Ah, vacation time approaches. My hubs and I are bound for Colorado this week so we can attend our niece’s high school graduation and visit with family.
Alas, the pets will have to stay home. But they will have our summer class-bound daughter, their favorite pet sitter also known as The Cookie Lady, to watch them at our home, so no need for a kennel on this trip.
And the whole family, me, hubs, daughter, and dogs, will all have a nice vacation later this summer, so it's all good.
If you are planning to tote your terrier on a trip this summer, here are a few tips from the ASPCA to make your travel safer and more enjoyable.
For smooth air travel with your pet:
State your name for the record. Your pet should always wear a collar and identification tag that clearly states an address or phone number where you can be reached. Additionally, you should clearly put a current photograph on your pet’s carrier and clearly write the name, address, and telephone number of the person receiving him at your destination.
Handle with care. Purchase a USDA-approved shipping crate—it should be large enough for your pet to stand, sit and turn around in comfortably. These crates can be purchased from many pet supply stores as well as individual airlines. Also, write “Live Animal” in large letters on at least two sides of the crate, and use arrows to prominently indicate the upright position of the crate. HANDY TIP: Check with the airline to determine whether small animals can remain with you in the cabin.
Keep it short and direct. Decrease your pet’s chances of being left on a tarmac or outside during extreme weather conditions by booking a direct flight whenever possible. HANDY TIP: The night before you leave, freeze a small dish or tray of water for your pet. This way, it can’t spill during loading, and will melt by the time he or she’s thirsty.
For smooth road trips with your pet:
A seat for a King. Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. Again, make sure it’s large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. If your dog will be riding on the seat, outfit them with a harness and safety belt to keep them secure in case of sudden stops or changes in direction. Cats should ALWAYS be in a carrier. HANDY TIP: If you give your pet time to get used to the carrier beforehand, he or she will be much more comfortable travelling in it.
Keep them cool even when it’s hot. Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle! On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. And don’t forget about water! Bring along plenty of your own bottled water or tap water from home stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water they’re not used to could result in stomach upset for your pets.
California here I come! Bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination records, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. It’s always wise to make sure your pet has an ID collar with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number, and any other relevant contact information.
Comments
[May 20, 2008 12:49 PM]
Ed S.A small related tip for anyone that travels...
Putting your destination address on the pet carrier (or luggage) is fine. However, I try to keep my home address off of (and out of) any luggage that is checked. It's an easy indicator that someone likely won't be at that address for a while.
I can't remember where I heard this before, but it's a good tip.