Traveling With Your Pet

Traveling with your pet usually involves more than putting the animal in a car and/or plane, especially if you’re moving or traveling far away. Before you start traveling with your pet, here are a list of things to do before the trip.

First, make sure you locate a local veterinarian or pet hospital that is close to where you are staying.  This way, you will be well prepared in advance in case anything happens.  Email the veterinarian for pictures, a price list (if possible), check reviews online and do your research.  Drop by the vet’s office when you arrive and make sure that it meets your expectations in the areas of cleanliness, caring and well-trained staff, reasonable fees, and convenient hours.

Next, make sure you always have your current veterinarian’s phone number handy in case of an emergency or if the temporary veterinarian needs more information about your pet.

If your pet has any medical problems, make sure they are examined before the trip.   Some countries require a full exam and health certificate, and the United States and Canada require a valid rabies certificate.  Make sure you discuss this with your veterinarian.  It is always a good idea to travel with a copy of your pet’s medical records, especially if the animal has a difficult medical history.

If your pet is on medication, be sure to have plenty for the trip and then some.  Veterinarians cannot write a prescription without a prior doctor/patient relationship.  This means that in order to get any drugs, your pet will need to be examined first by its new doctor.  This may be inconvenient if you need medication right away.  You may want to ask your current veterinarian for a prescription before you travel.

If your pet is on a special therapeutic diet, purchase an extra supply in case you can’t find the food right away in your new area.

Carry a first aid kit for your pet. While first aid is no substitute for veterinary care, knowing basic first aid could save your pet’s life.

Do your research and make sure the hotels you are staying at accept animals.  Click here to view hotels that accept animals.

Thinking of using a boarding kennel? Get recommendations from your veterinarian and make sure your pet’s vaccines are up-to-date.

If traveling by plane, call the airline in advance to check out regulations and services and to make reservations. Some airlines will allow pets in the cabin, but you will need to purchase a special airline crate that fits under the seat in front of you.

Learn more about your new area. Your veterinarian can tell you if there are any diseases like heartworm or Lyme disease and vaccinations or medications your pet may require. Also, be aware of any unique laws. Some places have restrictions on exotic animals (ferrets are not allowed in some cities),and there are restrictive breed laws in others, such as no pit bulls allowed. Your pet could be affected by these laws, so call ahead to the city or travel information bureau for more information.

If you’re traveling between countries, it’s important to carry a rabies vaccine certificate. Expect your pet to be quarantined in certain locations. Hawaii has a 120-day quarantine period, and the United Kingdom has a six-month quarantine period. Call the Agriculture Department or embassy of the country or state to where you are traveling for information on special documents, quarantine, and additional costs to bring the animal into the country.

Canada has an automatic veterinary inspection for $35 at the border for pets entering from countries other than the United States. New Zealand has mandatory microchip implanting and a $10 scan fee at the border. Make sure you have the right kind of currency and enough of it to pay any fees or your pet will be boarded.

To avoid losing your pet during a move, make sure your pet is wearing an ID tag. To be doubly protected, consider having your pet tattooed or having a microchip implanted. The more methods of identification,the better chance that the owner will be found. Microchip databases are specific to the United States and Canada, so register your pet in both if moving between these countries. You should also register the name and phone number of a relative who can identify the pet in case the owner can’t be reached while traveling.

Overall, make sure you have enough medication for your pet, appropriate documentation for travel to other countries,or money to pay for border fees. Be prepared by bringing a copy of your pet’s medical records, proper documentation and medication, and know the laws before going into the new city or country.