Photo: Wolfgang Lonien
Is Travel Really Needed?
Traveling with pets can range from being pretty simple through to being so complex you may not ever want to attempt to do it again. When considering whether or not you should travel with any of your animal companions there are some factors that need to be considered. People who think carefully about these issues will tend to have fewer problems when traveling with their pets.
The things that need to be considered may vary depending on the kind of animals, which need to travel, and the distance that has to be covered. Last but not least it is important to know if the journey is solely within this country, or involves going abroad. The longer the proposed journey, and the greater the gap before the return trip can dictate, which animals should travel, or when it would make sense to leave your pets at home.
What Supplies Pets May Need For Traveling
The longer the trip the more steps you will need to take to make sure your pets travel in comfort, and also in safety. For short distances most animals will probably not need food or water. The further they have to go then the more likely they are to need to have both something to eat. Water is what pets need to stay comfortable. The larger the pet the more food and drink they will require for the longer trips. The bowls and bottles will vary in size according to the kind of the companion you are traveling with. Reptiles being cold blooded animals may also need something to make sure that they stay comfortable such as a heat lamp.
If the journey is a relatively long one then larger animals such as cats and dogs may need to stretch their legs, so take a leash for your dog. Long distances that you have to drive means that you would need to take a break in any case, so that is when you could walk your dog. Whilst chinchillas and reptiles may not have to be exercised yet the cages or carriers still have to have enough room for them to move whenever they need to. Mind you letting out a chinchilla in a car is probably not a good idea at any time.
Photo: Selbe 3
Accessories for a Better Journey
It is generally best to use specifically designed accessories when you are traveling with pets. Some animals need more toys than other types of pets do, whether they being transported over short distances, or been flown half way across the globe. Smaller animals are realistically going to have to be kept in something all of the time due to the risk of them escaping, or because they need greater levels of protection from things that could potentially harm them.
Dog Accessories – Home Comforts on the go?
Photo: DrivingtheNortheast
Dogs especially if fully trained will not need as much in terms of accessories as you might think they would do, particularly for shorter journeys. Puppies do not have to be caged, or put in a pet carrier if they are going on short trips. Dogs that are used to being in cars and traveling short distances are better than those that are not yet used to traveling.
When traveling with your dog you may need a bowl, some food, and some water, possibly a blanket. Consider taking something for a dog to chew or to play with, to give the animal something to do, and keep them occupied. It is always sensible to bring a leash so that you can walk your dog if you have stopped your car to take a break from driving.
For smaller dogs or puppies it is probably worth bringing a small pet carrier or a puppy crate. Before traveling ensure that the carriage has enough room for your companion to move around freely. For travel across continents dogs will have to be put in crates or larger cages. Due to the fear of rabies some countries will only let dogs in after they have been in quarantine for a period of time. The length of time varies from country to country, and then your dog will more than likely have to go in quarantine when they come back. Therefore if you are only going abroad for one or two weeks it is not worth bringing your dog with you.
Pamper Your Cats
Photo: Jorbasa Fotografie
Cats need accessories as well when traveling. They do need pet carriers to be kept in while they are traveling. For longer journeys kittens have to have food and drink plus if possible litter. Also on longer car journeys try and let your cats out of the carrier into the car to stretch their legs even if only for a little bit of time.
In order to make the trip as comfortable as possible, place some bedding in the cat’s carrier for them. For journeys by plane what the cat has to travel with depends on what is provided by the flight operator. Some companies may be willing for you to pay for extra accessories so that your cat does get pampered.
Chinchillas Traveling in Style
Photo: Danny Kim
Being smaller than cats or dogs, chinchillas and ferrets obviously need smaller pet carriers or compact travel cages whilst they are traveling. For more information on small pet cages, visit www.chinchillafactssite.com. Again they need bowls plus bottles for their food and water to keep them nourished during the journey. Chinchillas will need bedding as well. You will need to pick a carrier that is large enough to contain food and drink for them whilst they are traveling.
Traveling Like a Reptile
The accessories you will need for a reptile will depend entirely on what kind of exotic companion you are traveling with, and when you are traveling. As reptiles are cold blooded you may have to take a source of heat to keep them warm enough, particularly if you are making the journey in winter. A glass or plastic tank may be better for putting the reptile into than a pet carrier. Some reptiles may need live food, lizards could need insects, whilst snakes might need rodents. You may have to bring their food in suitable containers and possibly sure it does not escape.
Traveling with pets, especially if you do it properly so they stay fit and healthy can take a great deal of organization. You need to know what your pets will need if they are traveling, and bring all the accessories they need to arrive there and back healthily and safely.
Additional Resources and Suggested Reading
- Safe, Stress-free Travel with Pets – vetmed.illinois.edu
- Pet Health: Veterinarians offer seasonal tips to ease travel with pets and to prevent ‘pupsicles’ – colostate.edu
