It’s no secret that pet travel poses risks. According to the US Department of Transportation, there were 24 instances of animal fatalities and 15 injuries reported during the past year while traveling in cargo. This includes both passenger and freight animals, as well as research animals that are excluded from the report.
Despite the risks, many pet owners still choose to travel with their animals. Some have found other ways to transport their pets, such as trains and planes. According to an American Pet Products Association survey, the number of people who take their pets on trips has increased significantly between 2006 and 2016.
Despite the increasing number of pet travel options, it’s still important to prepare your animal for the trip. This article will give you the necessary information to make sure that your pet is safe and happy during their trip.
Before you travel, make sure that you’re comfortable with the idea of taking your pet with you. According to Patricia McConnell, a veterinary behaviorist, one of the first things you should ask yourself is if your pet is really interested in the trip. She said that she’s seen people who think their pets are fine, but they were terrified of being in a wreck or a stranger’s presence.
You should also make sure that your pet has an ID tag that includes your pet’s name and your cell number. According to McConnell, a microchip is very important for your pet as it can be easily injected into their skin. These small microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are programmed with a unique number.
Having a microchip can help you identify your pet in case he gets lost. A study conducted in 2009 revealed that dogs with microchips were more likely to be found and reunited with their owners than those without microchips. Cats with microchips were also more likely to be returned home.
Before you travel, it’s important to think about your pet’s personality and how they’ll handle the new environment. You should also check the requirements of the railway or airline that you’re planning on using. After you have found an approved carrier, label it with your pet’s name and contact information. This will make it easier for other people to identify it as a live animal carrier.
Before you travel, make sure that you have a carrier that’s comfortable for your pet. According to Susan Smith, the president and CEO of PetTravel.com, you should set out the bottom portion of the carrier and put treats and bedding inside it to make your pet feel at home. You can also leave the door open to allow your pet to get some rest.
Before you travel, make sure that you have all of your pet’s medical records, as well as proof of their vaccinations. Rules vary depending on the country and airline, so make sure that you have all of your documents with you. You might also need to bring your pet’s documents with you when traveling across state lines. According to Burkert, she has stored all of her pets’ medical records on a USB drive.
Pack your pet’s bedding inside a crate or pet bed to make it feel like home. This will allow it to get some rest and feel like it’s at home when you get there. You can also use the crate or bed to provide a cozy environment for your pet once you reach your destination.
You should also make sure that your pet is on schedule. According to Burkert, dogs are more likely to stay on their routine if they’re regularly fed at the same time as you would at home. Feed your pet at the same time as you would at home, and avoid overfeeding them before a long trip.
Before you leave for your destination, make sure that you have all the necessary items that will help your pet settle in. According to Burkert, if you’re planning on staying in a new rental property, leave your pet with you until you’ve been there for a couple of days. She also recommends using an X-pen or a baby gate to keep your pet inside a secure area. If you’re going to be away without her, a crate can also be used to keep her inside a safe area.