Are you considering relocating with a senior animal? Before you book your plane tickets, there are some things you should know to ensure a safe, comfortable and stress-free trip for your pet. Senior animals make fantastic companions, but they also require some extra TLC when it comes to travelling with them.
If you’re interested in travelling with a senior animal, here are some things you should know well in advance of your trip.
Consult with your vet
First and foremost, we recommend consulting your vet about your upcoming travel plans. Every animal is unique, so it’s important to take them in for a check-up and tests prior to their travels to determine if they’re fit to fly. For pets living with certain health conditions, your vet may have specific recommendations to ensure their comfort and safety, or they may even recommend an alternative method of transportation altogether. They’ll also ensure that your pet’s vaccinations records are up-to-date so you don’t run into any issues if you’re moving abroad.
Consider flight routes
If possible, book your senior pet on a direct route rather than a connecting flight. Connecting flights involve longer journeys and more movement of your pet, which could potentially cause them undue stress. Additionally, we recommend avoiding travel during months that experience extreme weather conditions, such as mid-July or in the dead of winter. Many airlines have blackout periods for pet travel during certain months to ensure their safety.
By working with a pet relocation company such as Worldwide Animal Travel, we’ll cater to your senior animal’s needs during comfort stops, including walking and playing with them, bathing them if needed, and giving them their medication, if required.
Pack their medication
If your pet takes medication, be sure to pack it correctly. Consult with the airline or pet relocation company to follow the correct procedure. Generally, medication will travel with them in their crate with clear instructions on how to administer it, including time and dosage. If you’re travelling on the same flight as your pet, we recommend keeping their medication in your carry-on to avoid any chance of it getting lost in your luggage.
Ensure their crate comfort
Senior animals may also have a harder time holding their bladders for longer periods of time. In order to make your pet’s travel experience more comfortable, we recommend lining their crate with training pads in case of accidents to keep it as clean as possible during their journey.
Additionally, work on crate training your pet well in advance of their flight, especially if they’re not accustomed to staying in a crate. Preparing them for travelling in a crate for an extended period of time will help alleviate any stress or anxiety they may experience on the day of their flight.
Most importantly, upon your pet’s arrival to their new home, be sure to monitor them closely for the next 24-48 hours. We recommend having information for your nearest vet clinic readily available in case of any emergencies.
For over 22 years, Worldwide Animal Travel has been a trusted pet relocation company for thousands of families and their pets. If you’re looking to give your pet a VIP travel experience, contact us today!
Recent Comments