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 For
your cat pet to enjoy time with you, she must always be in good health. Like
you, if the pets are feeling pain they are unable to feel the mood of having
fun!
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Before you go
Ask yourself: will my
cat be comfortable and happy on this trip? Some animals simply
prefer to stay at home and a ‘homesick’, possibly motion-sick
pet will ruin everyone’s trip. In such a case it’s probably wiser
to leave your pet with a friend, relative or hire a ‘petsitter’.
If that is not possible, you might consider boarding him or her
at a clean, well-run cattery.
Plan ahead
If you do decide to take
your pet along, you must take as much care with the preparation
of your pet’s trip as your own. If you plan to travel by plane,
bus, train or boat, find out if your pet will be welcome and, what
kind of reservations and transport arrangements must be made. If
you’ll be staying at hotels, motels or campgrounds, you must check
if animals are allowed or if kennel facilities are available. If
you’re staying with friends or family, make sure your pet is also
invited.
 Travelling
by plane
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Contact the airline you wish to fly well in advance - each
has its own regulations and reservations for your pet will
be necessary. |
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Be sure to ask about the airline’s rules for pet crates
or carriers. |
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Try to book a direct flight or one with a minimum of stops. |
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The airline may allow your pet in the passenger cabin if
your crate or carrier can fit under the seat in front of you.
If your pet must travel in the cargo hold, be at the airport
early, place him in his travel crate yourself and pick him
up promptly when you land. |
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Establish that your pet will be in a pressurized area of
the plane - cargo holds can get very hot or very cold without
environmental controls. |
 Travelling
by car
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If your pet is not used to being in a car, take him or
her for a few short rides before your trip. Your cat will
probably be safer and more comfortable in a carrier. |
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Give the main meal at the end of the day. Dry food is more
convenient but if your pet needs canned food, dispose of any
unused portions if they cannot be refrigerated. |
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It is not recommended to leave your cat in a parked car
for a prolonged period of time. If you must leave your pet
in a parked car, put the cat in the carrier, lock all doors
and open windows enough to provide good ventilation. Remember,
on hot days, the temperature in a parked car can rise to dangerous
levels in just minutes and your pet could die of heat stroke. |
 Travelling
by bus, train or boat
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Not all bus lines allow you to travel with your pet, so
phone ahead for information. |
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Amtrak does not permit pets to travel in passenger cars,
but they may travel in cages as checked luggage. |
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Some cruise ships do welcome pets. Check with the cruise
line or ask your travel agent. |
Wherever you go
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Ensure your pet ALWAYS wears a collar with complete identification
and a license tag. Microchipping with HomeAgain® is the way
to ensure you will retrieve your animal should it be lost. |
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Pack his or her favorite food, toys and dishes, a cooler
of water, a litter box and a leash. |
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Have your pet examined and vaccinated, if necessary, by
your veterinarian before a long trip. |
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If your pet must travel in a crate or carrier, be sure
it is strong, large enough for him or her to stand up and
turn around, has a place for food and water, and a litter
box, is well ventilated, has a leak-proof bottom and closes
securely. |
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Contact the consulate or embassy of your destination or
ask your travel agent for advice if you are planning a trip
abroad with your pet, as health and vaccination regulations
vary greatly. |
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