How often do you think about traveling with your pet? Have you spent time working with your dog, cat, rabbit, hedgehog, or other pet companion to get them accustomed to travel? Our Pets of the Month are all those pet companions who have shared our lives and willingly, or maybe with some encouragement, joined us on our travel adventures.

For the purposes of this article, we’ll talk about travel with cats and dogs, but the tips can still hold true for any companion pet. There is big, life altering travel when you move across the country or to another country, and there is travel to the vet, the groomer or even to the neighborhood park. It is important to address our pet’s needs along with our own.

Travel for many people is an exciting change of pace, yet for others, the idea of travel is exhausting and nerve wracking. The same can be true for your pet. Some pets are outgoing and just want to be with you, so are happy for a car ride and meeting new people. Other pets are happiest at home with a regular routine and no surprises. Be thoughtful about the life your pet wants and be considerate of what you are asking of them.

Wherever you go with your dog or cat, it is important to be prepared. The more that you plan ahead, the less stressful travel is on your pet, and more likely your grand trip will be the fun adventure you had planned. If your pet only travels on short trips, the basics still apply. For longer excursions, we’ve put together some tips to help you get started.

Claire 3

Diamond 3

Demi 2 crop

Claire on the left, is not interested in leaving the comfort of home, Diamond in the middle is open to suggestions, and Demi on the right is certain she can make it to the top of the mountain.

Basic safety items are:

Identification for your pet – getting them microchipped if appropriate, have pet identification tags, and color photos of your pet in several positions showing all sides, coat patterns, distinguishing marks.
Have an appropriate carrier to transport your companion and make sure your pet is comfortable being in their carrier. It can take time and practice.
Have a properly fit harness and leash so that you can let your pet out safely for a potty break if needed. Harnesses are generally more secure than just a collar. Whether a collar or a harness, ensure that they are designed for your pet’s breed, size and strength and that they fit comfortably. Cats can be escape artists so proper fit is essential. Adjustable buckles and straps, that are well-stitched and durable, reduce the likelihood that your pet inadvertently escapes. Follow all instructions for adjusting straps. Harnesses should fit snug like a lifejacket.
Additional items can be helpful depending on the nature of your travel. Carry a supply of your pet’s medications, food, water, flea & parasite preventives, towels or blankets for warmth, cleaning rags/wipes for activities where your pet may get wet or muddy, poop bags and litter boxes for kitties, and for longer trips, some basic first aid supplies.

For adventures such as hiking, cross country skiing, or going to the beach – all activities that include certain types of risks for injury, getting lost, or encountering other animals, be sure you have read and follow rules that allow or exclude certain pets. There is nothing worse than driving an hour to a favorite beach site with your water loving dog, only to find out that dogs are not allowed. Or, heading off on a special snowshoe trip without your Snow Park Pass or finding out that the hotel or motel doesn’t allow pets to stay overnight.

The rules can vary depending on the city and state, and whether you are in a national park or on private property. Do you have some backup plans? What if the weather changes, or you were seeking some solitude, but your destination is crowded and noisy; and most importantly, what if your pet is not having fun, or experiences a medical issue. Do you know what to do or where to go for help? Did you know that both dogs and cats can get car sick? Did you bring medication to ease their discomfort? Did you build in some ‘down time’ for them to rest and relax?

Moving with your pet across country or to a new country: this type of travel requires an immense amount of planning and sometimes up to a year or longer to ensure that your pet can move with you.

Local moves may be easier, but don’t overlook the adjustments that your dog or cat goes through when their lives are disrupted. Moving into a new apartment or house might be a pleasant change for your dog, especially if they now have more room to play or exercise. Your cat may be happier now that they have some windows to look out, or they moved away from the bully cat next door. However, they may be stressed in a new environment where there a new sounds and smells. Be prepared to help them settle in, and adjust by trying to replicate their favorite things in their new home. Where is their bed, their favorite toys, where are they fed, is the litter box accessible, how many stairs do they have to navigate to get upstairs or outside? Some pets benefit from medications or pheromone products – talk to your veterinarian well before your move as we can help. Consider how a move affects not only you, but also how it might affect your pet.

Hawaii & International Travel: taking pets to another country or to places like Hawaii which does not have endemic Rabies, involves very specific requirements. As soon as you know that you might be moving, contact your veterinarian. Health Certificates are required, not to leave the U.S., but to get into other countries and Rabies free destinations like Hawaii. For our purposes here, we’ll address Hawaii the same as traveling internationally, because the requirements are stringent. The rules are set by the destinations and do change, sometimes without warning.

Veterinarians must possess additional accreditation to issue health certificates, and it is time consuming and often frustrating, so not all veterinarians choose to participate. I want to impress upon any pet owner who endeavors to pursue international travel, do not underestimate the amount of work involved. Here are some things to be aware of:

Most countries require your pet to be permanently identified with a 15-digit ISO microchip. If another version of microchip has been implanted you may have to buy a scanner to take with you to ensure the microchip can be read. Or, we need to implant a compatible microchip.
Keep your pet’s vaccines up to date. If they lapse, then Rabies Free countries treat your pet as having never been vaccinated and you need to start the process from the beginning.
Some countries are easy, yet almost every country requires your pet to be healthy, and have been vaccinated against Rabies, and many countries require at least two Rabies vaccines to be given.
Most have paperwork you must complete and return by specific dates in advance of your travel.
‘Rabies Free’ destinations generally require your pet to have been microchipped before being vaccinated, sometimes multiple times for Rabies. They also may require blood tests to prove that your pet has an adequate blood titer showing protection. If the microchip is not in place, the process starts at the beginning.
If a Rabies Titer is required, there is often a waiting period, of up to 6 months, before your pet is eligible to travel. Planning in advance is critical to a timely departure.
Many countries require the veterinarian to certify that your pet has been treated for internal as well as external parasites – often within days of your departure or arrival, which makes the last few days someone chaotic.
Entering a foreign country without the proper paperwork, could mean your pet ends up in quarantine for maybe six months at your expense. In the worst scenario, your pet is euthanized because they don’t meet the requirements of the particular country and travel back to the U.S. is not guaranteed.

Fortunately, at Hawthorne Hills Veterinary Hospital we are prepared to assist you with all of your pet’s travel needs. If you think you might want to take your furry pal along on your next adventure, let us know early and we can give you advice and resources to make your travel dreams a reality.