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Tips For Your
Pets During The Holiday Season
Table of
Contents (click to jump there):
HOLIDAY TRAVELING TIPS
Taking
your dog on the family vacation can make for a great trip, if you plan
carefully. Are you traveling by car or plane? How long will the trip
take? Will you be staying with family, or friends, or at a hotel or
motel? Is your dog in good health?
These are some of the questions you will
need to start answering to make your trip safe and fun.
SAFETY
A crate should be used for your dog’s
safety when traveling. Crates are available from most pet supply stores.
Make sure to provide plenty of water and a favorite toy to make your dog
as comfortable as possible.
Check the
crate for the following:
-
Large enough to allow the dog to
stand, turn and lie down.
-
Strong, with handles or grips,
and free of interior protrusions.
-
Leak-proof bottom covered with
plenty of absorbent material.
-
Ventilation on opposing sides,
with exterior rims or knobs to prevent blocked airflow.
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“Live Animal” label, arrows
upright, with owner’s name, address, and phone number.
TRAVEL BY CAR
When traveling by car, be sure to keep your
dog comfortable. Bring along a favorite toy to make your dog feel secure.
If it’s hot, open car windows to provide
sufficient ventilation. Do not let your dog stick its head out of the
window, this may lead to eye or ear injuries. Also, do not let your dog
travel in the back of an open pickup truck, your dog could be injured in
an accident.
TRAVEL BY PLANE
When traveling by plane, plan to visit your
veterinarian before your trip. Certification of health must be provided
no more than 10 days before travel. Rabies and vaccination certificates
are also required. Your dog should be at least 8 weeks old and weaned.
Airlines make it clear that it is the
owner’s responsibility to verify the dog’s health and ability to fly. Ask
your veterinarian whether it would be best for your dog to be tranquilized
for the trip.
Remember each airline has its own
regulations and services. For example, if your crate doesn’t meet their
requirements, the airline may not allow you to use it. They may, however,
allow your dog in the passenger cabin if your crate fits under the seat in
front of you.
When making reservations, you must make
reservations for your dog. There are restrictions on the number of animals
permitted; they are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Check with
your individual airline to determine their requirements.
LODGING
If you plan
to stay at a hotel or motel, be sure to find out in advance if they allow
dogs, many do not. If your dog is allowed to stay at your hotel, respect the
privacy of the other guests. Keep your dog as quiet as possible.
Do not leave your dog unattended. Many dogs
bark or destroy property in strange places.
Prevent any possibility of unwanted messes.
You may want to keep your dog in its crate at night. Also, ask where you
should walk your dog. The hotel or motel may not appreciate its grounds being
used for this purpose.
OTHER HELPFUL TIPS
However you travel, keep
the following tips in mind:
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Make sure your dog has a sturdy
leash and collar. The collar should have identification tags, a license, and
proof of a rabies vaccination.
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Have recent pictures of your dog
with you. If you are accidentally separated, these pictures will help local
authorities find your dog.
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Before your trip, implant your pet
with a microchip for identification. Call us for more information on how
this is done and what it costs.
-
Take the phone number of your
veterinarian and any special medication your dog needs. Some dogs can’t adjust
abrupt changes in diet, so pack your dog’s regular food, bowls and a cooler of
water.
APHIS (Animal & Plant Health Inspection
Service) Contacts
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Deputy Administrator—(301) 734-4981
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Eastern Region—(401) 571-8692
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Central Region—(817) 885-6910
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Western Region—(916)
857-6205
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