With the increasing cost of catteries, kennels, and home sitters today, more and more travellers opt to take their furry friends along on their travels instead of leaving them at home as it provides a unique travel experience. However, travelling with a pet can be a stressful experience not just for your fur baby but also for you. From pre-trip planning to the journey itself by air and land, we cover the basics of travelling with pets and ways to make it simple and hassle-free for everyone involved.
Pre-trip Planning
For those without experience travelling with pets, the first time can seem incredibly daunting. With the help of the proper preparations, this doesn’t have to be the case. Here are the main things to consider in your pre-trip planning stage:
- Consider what is best for your pet
If you do not intend to bring your pet along with you every step of the way or spend much time with them during your travels, they will be healthier and happier at home with a sitter compared to staying in an unfamiliar environment. Although dogs are generally curious creatures that love investigating new places, most cats do not share the same interest and are typically more comfortable being at home.
- Do a test journey first
It is recommended to gauge how well your pets take to long journeys by first bringing them to a shorter trial trip, observing their response, and seeing if they get travel sickness. This is also a great way to let them get accustomed to going on a trip and show them there is nothing to be anxious about. Moreover, it is also worth getting your fur baby used to being in a travel crate if that is where you intend to keep them on the big day. Experts recommend taking a month to familiarise them with travelling to reduce or prevent stressing out your pets.
- Consult your local vet first
Talk to a vet about your plans to ensure they agree to your planned trip. While there, get all the vaccinations necessary for your pet to travel and stock up on any medications they need until your return.
Tips for Travelling With Pets by Road or Air
1. Keep your pets secure
Whether your pet is inside a travel crate on a flight or riding with you in a rental car, always make sure they are safely restrained. Many pet-related accidents happen on the road because free-moving animals distract the driver. Securing them also makes sure they will not get injured.
2. Bring enough supplies and keep an eye on your pet’s hydration
Keep plenty of food and cool water for the journey so your pet won’t go hungry and is always hydrated throughout the trip. Also, having a pet tag along in your travels inevitably means making lots of rest stops so they can do their business and get a bit of exercise after hours of sitting around. Keep their leash on when doing so to prevent them from running off.
3. Double up on labels
Place as many labels as you deem necessary on your pet’s travel crate, collar, and wherever else that contains the proper handling instructions, along with your full contact details at home and while on holiday.
4. Check how your pet can travel
Airlines will have pets travel as cargo in the hold or inside the cabin, typically if they are small enough. If your fur baby is a pug, Persian cat, or other animal with shortened face, they will struggle with temperature changes and lower oxygen levels that are inevitable in hold travel. Also, do consider their age and overall health when making travel decisions.
5. Carry all the important documents for your pet
Before leaving the house, ensure your pet’s papers are all accounted for and up to date. These will be necessary to prove that your furry friend has all the required vaccination and other requirements of your travel destination
6. Check on your pet immediately after the flight
After the flight, check if your pet sustained any injuries and consult a local vet immediately if you find anything concerning. Knowing where to find the nearest vets beforehand makes this process more seamless.
Conclusion
While travelling with your fur baby is sure to be a wonderful and whole new experience, there are many things to take care of to ensure they are safe and stress-free from the moment you leave home to the day you return. Hopefully, the tips above serve as a good starting point to build on as you see more of the world with your beloved pet by your side. Lastly, when planning for your pet’s well-being abroad, don’t forget to make arrangements that guarantee your safety, too.
This is where travel insurance and medical evacuation come in. For the latter service, EMA Global offers timely and highly reliable air ambulance in Singapore that can get you to safety wherever you are in the world. Reach out to us here for more information.
