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The Humane Society of the United States recommends that you do not transport your pet by air unless absolutely necessary. According to the Air Transport Association, more than 5,000 animals are killed, injured, or lost on commercial flights each year. Our Beloved pets face risks including excessively hot or cold temperatures, poor ventilation, scarcity of oxygen, and rough handling. The airline industry treats live animals as mere baggage, transporting them in cargo holds not designed for life support. In the past, airlines have neither responded appropriately to reports of animal injuries, nor provided accurate information to the flying public. Before you make plans to travel with your pet by air, consider using a company wh~se primary business is to transport animals. While finding alternative transportation or boarding for your animal might be inconvenient, the inconvenience is minor when weighed against the risk of losing your companion forever. Above all, when making travel decisions, please consider what is best for your pet. If you must transport your pet by air, your first decision is whether you can take him or her on board with you, which is by far the best option. If your pet is a cat or small dog, most airlines will allow you to take the animal on board for an additional fee. To find out about this option, call the airline. Be sure to find answers to these questions: Does the airline allow you to take your cat or small dog on board with you? Does the airline have any special pet health and immunization requirements?
Does the airline require a specific type of carrier? If your pet must travel in the cargo hold, you can increase the chances of a safe flight for your pet by following these tips: - Use direct flights.
- Always travel on the same flight as your pet.
- Ask the airline if you can watch your pet being loaded and unloaded into the cargo hold.
- When you board the plane, notify the captain and at least one flight attendant that your pe is traveling in the cargo hold. If the captain knows that pets are on board, he or she may take special precautions.
- Do not ship pug-nosed dogs or cats such as Pekingese,Chow Chows, and Persians in the cargo hold. These breeds have short nasal passages that leave them vulnerable to heat stroke & oxygen deprivation.
- Label your pet and his carrier with two forms of ID - your name, pet's name, permanent address, phone & destination.
- Carry a recent photograph with you of your pet.
Whether you are moving locally or a longer distance, make the drive with your pet more accommodating by packing a travel case. The following is a list of recommended items to pack in your pet's suitcase. - All medical records, including a vet-signed health and vaccination certificate (all no more than
ten days old). - The contact information of your regular vet and a referral vet at your new residence.
- Your pet's medication.
- Spare collars with ID tags and leashes.
- Plenty of bottled water. Your pets' stomachs can be upset by a sudden change in the water.
- Enough food and treats for the entire trip.
- Several can openers.
- Several water and food dishes.
- Plastic spoons for mixing and dishing out food.
- Your pets' favorite toys and blankets.
- Combs, grooming brushes, and flea powder.
- Cotton balls and q-tips to clean eyes and ears.
- Plenty of plastic bags for picking up waste.
- Paper towels, wet napkins, and sponges.
- Deodorizers for your car - you'll need them!
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Cats can be especially difficult. They tend to become more attached to their environment than to people. BEFORE THE MOVE
When relocating with a cat, it is necessary to prepare early in advance so the move does not come as a shock. Shower your cat with plenty of attention and maintain its normal routine. Cats may not be as familiar traveling in cars as dogs are. Several weeks prior to the move, it is recommended that you take your at on short trips in the car around the neighborhood and then slowly increase the distance. Accustom your cat to being on a leash if you are driving long distances and have to make stops at hotels, etc. If you are moving to an area with a different climate, for example, from Florida to Minnesota, it is advisable for you to consult with your veterinarian.
MOVING DAY
Confine your cat in his favorite room along with his food, water dishes, and favorite blanket and toys. This is to make sure that it won't run away or interfere with the movers. Cats can become agitated when they see the house in disarray. Don't let him out until you are ready to go. Do the same upon arriving at your new house. Immediately designate a room for your cat. Make sure your cat is wearing the proper ID tags.
AFTER THE MOVE
Sit down with your cat and provide a comfortable living space. Make him feel at home, for cats are very
sensitive to their surroundings. Keep him in and around the house for as long as it takes him to become acclimated. Confining the cat may seem a bit cruel, but cats are notorious for running back to their old house, no matter the distance.
It may take up to a month before the cat becomes completely comfortable with the scents an
floors of the new house. |
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Dogs are easier to move with than cats because dogs become more attached to their owners as opposed to their environment. In fact, unlike cats who prefer routine, dogs may welcome a change in the environment, even thrive in it. BEFORE THE MOVE More than likely, your dog has become accustomed to riding in a car and being on a leash. However, it is recommended that you further condition your dog for longer car rides. Drive with him around the neighborhood a few times. If you are moving to an area with a different climate, for example, from Florida to Minnesota, it is advisable for you to consult with your veterinarian. MOVING DAY Like cats, dogs may become a bit upset on moving day when they see all of the unusual activity. You should confine the dog in its favorite room along with its favorite blanket and toys. AFTER THE MOVE As you arrive to your new home, take your dog for a walk immediately. Familiarize your dog with the new neighborhood. Let him sniff around and mark its territory. Because dogs develop strong relationships with their owners, they're less likely to run away. - Provide a comfortable sleeping area for the dog.
- Try to keep a familiar routing (daily walks and meals, etc.)
- Dogs must go outside everyday. Teach them their limits with streets and traffic.
- Be prepared for a transition in housebreaking, especially if you are moving from the suburbs to the city. Your dog will have to get used to relieving itself on the payment and near fire hydrants and poles.
Dogs who enjoy car travel need not be confined to a carrier if your vehicle has a restraining harness (available at pet supply stores) or if a passenger can restrain the animal. Because most cats are not as comfortable traveling in cars, for their own safety as well as yours, it's best to keep them in a carrier.
Dogs & cats should always be kept safely inside the car.Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or become ill from having cold air forced into their lungs. Stop frequently to allow your pet to exercise and eliminate. Never permit your pet to leave the car without a collar, ID tag, and leash. Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car for any period of time. On a warm day, the temperature in a parked car can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes- even with the windows partially open. Your pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation when trapped in high temperatures. Also, an animal left alone is an invitation to pet thieves. |
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Potty train your dog by taking them to the same spot, each time you take them out to do their business. If they mess in the house, clean it up with paper towel or newspaper and take it out to the potty spot. Your dog should be on a leash at all times out side of the home. Check the collar to make sure it is the right fit. A buckled collar can be easy for a dog to get out of. Using a training chain collar will provide added security and control. With warm weather approaching, it is important to have water available for pets at all times. Look for fertilizer warning flags before allowing your pet to walk on grass. Black top pavement gets very hot in the summer, if your pet is too big to carry across it, you should run your dog across to grass or cement pavement. It’s best to leave your pet at home when running errands in the summer, temperatures can build very quickly and a long line in the grocery store could lead to heat exhaustion. If you choose to run your errands with your dog, use a travel water bowl and make sure they have access to it at all times. Pick up your dogs stool; it is unsanitary for the other dogs. Get a bag charm for your dog’s leash and you’ll always have one handy. |
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- Streets and sidewalks can irritate paws: Once the snow begins to fall, city streets and sidewalks are often coated with salt and sand that can irritate the dogs paws. After walks wipe paws clean with warm water to prevent dogs from licking and ingesting salt and chemicals.
- Keep dogs on the leash: Don't let dogs off the leash during snow storms or any other times. They may want to play but they can loose ther sent and get lost very easily. This is one of the reasons why dogs get lost in the winter more than any other time of year. Make sure your dog is wearing an ID tag before going outside.
- Never leave pets alone in the car: Pets can freeze to death in a car. Plus, the car cannot maintain very much heat when turned off. Leave your pet at home or take them in side with you on your errands.
- Move beds and dishs away from drafts: Even though your pet has fur, they can still get cold. Make sure your pet has a bed or bedding to sleep on if they choose. Floors get very cold and are very uncomfortable to sleep on.
- Keep your animals away from anti-freeze: In the winter people use anti freeze to ensure thier vehicals start. Animals are attracted to the smell and taste of anti-freeze but it is deadily. So keep a close eye on your pets and dont let them lick drive ways streets or sidewalks. If you suspect your animal has ingested anti-freeze thier symptoms will affect thier balance and coordination. So, if you think your pet ingested some, don't wait and watch, get to an animal hospital immediatley. Kidney falure can start within 24 hours.
- Kitty Kare: Keep your cat inside. Outdoor felines can become lost, stolen, injured, or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to diseases, including rabies from other cats, dogs or wildlife.
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