Traveling with your pet can be an adventure for the whole family! Whether you're going on a road trip in the car or taking a trip abroad, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort.
Any type of travel will depend on your pet, as the pup will be in a confined space for a lengthy period of time. As a proud owner, you should consider if the trip will be as good for you as for your pet because some locations with contrasting weather like heat or cold might affect the wellbeing of your pet.
If you’re hitting the road in the car, there are a few precautions you should take to make sure your pet is safe and secure. Consider if you are able to make stops for the bathroom or wether you need to make other special arrangements for walks. If your pet is gets car sick during long journeys in the car, it's best to reach out to your local vet who can make arrangements for medication.
Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and ID tags with your contact information. It’s also a good idea to have your pet microchipped, this is useful in general in case your pet might get lost!
When you’re on the road, make sure your pet is properly secured in a crate or harness. Bring along their favourite toys and treats to keep them entertained and make sure they’re getting plenty of exercise and potty breaks. This will help keep them safe and prevent them from getting distracted by all the sights and sounds of the open road.
If you’re travelling abroad, you’ll need to make sure you have a valid pet passport for your furry friend. Pet passports contain proof of vaccinations and other important health information that will allow you to cross international borders with your pet. If you need to obtain a pet passport you can easily consult with your local vet here.
In addition to the passport, you should also make sure your pet is up-to-date on all their vaccinations and flea/tick treatments. It is very important to check the types of vaccinations needed to enter a different country, and this varies from country to country. The best way is to get a list of requirements from the country that you are travelling to your vet can make arrangements for necessary vaccinations and treatments. Once you’ve taken the necessary precautions, travelling with your pet can be a “pawsitively” enjoyable experience!
When you’re on an airplane, make sure they’re properly secured in an airline-approved pet carrier under the seat in front of you. Different airlines have different policies for travelling with your pet so be sure to choose the one that best suits you.
Travelling with your pet can be a rewarding and “fur”-filled experience! With a little bit of planning, you can ensure your pet’s safety and comfort while having a “paw” some time.
We are always a call away to help you with all your pet traveling inquiries, just give us a call or pop into your local Village Vets clinic.
Bon voyage and happy travels!
For more information check out our regular segment with Dublin City FM. Vet Aislinn talks about traveling with your pet:
