Planning for a family holiday and want to bring your beloved pet along with you? As exciting as that may be, there is more to travelling with your pet than simply purchasing a ticket. To ensure a pleasant experience for your family and pet, there are a few things you need to check off your pre and post travel to-do list.
Dr. Elise Barry, resident vet at Pet Circle, shares her top 3 tips.
1.) Research Extensively & Fill Out All The Right Paperwork
Travelling with your pet involves more than just purchasing a ticket. You need to do extensive research to check the travel requirements of your pet. There is a lot of paper work and approval processes involved, not to mention a hefty price tag attached.
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Check With Your Airlines
Not all airlines will take animals so check that your carrier will allow your pet to travel to your desired destination. All airlines have strict guidelines for travelling with dogs and cats, which you can find on the airline’s website. For example, some airlines have weight restrictions, as well as requirements for appropriate sized carriers.
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Check With Your Vet
Not all animals are deemed suitable for travel. This is where you’ll need to seek professional guidance. A veterinary certificate will be required for young animals less than 12 weeks of age, senior pets over 12 years, as well as sick or convalescing pets or animals that are pregnant or have delivered within 48 hours. It’s also a good idea to see a vet if you have a vulnerable pet like a brachycephalic (pushed-in face) breed or an anxious animal, because the vet can advise on the travel risks and recommendations.
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Check Travel Requirements For Your Destination
Thorough research is needed to check the requirements for travel to your destination, as special medications like Hydatid Tapeworming is needed for travel to Tasmania
Travelling with animals is no easy feat, especially due to the cost and quarantine regulations in Australia. If you are determined to do so, don’t leave any of the above to the last minute.
2.) Feed Your Pet Wisely Before A Flight
Ensure your pet is well hydrated ahead of a flight. Try not to feed them a big meal before take-off as this may encourage nausea and vomiting during transit. My advice is to feed your pet a nutritious meal at least six hours before departure. When you fly domestically, you still need to check if your pet food will pass domestic quarantine regulations for your travel destination. So don’t pack all your pet food without doing some research on entry requirements first. Also, pack a water proof mat, a portable bowl and plenty of water so that your pet can quench their thirst at any time. Healthy snacks at the airport is a good idea to help ward off any unwanted behaviour.
3.) Encourage Your Pet To Exercise & Sleep Post-Flight
Just like humans, pets can also experience fatigue, jet lag and other forms of discomfort when they’re in a new environment. If you have a dog, take them for a walk in the new surroundings so that they can stretch their legs and familiarise themselves with the changed environment. If flying domestically, the altitude differences your pet has experienced can also cause disorientation, dehydration and fatigue. Allowing your pet to sleep off these woes despite the time of day, can help them tackle any fatigue or jet lag they may have.
Don’t be put off by all of the above. Travelling with your pet isn’t easy but if you are organised and plan your research ahead of time, it’s much more manageable. The earlier you start, the faster you’ll be able to determine whether bringing pup along your next family holiday will be feasible or not. Divvy up the tasks amongst your family to ease the load.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dr. Elise Barry is the resident vet at Pet Circle. She provides expert advice and answers customers questions, as well as reviewing the quality of our food products and accessories. Dr Barry grew up on the Gold Coast with a back yard full of pets, including her Maltese, Raffles
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