Travel Safely With Your Pet

Travel Safely With Your Pet

When traveling with pets, safety and awareness should always be a priority. We have outlined some guidelines and cautioning that can safeguard the wellbeing of your pet while in transit.

Car Travel

• Pets should always be secured in the car and not be able to wonder around the vehicle and cause distraction to the driver. Crates and animal carriers are always recommended in addition to the use of seat belts. In the event that a crash occurs, your pets will have a higher chance of survival.
• Pets should never be left alone in a car. In hot climates, temperatures inside a car can rise rapidly and cause organ damage or even death. When possible, having a travel companion to watch over the animals is always helpful. If you’ll be Moving During Extreme Weather Conditions, take all precautions to ensure your pet will be safe, and comfortable.
• Who doesn’t like the wind blowing in their face as they drive on the open highway? Even animals enjoy this feeling of freedom. However, particles of debris can cause injury to your pet and the pressure of the air into the lungs can cause your pet to become ill. Therefore, it is best to have your pet secured in a crate or carrier. Pets should never be transported in the back of an open pickup truck.

Air Travel

It is advised by The Humane Society to be aware of all the risk factors when choosing to have your pet travel by airplane. When possible, car travel is recommended.

• Brachycephalic animals are at a high risk when flying. The medical term brachycephalic syndrome also known as “brachycephalic respiratory syndrome” is used for certain breeds of cats and dogs that have a skull, face and nose that are shortened. Pet Coach has additional detailed information.
• When possible, flying with your pet in the cabin is always the better option. Airlines limit the number of animals permitted in the cabin, so prior booking and confirmation is recommended to ensure you meet all the safety and airline regulations. If you need help, there are pet transporting companies that can assist you. Bring Fido is a great source of information on regulations for pet air travel within the United States.
• A veterinarian should decide if a pet would need to be prescribed tranquilizers or sedation. Other than this, sedation is not advised. When an animal is sedated, it shifts their natural ability to find calm and stability and may induce respiratory and cardiovascular problems. If you do decide to sedate your pet, make sure to have all information readily available on your pet’s carrier. It should include: name of drug, dosage and how it was administered.

Dangers of your pet flying in cargo

It is rare that injury or fatalities of animals occur, but occasionally there are deaths, injury and pets getting lost when travelling in the cargo area of the airplane. The main factors for these occurrences are:

• Poor ventilation.
• Excessive temperatures, being either too hot or too cold.
• Rough handling can also contribute to any harm your pet may have experienced.

If you witness any animal being mistreated, report the incident in person and in writing.

It is required by most U.S. airlines to report all companion animal incidents that happen in the cargo hold. It is your responsibility to research any airline you are considering.

For further information read our informative guide to Moving with pets.