Posted: May 2, 2008, 5 a.m. EST
The warm weather of spring leads many people to start planning their summer vacations. The ASPCA shares pet travel tips for cat and dog owners who wish to bring their pets with them on vacation, reminding owners to keep safety in mind.
“It’s no longer a luxury to invite your favorite four-legged friend on a trip to the beach or other family outings,” said Ed Sayres, ASPCA president and CEO. “And that’s all the more reason families should take precautions to ensure that their pet’s travel is trouble-free.”
Before setting out on a road trip, pet owners should schedule a visit to the veterinarian to ensure their cats and dogs are up-to-date on vaccinations, and to refill any necessary prescriptions their pets might need. The ASPCA offers these additional tips for safe, secure travel this summer:
When traveling by air:
- Outfit your dog with a collar and ID tag with an updated address and phone number where you can be reached.
- Purchase a USDA-approved shipping crate, large enough for your dog to stand, sit and turn around in comfortably.
- Put a current photo of your pet on the carrier, along with the name, address and telephone number of the person receiving the pet at your destination. Also write “live animal” in large letters on at least two sides of the crate, along with arrows indicating the upright position of the crate.
- Book a short, direct flight whenever possible to decrease your the time your dog will spend on the tarmac and in the cargo hold.
When traveling by car:
- Keep your pet safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier, large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in comfortably.
- Never leave your dog alone in a parked car. The car can heat up quickly, which could be fatal to an animal trapped inside.
- Bring water from home for your dog to drink along the way. Unfamiliar tap water could cause stomach upset.
- Don’t forget your pet’s rabies vaccination records, especially when traveling across state lines.