Tail-Wagging Holiday Travel Tips
Advice from Animal Expert Dr. Grey Stafford
 I recently accompanied some young tortoises about the size of a golf ball to NYC for their special appearance on a nationally broadcast show. It reminded me firsthand of the amount of work (especially the paper shuffling kind) that goes into any trip involving animals, whether they are big or small. So if you are going to be traveling with your pet, plan ahead and start early!
Papers please!
If you haven’t traveled by plane with a pet recently, a lot has changed since 9/11. Many carriers no longer allow travel with your pet. Those carriers that do accept pets often have special ticketing procedures and policies including a limit to the type of animals allowed, the total number of animals allowed on any one flight and the number allowed per traveler. You’ll also need a current health certificate. In some cases, a certificate dated within 30 days of each flight (including return) is sufficient; however, some airlines require a certificate dated no more than 10 days from travel. This means you may need to get a new health certificate while you are traveling in order to board the return flight. So make certain you search for a few local veterinarians at your final destination ahead of time. Plus, you’ll want to take a copy of recent vaccinations and medications prescribed for your pet in case of emergency.
Cargo or coach?
Some pets are just too big to travel under your seat. So find out the size kennel you’ll need to ship your pet. Each airline has requirements about the size of your dog and the size kennel necessary. For example, dogs must be able to stand and turn around freely in their crate. So, don’t get stranded at the airport insisting your pet can fit into that small kennel in hopes of saving a few bucks because the airlines do enforce this rule. By the way, big dog owners, make sure the plane you are on is able to hold the size kennel you need.
If your pets have never spent a minute in a kennel, please don’t wait until the airport to introduce the idea! Take a few weeks or more before your trip to make the kennel a fun place by rewarding calm, relaxed behaviors such as sleeping. And, just because the animals can be calm in your quiet living room doesn’t mean they can handle being in the crate while riding on the loud tarmac! If possible, teach them to be calm while riding in the crate placed in your car. Though few things can match the noise and commotion of the airport baggage department, it wouldn’t hurt to crank up the radio as they get the hang of riding around inside a kennel, either.
Finally, don’t forget to pack extra food and to install those little kennel bowls that hook on the door. That way, if there’s a flight delay airline personnel can offer food and water to your pet.
Have a good trip!
~ Dr. Grey
Learn more about Dr. Grey Stafford
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