Hooray, Holiday Time!
Taking pets on vacation requires a lot of planning. According to Petland, preparation is key.
Pet birds, cats, dogs, and other small animals can enjoy family getaways as much as anyone else if behavioral, environmental, nutritional, and maintenance needs are met. Petland recommends vacationers take along an ample supply of their pet’s regular food, treats, water from home, favorite toys, exercisers including tie-out stakes, roosting perches and runabout wheels, traveling crate or cage, litter, collar, leashes, comb, brush, shampoo, nail clippers, vitamins or mineral licks, prescribed medications, and litter box or pooper-scooper. And if your pet has a favorite blanket or pillow on which it sleeps, then be sure to throw it in.
Preparations for taking a pet on vacation will vary slightly depending on the mode of transportation. However, all modes require pets to be confined in well-ventilated, pet-approved traveling crates: one in which a pet can stand up and turn around. Strapping the crate to the back seat of the car with a seat belt will keep the pet in place and safe during sudden stops. Pet owners need to call ahead to find out which airlines allow pets and what the shipping regulations are. Most airlines and border crossings require a veterinarian-approved health certificate.
Experimentation with travel should not be done at the expense of any pet’s health or well-being. Therefore, Petland asks pet owners to heed the following information before engaging in a vacation with a pet: