Pre-Travel Checklist for Your Pet

When you’re planning a vacation or cross-country move with your pet, it’s always a good idea to make a pre-travel checklist so you don’t forget anything. Below is a standard checklist you can use in your own trip planning for your pets transport.

Travel by Air With Your Pet

1. Make sure it’s safe for your pet to fly, if that’s your method of transportation. When it comes to pet transport health restrictions, animals that should not fly include dogs and cats if they are pregnant or in heat; under eight weeks old or are not fully weaned; if they are in poor health; or are very elderly. Dog and cat breeds that have flat faces (and therefore can suffer breathing difficulties) should get checked out by a vet to make sure it’s okay to fly.

2. Even if your pet does not fall under one of the aforementioned groups that shouldn’t fly, it still needs to be seen by a vet to ensure it is healthy enough for an extended trip or air travel. Some airlines require a travel health certificate from your vet. This needs to be completed within 10 days of the travel date. You also need to ensure your animal’s vaccines are up-to-date for the country to which you plan to travel.

3. Decide if you want your animal to travel in cargo or the cabin. Each airline is different, so please check before travel. In either case, pet transport rules require the animal remain in a proper pet crate at all times. Items to pack in your carry-on if you are bringing your pet in the cabin with you include its favourite toy or blanket, food, a bottle of water, food and water bowls, and treats.

4. If your pet will be flying as cargo, pack a soft toy or blanket in its crate. Hard toys are not permitted during the flight in case of turbulence, as they can cause injury to your pet. Feel free to include an unwashed towel or shirt of yours so your pet can smell you during the trip and receive comfort from the familiar scent. Other items you will need to include in the crate include absorbent bedding, food and water bowls that will attach to the side of the crate, and a bag of food with feeding instructions.

General Travel Checklist for Traveling with Your Pet

Ensure your pet is safe to travel. Take him or her to the vet and have its vaccines updated if necessary. Be sure to keep all vaccination records with you on-hand if you are travelling internationally.

No matter your method of travel, when you’re arranging pet transport, you always need to make sure your animal is safe in its crate. Inspect your existing one and rent or buy a new one as necessary. Pet crates should be replaced if they don’t latch properly or seem in disrepair.

1. Calculate how much food your animal will consume during the length of your stay. Make sure to pack that, or ensure that the location to which you are going has stores that sell your animal’s brand of food.

2. Pack all prescription medications your dog uses. Leave the medications in their labeled bottles.

3. Choose which of your pet’s favourite toys you will take. Inspect them for holes or damage that would require repair or replacement of the toy.

4. As soon as you get to your intended destination, seek out recommendations for a reliable vet in the area, so you know where to go in case of a pet emergency.

With these tips in mind, you can get you and your pet to your intended destination without any major problems.

Guest Author:  Thanks to our friends “down under” for this guest post.