Traveling by Car
If your pet is not accustomed to car travel, take your pet for a few short rides before your big trip.
Car trips can be hazardous to your pet. How many times have you seen a small dog sitting on the drivers lap, looking out the window? Or the cat lying on the rear shelf on the car? A sudden stop, or even an accident can send your pet flying. A loose pet in a car can also escape if someone opens the door, forgetting that your pet is able to jump out before you can grab him or her. They make special harnesses for dogs like seatbelts, and the cat-carrier can always be used to transport your cat safely. Of course, make sure the carrier is also secured to the back seat with a seatbelt.
Packing List
- The veterinarian's documents for your pet.
- Pictures of your pet. In case the pet get lost.
- Both Tags. Your Home and where you are staying.
- Carrier or crate, complete with identification.
- A leash and an extra collar.
- Cats should have a safety collar on.
- Extra sheets or an old blanket for under the carrier for travel in an automobile.
- A couple of sheets to cover furniture and/or the bed at your destination, just in case.
- A blanket or cushion from your pet's home bedding.
- A container of your pet's food. If you pet eats a common food and you know that it is available, you needn't bring a whole bag. But, if you don't know if you'll find your pet's food, then bring it with you. (Don't forget a can opener and spoon, if needed)
- Distilled water, or at least water from your own home. Two gallons should be sufficient, but if you see that you are running lower than a gallon, add part of the destination water to the home water, so that your pet can get acclimated to the other water in a diluted form.
- Personal pet's food and water dish, and a portable water container for traveling while at your destination.
- Backpack for your dog if you are going to be doing hiking or walking.
- Booties for your dog if you plan to travel on uneven or hilly ground.
- Favorite chew toys.
- Treats!
- Grooming supplies, such as a brush or comb, a lint remover for hotel furniture, tweezers and scissors.
- Baby wipes. They are great for keeping paws clean, for clean up any "accidents"
- Trash bags and waste removal bags.
- Disinfectant and carpet cleaner.
- Extra old towels.
- Newspaper, a full litter pan and extra liners for your cat.
- Pet medication, particularly enough of any prescription medication for the trip An approved dog restraint device when traveling by car. Don't forget-- in case of an accident, dogs can be thrown around the car and be injured or killed.
- First aid kit for humans and pets.
Travel Sickness
Many dogs and cats do not travel well in a car. Consider speaking with your vet about tranquilizers. If your pet gets car sick, consider travel-sickness pills. Again, check with your vet for recommendations and dosage.
International Travel
Rabies vaccinations are a must for all travel abroad, and for returning to the United States. Many airlines also require these vaccinations also.
Visit your veterinarian. In the case of traveling abroad, make sure you and your vet know what documents are necessary for ease of entry into another country, particularly a European country. Make sure that your pet has his vaccination and rabies records up to date, the information is not more than 10 days old and that you have two or three copies of this record with you. Also, if your dog or cat isn't micro chipped, have your vet do this identification chip.
If you are planning to travel abroad, particularly if you are planning to travel from North America to United Kingdom countries, be aware that as of this newsletter pets from North America still have to be quarantined for six months in the UK at designated kennels before being allowed into the country. You need to contact these kennels for their brochure information and make arrangements well in advance of the planned trip. (Click
here for information online.) For traveling in the UK under the new Pet Travel Scheme [PETS], a different microchip is needed. See story online at
Pet Travel.
