Travel can be weird, noisy, and uncertain to pets, and that is why they find the whole traveling experience intimidating.
But the more you acclimate your pet to the experience, the smoother and safer the trip will be for both of you. Adequate preparation can transform a stressful experience into an enjoyable and pet-friendly journey.
Here is how to prepare your furry companion to fly.
Select The Best Carrier
By the time you are buying that ticket, take time to research a travel-approved carrier that is comfortable for your pet and one that complies with the airline’s policy. Your pet should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down without any difficulties. Find a carrier with good ventilation, safe fasteners, and washable soft bedding. Your pet requires a carrier that fits perfectly to be safe and comfortable.
Begin Carrier Training Early
Introduce your pet to the air carrier well in advance. Don’t do it the day before your flight. You can start it weeks or months ahead of time. Allow your pet to get used to it at their own pace, place treats inside, and as time goes on, gradually extend the period they spend in it. The aim is to make the carrier a second home rather than a prison.
Book A Vet Consultation
A veterinary visit is one of the first steps to take when you know that you are flying with your pet. This is a chance to get your pet examined to make sure it is healthy to travel. It is also a chance to ask the vet some questions regarding how your pet would cope with the stress of traveling. Your veterinary surgeon can recommend calming measures or drugs and can tell you whether your animal is fit to travel.
Obtain an Emotional Support Animal Letter as needed
For some people, pets provide more than just companionship. They offer vital emotional support. In that case, you will need a legitimate ESA letter from a certified doctor. This letter will indicate that you have an emotional support animal due to a limiting emotional disorder. So, you won’t encounter restrictions when you board a plane.
In recent years, airlines have tightened their requirements. So, ensure that your paperwork is up to date and matches the airline-specific requirements.
Microchip Or ID Your Pet
You don’t want to lose your pet during the hectic process of traveling. Put a collar with an ID tag that has your phone number on your pet. Even better, have them microchipped if they aren’t already. This small chip can be a lifesaver if your pet gets lost.
Exercise Mini Vacations
Assist your animal in gaining confidence by giving it short drives or trips to places with a lot of activity. Allow them to ride in elevators, people, and various sounds. Such exposure will assist in lessening the anxiety as the airport madness sets in. It is simply a matter of familiarizing the unfamiliar.
Mark The Carrier Visibly
Put your name, phone number, address of destination, and a sticker that reads Live Animal on the carrier. This might seem obvious, but when your pet is rerouted or delayed (hopefully in rare cases), it will be necessary to have clear contact information.
Clip Those Nails
Trim your pet’s nails before traveling with them. This will prevent being trapped in the carrier’s crevices, which may injure or stress them. Ask your vet or a groomer to show you how to do it.
Prepare A Pet Bag
Get a travel bag for your pet. Bring the following:
- Pet food
- A collapsible water bowl
- A leash
- Waste bags
- A favorite toy
- Any essential medications.
In addition, carry a blanket or something that smells like home. A little familiarity will help to relax your pet in an unknown environment.
Prepare The Necessary Health Papers
The majority of airlines require a health certificate that is no older than 10 days prior to travel. Also, you will require current vaccine records. Store soft copies in your carry-on luggage and make physical copies of the documents. Certain states and countries require pets to have additional entry requirements. Hence, it is important to research the pet rules at your destination.
Conclusion
Air travel is stressful. It is even worse when one does not know what is going on, as is the case of animals traveling by plane. Be particularly patient and loving to your pet during the process. By planning carefully, you can make your pet not only a traveler but a relaxed and happy one.
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