Tips on Traveling with Pets

Traveling with our pets can be great fun for the whole family, but a successful trip requires some extra planning. First, consider your destination and check with us to see if your pet needs any special vaccines for travel. 

Flying High:

• If you’re flying with your pet, be sure to check first with your airline. There are restrictions on the number of pets allowed in the cabin on each flight, and often restrictions on pets flying cargo during the summer. Short-nosed breeds are at higher risk of overheating while waiting on the tarmac, so they’re often banned from flying cargo in the summer months.
• You’ll need to arrange the necessary paperwork for your pet before you leave home. Health certificates for travel within the United States usually need to be completed by your veterinarian within 10 days of travel, but international rules vary by country and the process can frequently take several months.

Driving Daisy:
If you’ll be driving to your destination, the number one priority is to make sure your pet is used to the car!

• Use short trips around town to get your pet used to the car, and to find out ahead of time if your pet has motion sickness or gets too anxious. Medications can help with both of those conditions – call (513) 791-7912 for advice. 
• Make sure your pet is secured with a harness, seatbelt, or crate within the car. 
• Lastly, prevent your dog from sticking his or her head out the window to avoid eye injury from flying dust particles.

Remember the Doggie (or Kitty) Bag

• Bring along a favorite toy or blanket for your pet, along with a supply of food and all your pet’s medications. Traveling is not the time to try new foods – hello diarrhea! 
• Keep all of your pet’s info with you too in case he or she accidentally goes missing or becomes ill: a picture of your pet, ID tags, microchip number, and medical records.

Paws Palace

• Lastly, make sure your accommodations are pet friendly, and your pet has a reserved spot. You don’t want to go through the stress of traveling and then find out there’s no room at the inn for your pet!

With these precautions, the whole family can enjoy vacation together. Happy travels!

Photo credit Charles Kremenak www.flickr.com