Most people travel for Christmas celebrations and usually take their family with them. There are also some who simply cannot live without their pets. If you intend to travel with your pet, you should plan ahead so that the trip is pleasant and comfortable for both you and the animal.
Travel by car
If you are taking a road trip on vacation, be sure not to let the pet get loose inside your vehicle. You can get your pet a safety harness that can be attached to your car’s seat belt system. Or you can simply put your pet in a cage. A pet carrier is also a good idea, but it could also be more expensive. Always put your pet in the back seat.
Travel by air
If you are flying to your destination, a pet carrier is a must to comply with airline regulations. Check with airlines regarding pet carrier dimensions to ensure you will purchase the correct size. A pet can fly in the cabin if it weighs no more than 22 pounds, 18 inches long, and 11 inches tall.
For international travel, you will need certain documents for your pet before you can take it with you. It would be better if you could give an allowance of at least 6 weeks to start taking care of the papers.
Do not travel with your pet unless it is monitored and vaccinated by the vet. Always carry your pet’s current health certificate with you along with the vaccination record.
Pet food
Eat lots of pet food; You can never be sure whether your pets’ favorite brand of pet food will be available at your destination, so it is best to be sure.
Feeding instructions
If you are flying, feed your pet a light snack 5-6 hours before departure. Do not give your pet any fluids 2 hours before departure. If you are going alongside the car, try not to feed your pet while it is in motion.
Put on identification labels
Whether you are taking your pet for a domestic or international trip, it is best if you can attach an identification tag to your pet. The identification tag should contain your home address and telephone number, as well as the address and telephone number of your destination.
Before taking off, it is also important to check whether your pet will be welcomed at its destination. If you are visiting relatives, you should inform them that you will be bringing your pet. If you are staying in a hotel, check the rules and regulations of the accommodation regarding pets.
Also make sure your pet is ready to travel. Animals can be more restless than children during long trips. If your pet has never been anywhere other than your home, you can start preparing him for travel by taking him to the grocery store, the park, or the mall.
Finally, try to be as patient as possible. You must understand that you are not going to deal with your pet alone; you will also have to deal with other people’s reaction to your pet.
