Just like it’s stressful for parents to travel with their babies, pet owners get stressed about having to travel with their pets. Just like you can pack a few essentials and follow some tips for babies, you can do the same with pets. As long as you follow these tips down to the last detail, you and your pet will have a blast. Let’s look at the top tips for travelling with your pet.
Get a Check-up and Health Certificate
Before you even make travel arrangements for your pet, you should make a visit to the vet. Have the vet do a complete examination on your pet to ensure it is fit to travel. This will also prove helpful as some airlines require a health certificate for the pet.
So, you will be sure that your pet is fit to travel and you will have documentation for the airlines. Just be sure to get this done within 10 days of your flight. If the certificate is older than 10 days, it may not be accepted by the airlines.
Look for Pet Friendly Hotel
Before you leave for your holiday destination, be sure to look for pet-friendly hotels. Most tourist locations have pet friendly hotels. However, they may not have walk-in service. To avoid any inconvenience, be sure to book the hotel in advance. This way you and your pet can crash at the hotel after a tiring flight without having to worry about anything.
Get Your Pet Accustomed to a Carry On
Most pets, especially cats and dogs are not too keen on travelling in cramped spaces. This is why you should get your pet used to a carry on. All airlines that allow pets in the cabin require the pet to be inside the carry on for the duration of the flight.
The best way to go about this is to get the carry on in advance and put your pet in it for a few minutes every day for a few days before travelling. The best thing to do is to travel in your car with your pet in the carry on. Go to malls and crowded places, just so your pet can get used to an environment similar to the airport and plane.
Write the Details about the Pet and Yourself on the Carry On
To avoid having to part with your beloved pet, always carry your and the pet’s details in the carry on. Write the details on a piece of paper, put it in a clear plastic bag and secure it to the carry on. This way if you accidentally happen to misplace the carry on, you won’t have trouble relocating it.
Get Your Pet to Relax
Even if you get your pet used to the carry on, it still may get a little stressed. To relieve your pet’s stress, be sure to exercise it prior to the flight. Of course you should also ensure that your pet hasn’t had anything to eat prior to the flight. Pets can often get stressed and the result is mostly an upset stomach. Moreover, before you put your pet in the carry on, make sure they have gone about their business.
One of the most important aspects about travelling with your pet is to follow the airline’s guidelines. Inform the airline about your situation and ask them if they have any special requirements. As long as you follow the abovementioned tips, you can travel with your pet in a much more conveniently.
