Some families can not imagine going to the beach or one of Ontario’s lively towns without their animal or bird friends. A poll done in 2018 found that almost all pet owners were planning to take their pets on at least one overnight trip. It can be stressful for you and your pet if you are not ready. Many pets love to travel. Making plans ahead of time will help you and your pet have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Whether you are going for business or fun with your pet, you will need to plan for their needs. When you travel by car with your pet, especially on long trips, you need to plan. You can not trust that you will be able to get your pet everything they need while you are away. You can consult Guelph animal hospital for more tips and information.
Look into your trip needs.
If you are crossing state or foreign borders with a dog or cat, you need to know what the rules are in that area. This is true whether you are going by car, plane, or otherwise.
Many places have rules about contagious diseases, and your pet may need to be vaccinated, have blood tests before you travel, or even have parasites removed.
Also, you might need a pet travel certificate for either local or foreign travel. This certificate might need to be given a certain amount of time before the trip.
Lastly, always read the small print to avoid problems like being turned away at the border or having to stay in quarantine for a long time.
Plan a trip to the vet.
A “fit to fly” certificate from a vet is often needed by airlines. For long car trips with dogs or cats, though, it is also a good idea to take them to the vet. When you travel with your dog or cat, they may not be used to the stress, and you should be aware of any possible health problems. This is especially true for very young or old animals and breeds with flat faces.
Pick out the right carrier for your pet.
There are strict rules about what kinds of pet carriers can be brought on planes. As it can be tricky to travel on a plane with a pet, always check with the company first if you are not sure.
It is also important to think about how you will hold your pet in the car. Do they respond to things that move? Would they be better if you put a blanket over their carrier?
Safety is very important, so think about how to keep your cat or dog from bothering or distracting the car. Keeping your pet safe is the best thing to do. Set up a visit with a vet before you go on vacation.