Posted: May 1, 2008 2 a.m. EDT
The warm weather of spring leads many people to start planning their summer vacations. The ASPCA shares pet travel tips for cat and dog owners who wish to bring their pets with them on vacation, reminding owners to keep safety in mind.
“It’s no longer a luxury to invite your favorite four-legged friend on a trip to the beach or other family outings,” said Ed Sayres, ASPCA president and CEO. “And that’s all the more reason families should take precautions to ensure that their pet’s travel is trouble-free.”
Before setting out on a road trip, pet owners should schedule a visit to the veterinarian to ensure their cats and dogs are up-to-date on vaccinations, and to refill any necessary prescriptions their pets might need. The ASPCA offers these additional tips for safe, secure travel this summer:
When traveling by air
- Ensure your pet wears a collar and ID tag with an address and phone number where you can be reached.
- Purchase a USDA-approved shipping crate, large enough for your pet to stand, sit and turn around in comfortably. Put a current photo of your pet on the carrier, along with the name, address and telephone number of the person receiving the pet at your destination. Also write “live animal” in large letters on at least two sides of the crate, along with arrows indicating the upright position of the crate.
- Check with the airline to see if you can bring your pet onboard with you.
- Book a short, direct flight whenever possible, to decrease your pet’s time on the tarmac and in the cargo hold.
When traveling by car
- Again, make sure your pet has a collar and ID tag with current contact information, including your cell phone number and the number of your travel destination.
- Keep your pet safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier, large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in comfortably. Cats should always travel in a carrier.
- Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. The car can heat up quickly, leading to heatstroke in your pet.
- Bring water from home for your pet to drink along the way. Unfamiliar tap water could cause stomach upset in your pet.
- Don’t forget your pet’s rabies vaccination records, especially when traveling across state lines.