For most people, their pets are family members, and they may not want to exclude them from family activities. We all heard that traveling with your dog or cat can be stressful and challenging. You need to take care of passports if you want to go abroad, choose an airplane line that will let you take your pet with you, or find accommodation that is animal friendly. But is it really that hard?
As an old saying goes, where there’s a will, there’s a way. Times are slowly changing, and pets are more and more welcome everywhere in the world. Here, you will find some tips on preparing your four-legged friend for a longer trip and what destination is the best for you!
Planning Your Trip
First things first: decide where you want to go and what you want to see. It is not only about taking care of your pet, but also about taking care of yourself. If you are planning a long trip, the first thing you should do is to find out if your destination allows pets. Many airlines have restrictions about how big your dog is and whether it can be in the cabin with you or has to ride in the cargo compartment.
For example, United Airlines permits dogs under 20 inches to fly in the cabin, 20-40 inches can ride in the cargo compartment, and pets over 40 inches have to fly in the cargo compartment. Other airlines allow pets in the cabin with the size restriction of 35 pounds for a cat and 70 pounds for a dog. Most airlines that have these restrictions will ask you to buy an extra seat for your pet. Some airlines don’t allow pets at all, so check out each airline’s policy before purchasing tickets.
You may also want to know if your destination requires a health certificate for your pet. As an example, Greece requires all pets arriving on the island of Crete to be vaccinated against rabies and to have a microchip, identification tag with the owner’s address, and an international certificate of health. You can get more details from the Greek Embassy website.
Other countries may require an entry permit for your pet, although this is more common for exotic animals like birds or reptiles. Note that Japan is one of those countries: they have strict quarantine regulations regarding animals entering their country from other countries. Depending on your destination, finding pet-friendly hotels might be relatively difficult or easy – however, it’s best to find out while you are still in your home. Here you can check out the dog friendly hotels in Scotland.
You may also want to consider whether you are going to travel by car or by plane. If you are taking your pet on a plane, make sure you arrive early at the airport and bring food and water for your pet during the flight. If you are taking your pet on a car trip, make sure you have proper harnesses for your dog or cat, and create a feeding routine for your pet so that it doesn’t get hungry during the trip.
Finally, make sure you have enough supplies for your pet on the road. The temperature in the cargo compartment may be very different from the temperature in the cabin (if you are lucky enough to travel with your pet). Try to bring some toys and treats for your pet, and always have a carrier bag at hand in case it needs to go to the bathroom. You may also want to bring some plastic bags for picking up after your pet in case it makes a mess.
Taking Care of Your Pet During The Trip
During their trip, make sure your pets have enough food and water to keep them fed and hydrated. It is also important that they get some exercise so that they don’t get bored while waiting in lines or sitting in a plane or car. For example, if you are planning to take a road trip with your pet, stop every few hours so that it can go outside and run around.
Finally, if you are going abroad, make sure you have your pets’ passports and health certificates in order. You may need to show them when you land or when you check-in at the hotel. If you have a long stay, try to get a pet passport from your veterinarian before your trip so that you can avoid having to make another visit to the vet’s office during your trip.
What To Do When You Arrive At Your Destination
When you reach your destination, you should make sure to register your pet with local authorities. Depending on your destination, you may need to do this when you first arrive or within a few days after you arrive. For example, in New Zealand, it is necessary to register your pet within five days of arrival. In Japan, you need to register your pet within 24 hours of arrival. If there is no time limit for registration, it would be best to register as soon as possible in order to avoid being fined.
Conclusion
Traveling with your pets may be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. As you can see, it is not that difficult as long as you plan ahead and prepare well for your trip. Just make sure you have the necessary documents and keep your pet healthy during your trip. Good luck!