International travel with your pet can be an exciting experience, however, it comes with some question marks. When preparing for a journey with your pet, it is important to choose the best pet transportation services and look after the conditions it will provide, and their compliance with the state of your pet. Here are the steps that you need to follow to prepare your pet for international travel.
Research Destination Requirements
Each country has its own rules and regulations on pet importation to their respective country. To start with, always ensure that you do research and embrace the regulations governing the importation of pets from the desired destination long before you embark on the journey. This includes:
- Vaccinations: Most countries do make it optional that every pet must be vaccinated against rabies and any other disease.
- Microchipping: Some places have specific rules that can include that the pet must be fitted with a microchip that must be compliant with the ISO standard.
- Health Certificates: Take a health certificate from a licensed veterinarian established by the traveler within a given time before travel.
- Quarantine: Quarantine periods for pets are often implemented by some countries before allowing the pets to come into the said country.
- Permits: Remember to check if import licenses or any other relevant documentation are required.
For more accurate and updated information on the above factors, check with the consulate or embassy of the respective destination.
Visit the Veterinarian
Take your pet to the vet to check him/her for any sickness or any other factors that might hinder him/her from traveling. Discuss the following:
- Vaccinations and Boosters: All vaccinations should be updated for the trip, and unvaccinated travelers should avoid contact with animals during the visit. Certain countries may set a timeline within which the boosters should be taken to ensure the body remains fully protected in case the immune system is overpowered by other strains.
- Health Certificate: Online Health Certificates: You should also get an international health certificate, which verifies the pet’s health and its vaccinations.
- Parasite Control: Enlist about about flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.
- Sedation: It can be necessary to ask if sedation is desirable or needed. Please notice that some airlines and veterinarians don’t recommend using sedation.
Microchipping and Identification
Ensure your pet has proper identification:
- Microchip: If they’re not already accomplished – get your pet microchipped with a chip. Make sure to register the chip with your details to avoid issues if the contact person is unavailable such as being out of town, in the hospital, etc.
- Tags: Put on a neckband with the contact numbers and the address you’ll be located engraved on a peg.
Choose the Right Carrier
Choosing the right carrier is important both for the comfort and safety of your pet during the flight. Consider the following:
- Size: The space inside the carrier should allow the pet to stand, turn around, and lay flat on its side.
- Ventilation: Make sure that the carrier has enough air circulation in order to prevent suffocation.
- Security: Ideally the carrier should be fireproof, and strong and should come with a door that can be secured.
- Airline Approval: If in plane, ensure that the company operates with the airline company of the client’s preference. Restrictions and policies may vary and you should check with the airline that you are considering for a flight to find out more about the policies regarding traveling with pets.
All these pet carriers can be used to transport your pet and in this section, we give information on how you can prepare your pet for traveling in a carrier.
Help your pet get used to the carrier well before the travel date:
- Introduce Gradually: Put the carrier in the house and try to direct your pet towards it.
- Positive Reinforcement: Smart and fast, start using the treats and commendation so that the dog will see the carrier as a positive thing.
- Short Trips: to accustom your pet to be inside the carrier, take them on short trips around the house or neighborhood.
Plan the Travel Route
Carefully plan your travel route to minimize stress for your pet:
- Direct Flights: Whenever possible, fly with one connection or even better, a direct flight will take less time and less time on an aircraft.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: Always choose an airline that exercises good behavior toward animals, and is popular for handling pets well.
- Timing: Also, it’s recommended to fly during non-weather sensitive hours of the day in an attempt to reduce the risk of flying in extreme weather conditions.
Pack Essentials
Prepare a travel kit with all necessary items for your pet:
- Food and Water: Bring a bowl just in case; also bring enough food and water for the trip.
- Medication: Take any prescribed medication for your pet and make sure that, you also carry a copy of the prescription.
- Comfort Items: The child who is going to be left alone should be given along with him his favorite toy or blanket for him to feel secure.
- Documents: When traveling with pets, ensure that all papers including health certificates, vaccination certificates, and permits are safely and conveniently stored.
The Day Before Travel
The day before departure is crucial for final preparations:
- Exercise: make sure that they expend some energy to become calm throughout the trip.
- Feeding: Before leaving for a journey, you should feed your pet with a little food to reduce cases of travel sickness.
- Check Carrier: Make sure the cage is clean and the bedding material appropriately cushioning the floor to absolve any spills.
At this level, it is important to understand what needs to be done on the day of travel for the acquired car or vehicle to become indicative of the purchased one.
On the Day of Travel
- Exercise Again: Schedule another chance for group exercise or stretching time and bathroom visits before the group leaves for the next task.
- Calm Environment: Make sure your pet is relaxed before arriving at Cedars Pet Care Center, they should not be stressed before getting to the Center.
- Arrive Early: Prepare to arrive at the airport or travel terminal a little earlier than the estimated time so that more time is accorded to check-in procedures and security checks.
During the Journey
During the journey, ensure your pet’s comfort and safety:
- Stay Calm: Gentle treatment is stressed with the explanation that your pet can sense your mood and should not be upset.
- Check Regularly: If feasible, feed or even be present with the pet at the layover or any other stop to make sure they are fine.
Upon Arrival
After arriving at your destination, follow these steps:
- Inspection: Some countries need a veterinary check when entering the country.
- Quarantine: It is advisable to keep your pet comfortable in case there is a needed Quarantine period and avail everything that might be needed for the pet.
- Settling In: As with any pet, your pet needs to settle quickly into a new home so here are some tips to follow that would help in the process.
Conclusion
The great thing is that traveling with a pet involves planning and is a process that should not be hurried. With these tips, you ought to have a much easier and stress-free time in navigating the world with your dog. We are aware of the distress and stress that pet owners undergo while traveling with their pets, and that is why Pet Pros Services offers the best pet transportation services. Choose us as your preferred Pet Travel Consulter and let our expert team make your pet’s travel as happy and as healthy as possible.
