reservations, always notify businesses that you’ll be traveling with a pet.
For air travel, most airlines have very specific requirements for onboard pets, including:
- Maximum crate/carrier size and weight
- Advance notice and fees
- Health certificate dated within 10 days of travel
If your pet is traveling as cargo, you may need to pay additional fees such as terminal handling, customs clearance, and veterinary inspection upon arrival. Be sure to thoroughly review all pet policies before booking your travel.
Keep Calm and Travel On
With some advanced planning, traveling with pets can be an enjoyable bonding experience. By packing all the essentials, getting expert veterinary care, and finding pet-friendly accommodations, you’ll be all set for an amazing adventure.
If you have any other questions about safe travel for your furry family members, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Animal Hospital of West Woodstock. We’re here to help make every trip smooth sailing.