Tips and Tricks for International Travel with Pets
International traveling is an adventure in itself, but if your furry friend is coming along, then it is going to be quite a saga! Not to worry, though. Whether your pet is a globe-trotting cat or a dog with a serious case of wanderlust, here are some basic tips that will help you and your little buddy have as smooth a trip abroad as possible.
Pork Chop
1. Check Those Pet Travel Regulations
Before you get Fido's favorite squeaky toy ready, research your destination's regulations about pet importation. Every country varies a little: some require microchips, vaccinations, or even quarantine. Additionally, check the pet policy with the airline as there is simply no rhyme or reason between the requirements on carrier size, animal weight limit, or even if the airline allows pets at all.
Travel Hack: the sooner, the better! Make sure to check for updates well in advance. Nobody wants to be stuck at customs with a befuddled Chihuahua and a stack of papers.
2. All-Important Carrier
Nobody likes to visualize his or her pet flying in a plane like a loose sock on a long-haul flight. A good, strong, airline-approved pet carrier is your best bet: solid, well-ventilated, and cozy enough for comfort. Be sure to check with your airline for their preferred dimensions.
Travel Hack: get them used to the carrier being around weeks in advance. Toss some goodies inside and let them take the time to investigate. At the time of flying, that is not an unfamiliar prison cell they will be wrestling with.
TO CHECK OUT CARRIERS ON AMAZON. CLICK HERE!
Doggie Carrier
3. Toys and Comfort Items:
Just like you, your neck pillow and eye mask are requisite; so, too, does your pet have their comfort items that they will want to have along. Bring their favorite toy, blanket, or chew stick to make the journey a little less "Are we there yet?" and a little more "This isn't so bad!"
Travel Hack: Avoid toys with noise or squeakers in them. Your fellow passengers will appreciate it.
CHECK OUT DOG TOYS ON AMAZON. CLICK HERE!
Dog Toy
4. Feeding and Watering Your Travel Buddy
Nobody likes flying on an empty stomach. However, you also don't want to overdo it! Feed your pet a light meal about 4 to 6 hours before the journey to avoid any "emergencies" midway.
Travel Hack: get a collapsible water bowl to make sure hydration is available at all points in travel. They are super light and take up hardly any space in your bag.
CHECK OUT THESE COLLAPSIBLE BOWLS ON AMAZON! CLICK HERE!
Collapsible Water and Food Bowls for pets
5. Plan for Bathroom Breaks
Long travel? Well, better plan some bathroom breaks. Many airports have dog relief areas scattered around post security; some even have pieces of astro turf. Classy, huh? A quick Google search on the airport should be sufficient to assist locating the appropriate area.
Travel Hack: Always have with you some disposable pee pads just in case your poor fur baby gets desperate. Better be safe than sorry!
Click Here to grab some Pee Pads!
BONUS HACK! DON’T FORGET THOSE POO BAGS!!!
6. Consult Your Vet Before You Jet
Well, there is just no escaping a trip to the vet. Get a health certificate to prove your pet is fit to travel. Plus, your veterinarian can double-check that your pet's vaccinations are current and can even recommend some calming aids if your buddy gets nervous en route.
Travel Hack: Some countries require some very specific documentation, so get everything translated if need be. Bureaucracy waits for no dog-or cat.
7. Packing Essentials for Your Pet
Besides the obvious food and water, and a carrier here are things you may not think of:
Pet Wipes -just in case
Leash and harness-even if your pet will be in a carrier, you need this for airport strolls
Pet first-aid kit-better be ready
Identification tags with your overseas contact details - you know, just in case your little pal wishes to venture out and paint the town red.
ID Tags for Dogs
Galaxy SmartTag
8. Direct Flight Bookings
Ah, direct flights are just what the doctor ordered when traveling with a pet. Really, nobody, not even Biscuit, needs all that mess of waiting and switching planes.
Travel Hack: Always call and confirm your pet's reservation with the airline. Oftentimes, there's only a certain number of pets that can ride on a flight and you don't want to be number 5 when there's space for only 4.
9. Keep Your Calm and Travel On
Your animals are like little sponges; they absorb our energy. So if you're stressed out, most likely your pet will be too. Try to keep calm and remember that travel-just like most things in life-goes a lot easier when you go with the flow.
Travel Hack: A sense of humor goes a long way. Bumps along the way will happen, but they make for great stories later.
Indeed, traveling with a pet can be quite an intimidating process, but it really can be very smooth-even fun-with just a smidge of preparation, a pinch of patience, and a sufficiently stocked bag of essentials. After all, the world is full of things for your pet to sniff and explore, so why not start the adventure together?
Happy travels to you and your four-legged copilot!
Ain't he cute???
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