HGTV.comHGTV.com

Traveling With Your Pet

TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-1209 -- More Projects »
Pet expert Lisa Marie Fortier share tips on making traveling easier for both you and your pet.
PHOTO

Figure A

  • Pets traveling by plane are placed in the cargo department during the flight unless they are small enough to fly in the cabin (figure A). Either way an airline-approved carrier is required. Arrangements must be made well in advance for in-cabin flights. You must also have an interstate health certificate, which needs to be obtained at your vet's office within 10 days of the trip. There is an additional cost to fly with your pet.
PHOTO

Figure B
PHOTO

Figure C
PHOTO

Figure D
  • If you are traveling in a car, be sure to keep small animals in a carrier (figure B) so they do not get under your feet as you are driving. Also be prepared to make frequent stops.

  • Pack plenty of food and water in portable containers (figure C) for your pet during a road trip.

  • If you are transporting a large-breed animal in your car, you might want to consider a barrier (figure D). This will keep them from interfering with your driving.

  • Make sure to find out what kinds of restrictions are in place for animals going in to other states or countries such as Hawaii or Europe. Get a copy of the rules and restrictions ahead of time if they are available.

  • Check with the hotel or campground where you are staying to be certain that pets are accepted. Some places have size limits and additional fees.

  • If you are taking in tourist-type sites, it is a good idea to call ahead to see if pets are allowed on the premises.
    • PHOTO

    Figure E
  • Speak with your vet about prescribing sedatives (figure E) if you feel your pet may become anxious during your travels. Also, ask about possible reactions to things like high altitudes, for instance.

  • Make a pretravel checklist with the following questions: Do you have a safe and comfortable place for your pet to be? Have you scheduled food and water intake? Do you have portable containers with food and water? Has your animal been vet-approved the trip? Do you have the health certificate? Does the carrier have all the required labeling if traveling by air? Have you packed the pet's travel kit, including things like leash, collar, bowls, toys, food, bedding, litter box and first-aid kit?
    • Also in this Episode
    TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-1209
    •Tempting Truffles
    •Traveling With Your Pet
    •Fusible Fabric Art
    •Tip of the Day
    HGTV.com
    Services Popular Content About
    Our Sister Sites

    Comparison Shop for Home Decor & Garden Tools at Shopzilla & BizRate

    UpMyStreet and uSwitch.com provide UK comparison services.

    © 2008 Scripps Networks, LLC. All rights reserved.