Taking your furry friend on a journey is always a joy, but it’s essential to consider their comfort and safety if you take your pet for a car ride or any other mode ot travel. These tips for traveling with pets can help you during such an experience.
While you may enjoy the journey, your pet may find it stressful, mainly if they’re not accustomed to the movement of the vehicle. Besides, planning ahead is crucial when flying with animals. It can be a stressful experience for you during your road trip with pets, and recent federal regulations have made it even more complex.
Gone are the days when emotional support animals were allowed on flights. The new rules mean airlines no longer have to accommodate them, so saying goodbye to your lapdog or emotional support peacock is a must. But don’t worry, there are still ways to ensure a smooth journey for everyone involved. We’ve gathered some expert advice to guide you through the process. From buying accessories to keeping your pet calm during transit, we’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
1. Select a Carrier
Choosing the right option is crucial for the pet-friendly travel experience. While it may seem like a larger carrier is better, it is actually more beneficial to have just enough space for your pet to move easily. If the carrier is too big, your pet may be tossed around during travel. When flying with your pet, it is important to select a soft-sided carrier that is flexible and easy to store. Explore top-rated airline pet carriers designed for comfort and compliance, ensuring a smoother travel experience. Always verify the carrier’s dimensions with your airline’s pet policy to avoid surprises.
To ensure compliance, check your airline’s website for the maximum dimensions of pet carriers allowed on your flight. By installing an app on your iPhоnе, a popular VPN service, you can access it from anywhere. In addition, the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.
2. Pick a Harness
It should be one of the most important options on every pet travel checklist. About 10 million cats and dogs get lost or stolen in the U.S. every year. To ensure the comfort of cats not accustomed to leashes or harnesses, you can allocate additional time for them to adjust.
It is advised to practice this within the confines of the home before embarking on any travel. You can avoid the hassle of searching for your furry friend in unfamiliar territories by taking preventative measures. Make sure to equip your pet with an ID tag that includes your current phone number.
Prior to embarking on your journey, consider microchipping your pet for added security. Always carry a clear and up-to-date photo of your beloved pet. This will aid in swiftly communicating their appearance to others or creating missing pet posters if necessary. You should also learn more about pet car safety rules. By implementing these precautions, you can enjoy your vacation without the worry of your pet running off or becoming lost in a distant place.
3. Take Care of Food and Water
To ensure your pet’s comfort during a ride, it is crucial to meet their needs effectively. Stick to their regular feeding schedule as much as possible, despite the possibility of a stressed cat rejecting the offer. Additionally, prepare an ample amount of food, exceeding what you think you’ll need. Ensure that the food is conveniently accessible, avoiding the hassle of digging through multiple suitcases in the trunk.
Furthermore, for water, consider utilizing a small container with a lid. This allows for easy access to water whenever your dog or cat requires it. Subsequently, it enables convenient storage without the need to waste unused water or deal with unwanted spills.
4. Lower Your Pet’s Stress Levels
Air and car travel can be a stressful experience for animals, just as it can be for humans. Pets are exposed to unfamiliar environments and loud noises, which can heighten their anxiety levels. While there might be several dog breeds that are calmer than others when it comes to traveling, it doesn’t hurt to be more prepared
To ensure the comfort of your pet during the trip, experts suggest refraining from feeding them within four to six hours before departure. However, it is important to provide them with water. Besides, you should learn more about pet car safety.
If you opt for air travel, before the flight, consider finding a calm and quiet area in the airport to spend time with your pet. It is not advisable to be in a crowded food court or any other place that may cause additional anxiety. Anxiety wraps, like ThunderShirts, can help alleviate stress, but please note that they are only allowed for pets traveling in the cabin. Airlines do not permit animals to wear any kind of clothing in the cargo hold.
If your pet experiences severe anxiety, you may consult with your veterinarian about administering a mild sedative. However, for better safety and security, it’s essential to check with the airline beforehand, as some may not allow sedated pets, especially in the cargo hold.
5. Find Pet Relief Areas
Another point on your pet travel checklist refers to the way to make a trip more comfortable. In the past, airports had limited options for pet relief areas. However, there has been a significant improvement. Nowadays, U.S. airports that serve 10,000 or more passengers annually must have wheelchair-accessible service-animal relief areas in each terminal. These areas have become more extravagant, resembling dog parks in some cases.
To locate these areas, it is essential to follow clear signage or refer to online terminal maps. Alternatively, if you are unable to find a designated pet relief area, it is recommended to arrive at the airport ahead of time and take your dog for a brief walk. For cat owners, placing cat litter in the carrier and disposing of it afterward can be a suitable solution. Using these pet travel tips, you can make your experience safer and more enjoyable.Â
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