When you get into a vehicle do you instinctively put on your seatbelt? When travelling via car or plane, safety is the number one priority for everyone on board, including your pet. Much like yourself, your pet also needs to be safe when travelling. As part of National Pet Travel Safety Day, we want to highlight safety tips that will keep your furry friend safe when going from point A to point B.

Travelling by Car:

Buckle up! As cute as it might be to let your dog watch people from the window in the car, their safety could be at risk. All pets must be secured in a crate, carrier or strapped in with a pet safety restrain seat or harness when travelling by car. A sudden stop or an unpredicted collision could injure your pet if they are not secured. When your pet has the freedom to wander inside a moving vehicle, it can put both of your lives at jeopardy.

If your pet is in a carrier or crate, ensure they are able to sit, lay down and rotate without restrictions for a comfortable experience.

Packing for two. Aside from bringing the essentials (water and food), make sure to pack a first aid kit for your pet. It is important to be prepared in case a vet clinic is not within a 5km radius. You can also pack a blanket or toy that reminds your pet of home to avoid any unnecessary stress during your family road trip.

Frequent stops are a must. Regardless of how long of a road trip you are taking, keep in mind your pet will need to use the “bathroom.” This may mean making more stops than normal to ensure your dog has a chance to eat, drink water, burn some energy and do its business. If you are travelling with a cat, it is unlikely they will use a litter box in a moving vehicle. At a rest stop, take the litter box out of the car to increase the chances of your cat using it.

If you and your pet are travelling alone and you need use a rest stop, do not leave your pet in the car unattended. It is illegal to leave your pet in a car, particularly during extreme cold/hot weather.

Travelling by Airplane:

Visit the vet. Before travelling, your pet will need to make a visit to the vet to ensure they are healthy for the trip. Depending on your destination, countries may require vaccinations and paperwork to accompany your furry friend for a problem-free entry into the country.

Fly direct. Pets can become stressed and anxious when travelling by plane. Remove stress by choosing a direct flight for your pet. In some instances if a direct flight is 10+ hours it may be best to have a stop over so your pet can relax and take care of their needs. Worldwide Animal Travel will ensure your pet goes on a walk, eats and drinks water at a stop over.

Crate setup. Take the time to arrange your pet’s crate for a comfortable ride. Ensure the size of the crate allows them to sit, stand and rotate without restrictions. Include a bowl of water and a blanket to allow your dog to regulate their body temperature with ease. For more carrier instructions, like selecting the right size, take a look at our August blog.

At Worldwide Animal Travel, our focus is on ensuring your pet has the best travel experience possible. Our trained staff can help you prepare your pet for a flight and answer any questions regarding the travel experience. For more information please contact us toll-free at 1.877.958.7387.