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September 6, 2012

Packing For Pets

Careful planning and a few basic supplies are key to making your trip a safe and happy one for both you and your pet. Here are a few tips to make your travels safe and comfortable for your best pal.

What to pack

When packing, don't forget your pet's food, food and water dishes, bedding, litter and litter box, leash, collar and tags, grooming supplies, a first-aid kit (for dogs or cats), and any necessary medications. Always have a container of drinking water with you—pets get thirsty! Also pack a few of your pet's favorite toys so she'll have something familiar to play with and remind her of home.

Your pet should wear a sturdy collar with ID tags throughout the trip. The tags should have both your permanent address and telephone number and an address and telephone number where you or a contact can be reached during your travels.

Carry a current photograph of your pet with you. If your pet is lost during a trip, a photograph will make it easier for others (airline employees, the police, shelter workers, and others) to help you find your pet.

Travel carriers and harnesses

Travel carriers are useful when your pet is traveling by car and are mandatory when your pet is traveling by air. Your pet's carrier should be durable and smooth-edged with opaque sides, a grille door, and several ventilation holes on each of the four sides. Choose a carrier with a secure door and door latch.

Because most cats are not as comfortable travelling in cars, for their own safety as well as yours, it is best to keep them in a carrier.

Dogs who enjoy car travel need not be confined to a carrier if your vehicle has a restraining harness to restrain the animal. Humane Domain, our online store, carriers a wide range of doggie travel harnesses that buckle into most standard seat belts to secure your dog safely and securely. Read more on car travel and pets »

Because most cats are not as comfortable travelling in cars, for their own safety as well as yours, it is best to keep them in a carrier.

It's important to restrain these carriers in the car so that they don't bounce around and cause possible harm to the animal inside. You can do this by securing the seat belt around and over the front of the carrier.

If you're traveling by air, your carrier should have food and water dishes. Pet carriers are available at pet-supply stores, or you can purchase them directly from domestic airlines. Select a carrier that has enough room for your pet to sit and lie down but is not large enough to allow your pet to be tossed about during travel. You can make the carrier more comfortable by lining the interior with shredded newspaper, a towel, or a blanket.

Familiar places

It is wise to acclimate your pet to the carrier in the months or weeks preceding your trip. Let your pet explore the carrier; place her food dish inside the carrier and confine her to the carrier for brief periods. Put her in the carrier and take short drives around the neighborhood. If properly introduced to car travel, most dogs and cats will quickly adjust to and even enjoy car trips.

How to avoid motion sickness

Like humans, pets can experience motion sickness. Take along ice cubes, which are easier on your pet than large amounts of water. Keep feeding to a minimum during travel, and provide a light meal for your pet two to three hours before you leave (if traveling by car), or four to six hours before departure if traveling by air. Allow small amounts of water periodically in the hours before the trip.