Corner Animal Hospital : Online Pet Pharmacy and Veterinary Service

This is the time of year when people plan on bringing their pet with them on car trips and airline flights. This can make your vacation more fun, or it can make it less rewarding. This depends on how well your pet travels and a little preparation on your pet.

Some pets go on car rides with their owner on a routine basis and will have no problem on an extended ride. Some pets though are conditioned to the fact that a car ride usually means the groomer, with an occasional trip to their doctor. These pets tend not to do well on a long car ride. Try to get them used to the car in small segments for a few weeks prior to any long trip. Minimize food and water prior to prevent vomiting, and take them to a place they look forward to. This might help them overcome any anxiety.

Make sure your cat is accustom to the carrier it will be in. Purchase a seat belt harness for your dog and do not let it sit in an airbag equipped passenger seat. Take frequent breaks for water, exercise, and bathroom. Of course never leave your pet alone in a car in the summer due to the potential for overheating.

Airplane flights can be a different story for some pets. Most pets do not travel on airplanes routinely so it is hard to predict their behavior. Always check with the airline prior to your flight to determine their exact policy regarding pets on their flights. Federal regulations require your pet to be at least 8 weeks old before flying.

Get to the airport early and exercise your pet before personally loading it into the crate if your pet is traveling in the cargo hold. Make sure your crate is approved and in good shape because your pet might try to escape. Let your pet have access to this travel crate for at least several weeks prior to your flight. Feed your pet the night before the flight and just give water during the day of the flight until you are at your final destination. If your pet has a medical problem check with your veterinarian on a feeding schedule.

Any time you travel you should have a picture of your pet, ID and your contact number on its collar, proof of all vaccines, and a health certificate from your veterinarian. Ask your veterinarian if a tranquilizer might be indicated for anxiety and to prevent vomiting. It should be given before you even leave the house to go to the airport. When you get to the airport give an additional tranquilizer only if necessary and according to your veterinarian’s directions.

Good luck and enjoy your trip!

From the doctors at the Corner Animal Hospital