Pet Safety Tips for Road Trips and Air Travel

Whether you’re hitting the road or taking to the skies, traveling with your pet can be a fun adventure with the proper preparation. At East Sacramento Veterinary Center, we know how important your pets are to your family, and we’re here to help you keep them safe and comfortable while traveling. 

Should You Travel With Your Pet?

There are several important factors to consider:

• Ensure your pet is comfortable with travel. Some pets may struggle with travel due to illness, injury, age, or temperament.
• If your pet doesn’t handle travel well, consider a trusted pet-sitter or consult your veterinarian about local boarding facilities.
• Check in advance to ensure that your accommodation allows pets, as some do and some don’t. Additionally, bring a portable kennel for your pet if you need to leave them unattended while traveling.

Pet Health Certificates

When traveling by air, pets typically require a health certificate. Moreover, some states may mandate this certificate for entry by car. The USDA is a great resource for information for traveling out of state or out of the country.

Preparing Travel Preparation

Preparation is key before you and your pet embark on your grand adventure. A well-prepared pet is a happy and stress-free travel companion.

• Visit the Vet: Schedule a wellness check-up before your trip to ensure your pet is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. Ask your vet about travel-specific concerns, such as motion sickness or anxiety.
• Pack Essentials: Include food, water, bowls, leashes, waste bags, first aid kit, medications, and a favorite toy or blanket for comfort. 
• Test Runs: If your pet isn’t used to being in the car or carrier, take short trips to get them accustomed to the experience.

Road Trips

Hitting the road with your pet can be a breeze with a bit of planning. Keep these road trip essentials in mind:

• Secure Your Pet: Use a travel crate, pet seat belt, or barrier to keep your pet safely contained. Pets should never roam freely in the car.
• Plan for Pit Stops: Schedule regular breaks for bathroom needs, water, and a chance to stretch their legs.
• Avoid Leaving Pets in the Car: Even with the windows cracked, cars can quickly become dangerously hot or cold. Always take your pet with you.
• Pack Travel-Friendly Snacks: Bring portable, non-messy treats to keep your pet happy and fueled.

Road trips can be exciting for your pet, but taking these precautions ensures they’re also safe and stress-free.

Flying with Pets

Flying with your pet requires extra planning to navigate airline rules and keep your companion comfortable.

• Know the Airline’s Policies: Research pet policies ahead of time. Many airlines have specific requirements for carriers, health certificates, and breed restrictions.
• Choose the Right Carrier: Your pet’s carrier should be well-ventilated, secure, and the right size for them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
• Practice Calm Carrier Habits: Acclimate your pet to their carrier before the flight with positive reinforcement and practice sessions.

 Acclimation Certificate for Air Travel

To comply with the Animal Welfare Act, Acclimation Certificate is a form signed by your veterinarian. It permits your pet to travel in the cargo hold without the federally mandated low-temperature regulation. Always check with the airline and your veterinarian well in advance. 

• If the airline cannot guarantee that the animal will not be in temperatures lower than 45°F (7.2°C) for more than 45 minutes when the animal is moved between the terminal and the plane, or for more than 4 hours when the pet is in a holding facility, and you don’t have an acclimation certificate, the airline will not let your pet fly.
• Airlines cannot ship animals if they will be exposed to temperatures higher than 85° F (29.5° C) for more than four consecutive hours while in animal holding areas of airport terminals, or for more than 45 minutes while being transferred between the aircraft and the animal holding area.

Extra Tips for Happy Travels

No matter how you’re traveling, these additional tips can keep your trip running smoothly:

• Microchip and ID Tags: Make sure your pet’s microchip information and ID tags are up-to-date with your contact details.
• Stick to Their Routine: To reduce stress, maintain your pet’s usual feeding and walking schedule.
• Stay Calm: Pets often pick up on your emotions. Remaining calm and positive can help them feel at ease.

Your pet relies on you for safety and comfort, and these extra touches can make a big difference in their travel experience.

Let the Adventure Begin!

With the right preparation and precautions, traveling with your pet can be an unforgettable bonding experience. By planning ahead and following these tips, you can ensure your furry friend’s safety and happiness wherever your journey takes you.

If you have questions or need advice on traveling with your pet, the team at East Sacramento Veterinary Center is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a pre-travel check-up or to learn more about keeping your pet healthy on the go.

Let’s make every trip a tail-wagging success!