The Traveling Pet Check List

Our friend George Hayden of Snowbird Drivers visited the office this week for Pet CPR training. His company moves cars and pets across the country. I developed this list in response to an experience he had at the airport recently. TSA insisted that the cats that he was carrying on board had to be removed from their carriers to go through the metal detector. One of the cats had extremely long nails and freaked out, scratched George (severely) and ran away. Fortunately, the cat was rounded up and got to her destination safely. We started talking about how all the pets traveling should get nails trimmed for everyone's safety.

Traveling Pet Check List

Before your pet embarks on a trip, be sure that you both are prepared!

• Veterinary Visit -Be sure that your pet gets a complete physical examination, updated on any necessary vaccines, and you get adequate refills on any medications. Remember that flea and tick control is important since our pets may be getting out at rest stops where other pets have been. Also traveling to warm climates in the winter months means that it is time to start flea and tick and heartworm preventative (if you had stopped administering them for the winter).
• Paperwork – Be sure you have copies of your pet’s medical records and documentation of all vaccines.
• Make sure all collars and harnesses are well fitting- when animals are scared they can manage to slip out of collars, particularly if they are loose. If you pet does not usually wear a collar or harness get one and be sure they wear it during. Always have a leash on your pet when you are outside of the car or in strange surroundings, even the most calm of animals can suddenly bolt into traffic.
• Basic obedience skills are helpful- A dog that will sit and stay and that is used to being outside the home environment makes a far better traveler than an untrained home body. Cats who have experience riding in cars and being on a leash are far easier to handle.
• ID Tag – Have a tag made for the trip that includes contact information for while you are traveling. Be sure that tag is attached to the collar or harness!
• Microchip Identification – have your pet receive a microchip that will allow identification even if his/her collar is lost.
• Pack a ‘suitcase’ for your pet- Pets do best if they are kept on their usual diet and treats. Try to avoid feeding ‘snacks’ like leftovers from meals that could cause dietary upset. It is also helpful to bring water that your pet is used to drinking and to bring their usual bowls. Travel is stressful and you want to try to keep diets consistent throughout the trip. Be sure to bring the pets blanket or bed to help keep them more comfortable.
• Have your pet groomed before travel – Dogs and cats shed when they are stressed. Grooming may decrease the amount of hair lost and make your traveling companion smell a little sweeter for that long car ride. Also, be sure that nails are trimmed since they can get caught in upholstery or in crates if they are too long.
• Carriers and Crates – Be sure you have sturdy crates and carriers that are in good working order. Pets are safest when they travel in a crate whether it is by car, airplane , train, etc.