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CAR TRAVEL
It is always best to travel with your pet in an appropriate carrier.
In the event of an accident, a loose pet can go flying. Also an
unsecured pet can cause accidents by a sudden outburst of activity,
and can be a general distraction (which is always hazardous) simply
by being there!
Some pets get carsick.
You may want to get some tranquilizers from the vet for their
sake, or even get pet-level travel sickness pills. But be sure
to check with your vet.
Never leave your pet
in a car, even in shade, even in winter. Not even once, not even
for a minute. Even if YOU think it is okay, there are bound to
be passers-by eager to break your windows out under the belief
that your pet is about to suffer a horrible death... and it is
their heroic duty to put a stop to it. Don't risk your pet or
your vehicle.
AIR TRAVEL
Never sedate your pet on a flight. High altitudes have some odd
effects, and a sedative combined with high altitude flight is
dangerous to an animal.
Always have your pet on a leash. There are probably laws about
that very thing where you are going and at all points in between.
Never take the
pet out of the kennel inside the airport.
Get id tags. Put them on your pet and put them on the travel kennel.
Include the pet's name, home address and phone number.
Never muzzle your pet during travel, as this is dangerous to the
pet. Animals cool themselves by panting (even cats), and pant
when stressed.
Familiarize your pet with the kennel prior to the trip. Don't
make the kennel a dreaded 'travel jail' that makes its apprearance
only upon departure. Especially with cats... they may make themselves
very scarce at just the time you absolutely must leave!
Always make advanced arrangements with the airline when you are
making your own reservations. It is not a good idea to just show
up with the pet at the terminal as one of you may get 'bumped'
to another flight.
Your pet may need to be checked into the cargo area... don't fight
it. It may actually be better for them as there are less things
to distract them once they do settle in. Also, you will be MOST
unpopular with the other passengers if your pet vocalizes the
entire trip!
Most pet supply stores carry both soft-sided (for in cabin travel)
and hard-sided kennels approved for air travel (you can find one
HERE).
Select a kennel that
is the right size for your pet, neither too large nor too big.
Too small is uncomfortable, and too large will set your pet banging
about like a clapper in a bell if the kennel get jostled. Your
pet's size is determined by the following: Length: from nose to
root of tail Width: length across shoulders Height: (in standing
position with head up) from ground to highest point. It is important
that your pet can stand, sit, turn around, and lie down comfortably
throughout the flight. Also be sure to have a kennel that has
some kind of food and water.
A soft blanket or pillow
is a nice touch, a few layers of newspaper will help absorb any
'accidents', and a few favorite soft toys can be included. If
your pet is a nervous traveller, you can include an unwashed garment
from your wardrobe so that your familiar scent can provide some
comfort.
HOTELS
Make your reservations here at Pet-FriendlyTravel.Com, and then
call the hotel yourself directly anyway. When it comes
to your pet's welfare, they cannot look after themselves and depend
upon you to look after them. Be safe by being sure.
Don't leave your pet
in the hotel room unattended... ever. They could bark in your
absence and become a nuisance to the other guests (this would
be particularly amazing if this is a cat), they could bolt to
freedom around the cleaning lady's feet, or could damage furnishings
from fear and frustration, even if they normally do not do this
at home.
Keep in mind that the
hotel people could even take your pet or even intentionally
let them out and would bear no responsibility for his/her
abduction! They know that all they have to do is play dumb until
you have to leave!
Talk to the front desk
if you do need to leave your pet in the room. If that is okay
with them, leave your pet in a kennel to prevent escapes, turn
the tv on low for background sound, and leave the lights on but
low. It is also a good idea to leave a note taped to the top of
the kennel asking for your pet to remain undisturbed in your absence.
Leave them a toy so they have something to do.
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