Do you have some late-summer travel plans? Perhaps you’re headed off to a secluded cabin, or maybe going to meet your family at the beach. Some of our furry pals love to go to new places with their humans. Others would rather stay home. Of course, you may also need to travel with your pet for other reasons, aside from simple vacations, such as moving. Read on as a local vet from Bellaire, TX offers some tips on traveling with Fido and Fluffy.

Flying With Pets

Flying can be very stressful for pets. The longer the day/flight, the more stressful it will be for Fido and Fluffy. A three-hour direct flight is going to be easier on your furry pal than a 14-hour trip that involves layovers.

We would generally advise against flying with pets, unless it can’t be helped. If you do have to fly with your furry pal, take extra time and do your due diligence before booking.

One thing people often ask about are the rules for flying with pets. The TSA has some standard rules, as far as getting pets through security. Pets need to be leashed or in carriers, though you may need to remove the leash and carry your pet through the metal detector. Carriers will also be inspected.

Aside from that, every airline is different. Some of the carriers that do—or have—allowed pets to travel in-cabin include Southwest, Alaska, United, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Spirit, and Frontier. However, you’ll want to check with the airline itself. They may also vary according to things like weight limits, and whether or not you are allowed to buy a seat for your pet.

Service animals, of course, are always allowed on planes.

What To Consider When Booking A Flight For Your Pet

If you are flying with Fido or Fluffy, you’ll want to try to get a direct flight, if possible. If your pet is small enough to travel with you in the cabin, that would be ideal. However, larger pets may have to travel in the luggage compartment.

Think twice before booking if your pet isn’t allowed in the cabin, as this can be quite stressful and uncomfortable. Not only are the baggage compartments  quite loud, they do not have the same climate control as the cabin. If there are delays, your furry pal may be stuck in his kennel for a while.

That isn’t to say that pets can’t travel safely in cabins. Just be diligent. Check into each airline, and read reviews from people who have traveled with them with pets. Also, try to book a direct flight or a flight with a short layover.

You’ll also want to talk to your vet. You may need travel certificates. Your pet may also need additional vaccines or parasite preventatives. The exact options will depend on where you are going, of course. It may also be helpful to give your pet anti-anxiety medication or a sedative for traveling. If you do, follow instructions to the letter.

Also, make sure that your furry bestie is microchipped and wearing ID tags. GPS tags aren’t a bad idea. Just look at the various options before purchasing.

It’s also important to make sure that your contact information is on the carrier. You can use luggage tags for this, but you can also use a mailing label and cover it with clear tape.

Driving With Pets

Car rides are definitely easier on Fido and Fluffy than flights are. Some of the same rules apply:  you’ll still need to take precautions.

Your Bellaire, TX answers a few key questions here:

What If My Pet Gets Carsick?

Some pets are prone to carsickness, just as people are. If your furry pal tends to get a bit nauseous on the road, you can try desensitizing them by taking them on rides. Start with short ones, then increase the distance. Your Bellaire, TX vet may also be able to prescribe medication.

How Do I Keep My Pet Comfortable On Car Rides?

Getting a great crate is a start, but that isn’t the only thing to consider.

Make sure the cabin is comfy. If you’re traveling in summer or winter, start the car and the climate control before bringing your pet out.

You also want to make sure your furry pal is getting good airflow. Crack a window, and/or turn on the ace.

With dogs, be sure to stop regularly to let Fido stretch his legs and relieve himself. This is a great time to make use of an app that will locate parks or trails.

Do I Have To Crate My Pet For Travel?

Pets have to be in a crate or carrier on a plane by law. This isn’t universally regulated when it comes to car rides, but it’s still your best bet by far. Even if Fido looks adorable riding with his head out the window, this is very dangerous. Your pup could get bugs, rocks, dust, or even lit cigarettes in his face. Plus, if you had to stop suddenly—or worse, had an accident—he would be in serious danger of getting injured.

You’ll want to make the crate comfy for your furry friend. Add some soft bedding and a few comfort toys. Of course, the process of getting your pet comfortable in their crate should start long before the actual journey. Ideally, this should start when your furry buddy is still quite young.

Making sure that your fuzzy pal sees their crate as a cozy den, and not a jail cell, is extremely important. You want them to form positive associations with it. Start by giving them toys and treats in their crate, and then start feeding them in the crate. From there, you’ll graduate to closing the door, and slowly increase the amount of time your pet is in the crate.

For car rides, you can also look into things like nets and seat belts. Just be careful with these. They stop your pet from moving around the cabin, but may not offer much—if any—protection in case of an accident. Read reviews, and ask your Bellaire, TX vet for advice.

Packing For Pets

Remember to pack a travel bag! You’ll want to include food, treats, a few toys, towels, bedding, a spare leash and collar, a tie-line, and a pet first aid kit. It’s also important to bring your documents along. (Tip: Upload them to the cloud so you can access them from anywhere.)  If you aren’t sure if your pet’s food will be available at your destination, see if you can ship some to yourself there.

Exploring On Vacation

What about when you get to your destination? Hopefully this goes without saying, but keep your canine buddy leashed or in fenced areas. You may also want to read up on local hazards. Every ecosystem has specific flora and fauna, some of which may be unsafe.

Once you arrive at your spot, take Fido for a walk and let him explore. This is a great way for both you and your pet to get a feel for your location, and also spend some time together!

Make An Appointment At Our Bellaire, TX Pet Clinic

Does your pet need a travel certificate? Please do not hesitate to contact us for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. As your Bellaire, TX pet clinic, we are here to help!