Are you a fan of traveling? Planning a vacation? Some of our furry companions love to venture out and discover new places alongside their beloved humans. On the other hand, some prefer to stay at home. Of course, there are situations when you might need to travel with your pet for reasons other than vacation, including relocation. Keep reading for tips from a veterinarian in Hobe Sound, FL on how to travel with your pets, Fido and Fluffy.

Traveling with Your Beloved Pets

Traveling by air can be quite overwhelming for our furry friends. We generally discourage it, unless it is absolutely necessary. If you must travel with your pet, take your time and thoroughly research before booking.

You may want to ask about the regulations regarding traveling with pets by air. According to federal law, service animals are always permitted on flights.

Each airline has its own unique characteristics. Some airlines, such as Southwest, Alaska, United, American, Delta, Hawaiian, Spirit, and Frontier, have allowed pets to travel in the cabin with their humans in the past. Contact the airline directly and refer to their latest guidelines. They may also vary on weight restrictions and whether or not you are allowed to buy a seat for your pet.

The TSA has regulations in place to ensure that pets can pass through security smoothly. Animals must be on a leash or in a carrier. You may have to take your pet off the leash and bring them through the metal detector.

Before you go ahead and book a flight for your furry friend, there are a few important factors to keep in mind:

• It’s great if your pet is small enough to fit in the cabin. Some larger pets may be required to travel in the luggage compartment. Consider carefully before making plans for this, as it could potentially cause your pet stress and discomfort. The storage spaces are quite noisy and lack the same level of climate control as the cabin. In the event of any delays, your pet may need to remain in his kennel for an extended period of time.
• Schedule a visit to your veterinarian prior to your flight. You may need travel certificates. Also, your pet may need extra immunizations or parasite treatments. Naturally, the available options will vary depending on your destination.
• You may need to administer anti-anxiety medication or a sedative to your pet. Avoid giving your pet anything unless your vet recommends it! Follow directions to the letter.
• Look into the potential hazards in the area. Each ecosystem possesses its own unique collection of plants and animals, some of which may pose a threat to your furry pal.
• Make sure that your pet has a microchip and is wearing identification tags. Consider adding a local number to the tags. For instance, if you plan on staying with a friend for a few weeks, you can easily create new tags that include their phone number.
• When traveling with Fido or Fluffy, make every effort to schedule a direct flight. Your animal partner will find a three-hour nonstop flight much easier than a 14-hour journey with layovers. As the day or flight progresses, Fido and Fluffy may experience increased stress due to the longer duration.
• GPS tags are a great idea. Before making a purchase, evaluate the various options and thoroughly review the feedback provided by other customers.
• Make sure that your contact information is clearly displayed on the carrier. One option is to use luggage tags or clear tape to securely cover a mailing label.

For additional details, please consult your veterinarian in Hobe Sound, FL.

Traveling with Your Furry Companions By Car

Traveling by car is much more relaxing for Fido and Fluffy than flying in an aircraft. However, it is crucial to prioritize your pet’s safety at all times. Our first point? Always keep pets crated for travel!

Here are some other things to consider:

• Before bringing your pet out, start the vehicle and adjust the climate control, especially if you’re driving in the summer or winter.
• Ensure that your pet is getting ample fresh air by slightly opening a window or activating the air conditioner.
• Driving with Fido? Take frequent breaks with your canine companion to allow him to stretch his legs and relieve himself.
• Just like humans, certain pets can experience car sickness. Take your pet for short local rides to help desensitize them to becoming ill on the road. Start with brief rides, then gradually lengthen them.
• Don’t let Fido ride with his head out the window. Bugs, grit, dust, and even lighted cigarettes could get into that furry face. In addition, if you were to suddenly come to a halt—or even worse, have an accident—he would likely sustain severe injuries. Fido could also accidentally activate a window control, which could potentially lead to the window rolling up (posing a choking hazard) or rolling down (creating a risk of escape).
• Add bedding and toys to the crate to make it comfy. It’s important to begin familiarizing your pet with their crate well in advance of the trip. It would be best if you start this process when your pet is still very young.
• It’s important for your pet to view their kennel as a cozy sanctuary, rather than a confining prison. You want your pet to form positive connections with it. Start by placing toys and treats in their crate and gradually move to feeding them inside. After that, you’ll gently shut the door and slowly increase the time your pet stays in the crate.
• There are other alternatives to crates. You can look at products like netting and seat belts during car rides. Exercise caution when dealing with these. While these pet restraints can prevent your furry friend from roaming the cabin, they may not provide much, if any, safety in case of an accident. Take the time to read reviews and seek advice from your veterinarian.
• Never leave pets unattended in cars, even for a minute. This can be very dangerous!

Be sure to ask your vet for more tips on traveling with your furry bestie.

Preparing for Your Furry Friends

Don’t forget to pack for your furry companion, too. It’s important to have all the essentials for your pet, such as food, treats, toys, towels, bedding, a spare leash and collar, a tie-line, and a pet first aid kit. We would also recommend that you keep your pet’s documents with you. (Hint: Store them on a cloud drive for easy access from any location.)

Keep in mind that pets often get upset stomachs from changing food too rapidly. If you’re uncertain about the availability of your pet’s food in your area, you might want to consider sending some to yourself by mail.

Be sure to ask your vet for more tips on traveling with your pet.

Schedule An Appointment At Our Hobe Sound, FL Pet Clinic

Does your beloved pet require a certificate of travel? If your furry best friend requires any veterinarian services, please feel free to contact us without any hesitation. Our local Hobe Sound, FL pet clinic is here to provide your furry pal with top-notch veterinary care!