Traveling this Holiday Season

By Dr. Abby Soderberg, DVM – ZimmVet-763-856-4848

Whether you are driving to grandma’s cabin in Wisconsin or flying to your cousin’s condo in New York, planning ahead for pet travel is crucial for everyone’s comfort during the busy holiday season.

FLYING

• Your pet has two options for airline travel: cabin or cargo.  Most airlines require pets weighing 15 pounds or less to fly in the cabin with their owners.
• Check with your airline about the required carrier size and dimensions.
• Confirm with the airline the day before travel that your pet is coming with you.
• Airline regulations regarding Emotional Support Animals are changing rapidly, due to the number of incidents from false ESAs.  Check with your specific airline for their ESA requirements.
• When flying, a USDA health certificate is usually required.  Check with the airline as to how many days before travel the certificate must be issued.

CAR

• Many hotels accept pets. However, most have a limited number of dog-friendly rooms, so make reservations ahead of time.   
• Most federal and state rest areas have designated-doggy restroom areas. Cat boxes can be placed in a carrier with a cat. Do not forget to bring plastic bags for used litter.
• Pets need to be restrained while traveling for the safety of the pet and owner. It is best for pets to travel in a plastic sided carrier that has good ventilation and allows pets to sit, stand, and lie down.

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Some animals may be stressed or frightened by travel. Consider sedatives or natural pheromone products to make the travel experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.
• Your pet should be properly identified with collar, tags, and microchip along with traveling tags with your immediate contact information or travel destination.
• Most states require your pet to be older than eight weeks of age to travel across the Stateline.

• Be sure to pack food, water, and your pet’s medications.  Many times, your pet may not like the water and stops along the way, so having your own water ensures they will state hydrated.  Do not forget a bowl to pour the water/food into. 
• If you are driving between states, you will need an interstate health certificate. If going to other countries, an international health certificate will be needed at the border. You will also want to keep a copy of a current rabies certificate.

• Travel to foreign countries requires notarization of the certificate beyond the veterinarian’s signature.  Check with the country’s consulate regarding what you need. A good site for this is the USDA APHIS pet travel website listed below. (https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel)

Disclaimer:  This written content is meant to be educational and is not medical advice.  Always consult a veterinarian about medical advice for your pet.