While traveling, in general, can be challenging and stressful, traveling with a dependent in tow, be it your children or a family pet, can make things even more difficult to manage. Not only are you worried about the basic things like getting to the airport on time and making it through security, but you also have to prepare for the needs of your dependent, whatever those might be. So to help ensure that you’re able to make it to your final destination without any major hiccups, here are three tips for traveling with your pet, especially when it means flying together.
See Your Vet Before You Leave
Before you leave home for your travel, ASPCA.org advises that you take your pet to see the vet. At this appointment, you should make sure that all your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date, as well as getting a certificate stating the health of your pet. While you’re visiting with the vet, you can also ask any questions you might have about tranquilizing your pet for the trip or ways you can help to keep him or her calm while in transit. Traveling can be a very stressful time for pets, so you want to make sure that your pet is physically ready for this event and that you’ve done everything in your power to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch.
Use The Right Carrier
To keep your pet safe and secure, you’re likely going to want to travel with him or her in a pet carrier. For pets that are used to being in a carrier or kennel, this will likely be an easier transition. But if your pet hasn’t been in a carrier or doesn’t like their carrier, you may have to ease your pet into it. To help with this, Laura Moss, a contributor to the Huffington Post, recommends that you get a kennel or carrier that’s big enough for your pet to turn around and stand up in. Also, make sure you equip the carrier with food, water, bedding, and stickers that say “Live Animal”.
Be Prepared For Anything
As much as you might like to hope that nothing will go wrong on your travels, things like delays or other problems often happen. If these types of things take place when you have a pet, you’re going to want to be sure that you have everything your pet might need if your travels become prolonged. According to Yaharia Cespedes, a contributor to PetMD.com, this should include things like extra food and water, as well as a first aid kit in the event that your pet somehow gets hurt while in its kennel.
If you’re planning to travel with your pet in the near future, consider using the tips mentioned above to help things go smoothly for everyone involved.
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