Animal Companions and Their People Blog

The time seems to be flying by. Halloween has passed and the Elections are over. Now, it’s time to breathe a quick sigh of relief and then, forging ahead, make your holiday plans. Of course, you must carefully consider your pet’s well-being and whereabouts during the holiday. You may wish your furry friend to spend the holiday with you. On the other hand, it may not be possible for you to bring him with you. It depends on the kind of holiday you are planning to have.

Now is the time to make your holiday plans. Will you be traveling to visit friends or relatives or friends who live out of town or out of state? Do you plan on driving to visit them or flying, or taking a train? If so, are you anticipating traveling with your pet, make sure that he will be well taken care of en route and once he arrives at your destination. Contact whoever is hosting the holiday festivities and make certain your pet will be a welcome guest in their home. If the pet is unwelcome, you may wish to stay nearby at a pet friendly hotel or motel.

If you are planning on driving, compile as much information as you can regarding weather conditions, road construction and potential hazards during Thanksgiving time. Make sure that your car is in proper working order, that the heat works and that you have ample provisions (food, water, emergency medical supplies and blankets) for you and your pet to take with you. Map out in detail your route, and locate and make confirmed reservations at any pet friendly hotels or motels you may need along the way or at your final destination.

If you are flying with your pet, it is best to acquire as much information as soon as you can to find our what is required – and how and what special arrangements you will need to make to accommodate your pet’s well-being and the air carrier’s rules, regulations and policies regarding pet travel. You will need to book your flight well in advance. Ask the airline if your pet is small enough to bring on board with you or if he will have to be loaded into the cargo area. Some airlines only permit a certain number of pets per flight.

Have your pet examined by your vet before a taking a trip with him and that he is current on his rabies and other vaccines. He must be deemed healthy to fly. Get current medical records to bring with you, make copies of them and keep them in your luggage.

Take some photos of your pet that clearly show what he looks like – any special colors or markings or other unique features. Place one of these photos on his travel kennel. Keep one with your luggage and one with you. This can be very helpful if your pet gets lost or somehow escapes.

Your pet should ALWAYS wear a collar with identification and contact information. Include your name, address and home as well as cell phone numbers and the phone number of your destination.

Write “Live Animal” on both sides of the travel carrier in order to assure your pet is handled with care. Write your contact information on both sides of the travel kennel.

Make certain that your pet’s travel kennel is well constructed and allows your pet to stand up and move around and breathe easily and comfortably. Also make sure it conforms to the airline’s size requirements and other specifications.

Stick to your pet’s feeding, sleeping and exercise routine as much as you can. Also bring his favorite treats, toys and blanket with you.

If you feel uncomfortable or anxious about traveling with your pet, DON’T! If your pet isn’t a good traveler, leave him home in familiar surroundings with a pet sitter or at a boarding facility with which you feel comfortable.

If you are able, spend some quality time of peace, gratitude and fun with your special canine or feline friend. Enjoy yourselves, appreciate one another, and be thankful for celebrating this wonderful time of year together!

Dog Behavior Specialist, Dr. Diane PomeranceDr. Diane Pomerance

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