Tips from a Veterinary Professional for Traveling with Pets

Are you moving? Going on a trip? Can’t or don’t want to board or leave the pets behind? Years ago, this would have been a huge dilemma. However, there are now many “pet friendly” places that will accommodate you and your furry family along the way. Besides those things, there are always a few other snippets to keep in mind to make traveling with a pet a bit more efficient and hassle-free for you.
Not only have I worked in the veterinary field for over 16 years but I have personally traveled from coast to coast across America with a 9 year-old Rottweiler. I’ve also heard many travel stories from a great number of my clients; good and bad. The best travel stories have been the ones that went smoothly after the pets’ owner planned ahead and had proper paperwork with them (such as a health certificate when traveling via plane and/or driving over country borders.) The worst accounts I’ve heard were the ones when they were not prepared, uninformed, and naÃ?¯Ã?¿Ã?½ve due to throwing chance to the wind and hoping for the best. (That’s never a good idea in any situation!) So, reflecting on some experiences that clients have portrayed to me in the past, here are a few tips that may help under various circumstances.
When traveling via aircraft:

1.) If your pet is traveling in a carrier that is going to fit under your seat, be certain that the carrier is “airline accepted” before boarding the aircraft. There are many different pet carriers on the market but only certain ones that airlines will allow. Also, different airlines may accept or decline specific ones. You also must make sure the dimensions of the containment are accepted under those particular airlines’ regulations. Most travel merchandise items can or do provide information directly on the product information tag as to if it is accepted and to which airlines it is accepted by.

2.) Be sure that the season you are flying with your pet is a health-conscious and acceptable one. Many airlines will not fly a pet (if traveling via “cargo”) if the current weather temperature is over 85 or under 45Ã?¯Ã?¿Ã?½ between both destinations. This is with good reason due to the safety of your beloved pet and of course, the liabilities of the airline.

3.) Regarding tranquilizationâÂ?¦.I recommend it only if and when a pet is within the “high anxiety” type personality category. If the pet is going to be placed under your seat and he or she is not of a “hyper” disposition, don’t bother tranquilizing. If he or she is a barker by nature, well then, you may want to consider a very mild tranquilizer for the common courtesy of other passengers. A yappy dog can be just as annoying and rude as a screaming or obnoxious child on any flight!

4.) If your pet is flying in the cargo section, I DON’T suggest sedating them unless absolutely necessary. The best way I can describe my rationalization is this: Imagine you are the animal in an enclosed containment as to where you have enough room to stand up, turn around, and lie down (which is standard for any crate or kenneling situation whether traveling or at home.) Now, remember that there is a lot of shifting and movement before, during, and after a plane flight; (more than you may experience in the cabin of the plane.) Such shifting can make your pet vulnerable to lose his or her balance, hitting their head, or possibly falling over and injuring another part of their body. If he or she is disorientated, it is much more difficult to keep proper balance in guarding their proper bearing, thus, making him or her more susceptible to physical injury.

When driving:
Making sure the stopping destinations are “pet friendly” when driving is crucial!

1.) If you plan to travel over the border of any county, state, or even a country, research the laws and be sure to have the proper paperwork handy to present at check point stops, border patrol, and/or police in case youÃ?¯Ã?¿Ã?½re pulled over for any reason. Be sure your pet is properly vaccinated and licensed from where you are traveling from. If you are moving to a new area, don’t worry about your pet not being licensed there yet. As long as your pet is currently registered from where you’re traveling from, you are legal. Just make sure your pet is properly vaccinated according to the country he or she is traveling into.

2.) Your pet should always be leashed outside of the vehicle! It’s obvious that you will need to stop at rest stops several times per day. At most rest stops, there will be signs provided that will direct you to designated “pet-walk” areas. Even if you believe your pet will never leave your side, have him or her on a leash. That is the law in most places. You never really know what your pet is capable of at all times, especially when other animals are around. And, given the fact that they are in an unfamiliar place, they may be even more protective of you or possibly even more self defensive due to being in unknown territory. You know your pet more than anyone, but you must keep in mind that they still possess unpredictable animal instincts whether a domesticated animal or not!

3.) 1.) Pet-Friendly hotels! Trust me, you’re gonna need them! I must repeat, CALL AHEAD to specific places in which you plan to travel to. Why? Many chains are not owned by a single parent company. (Just like other franchises such as fast-food chains.) Reflect from memory of the advertisements you’ve heard on television or radio when youÃ?¯Ã?¿Ã?½ve frequently heard, “participating establishments onlyâÂ?¦or certain restrictions may apply.” That is due to independent ownership. So, never assume that the “Comfort Inn” in Missouri that allowed your cat or dog will be under the equivalent rule of the “Comfort Inn” or “Sleep Inn” in New Jersey. Just because it’s the same parent corporation doesn’t mean all rules apply to individual locations!

4.) One more key thing to consider�make sure when calling or researching pet-friendly hotels that there is not a weight restriction of any pet or any specific number of pets that may hinder your stay. (Some places may allow a pet to be up to only a certain amount of weight. One never knows, so cover all your bases!)

Ease your travel burdens! Here are some valuable references when traveling short or long distance via motor vehicle:

Here are some suggestions for your pet-friendly road travels known to be pet-friendly: Nevertheless, remember to check the LOCAL establishments just to be sure! Happy travels!
Baymont Inns & Suites
Candlewood Suites
Clarion Luxury Hotels Or search “Clarions”
Crestwood Suites
Crowne Plaza
Econo Lodge
Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn Express
InterContinental Hotels and Resorts
La Quinta (cats are allowed and dogs up to 50 lbs are accepted but Housekeeping services require pet owners to either be present or have animals crated/contained and no feels or deposits are required.)
MainStay Suites
Motel 6
Novetel
Quality
Red Roof Inns (Has over 360 locations within the U.S. most accept pets over 80 lbs)
Rodeway Inn
Sleep Inn
Staybridge Suites
Studio 6 business hotels (furnished studios, low weekly rates, and hotel amenities)
Vagabond (Around 50 locations on the west coast, most locations accept pets)