Safety with your pets, what does that mean? What can you do?

Safety and Travell with Your Pets When you Drive or Fly

Keep in mind as the holidays roll around, take safety measures for your pets. Families everywhere will be hitting the highways by car travel and airways on their annual trek to grandma’s house. Many of them will be taking along Fido or Tabby or Tweetie for the holiday.

Traveling in a Car

When it comes to traveling in a car with pets, most experts agree that a pet is safest either in a kennel or restrained with a car harness so they’re not a distraction to the driver and they’re safer.
More car travel tips click here.

Kennels Are Good

Kennels are a good thing to have if travel your plans include a hotel stay. That way, pet owners can place the pet in his kennel when left in the room alone. The kennel will make the pet feel more secure and prevent him from causing damage to the room.

The American Veterinary Medicine Association also recommends that a pet be restrained either by a harness or in a kennel for their safety and the safety of the driver. Also, if the pet must be left alone in a hotel room, place a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door and inform the maid and the front desk.

Identification for Your Pets

The American Veterinary Medical Association also recommends that any traveling pet be properly identified. AVMA suggests that your pet is properly identified with a current tag and/or a microchip.

Grooming (bathing, combing, trimming nails) before a trip, plus having its favorite food, toy(s), and dishes available will make your pet more comfortable.

Have proof of rabies vaccination and a current health certificate with you when crossing state or international borders.

Keep a photo of your pet with you to help with identification in case your pet is lost.

Crossing International Borders

When crossing state lines or international borders, pet owners also need to bring proof of rabies vaccination and a current health certificate. If going international they will need an International Health Certificate issued by the USDA.

FAA Regulations Regarding Pets in Cabin When Flying

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows each airline to decide if they will allow you to travel with your pet in the passenger cabin. If an airline does allow you to bring your pet into the cabin, we consider your pet container to be carry-on baggage and you must follow all carry on baggage rules:

* Your pet container must be small enough to fit underneath the seat without blocking any person’s path to the main aisle of the airplane.
* Your pet container must be stowed properly before the last passenger entry door to the airplane is closed in order for the airplane to leave the gate.
* Your pet container must remain properly stowed the entire time the airplane is moving on the airport surface, and for take off and landing.
* You must follow flight attendant instructions regarding the proper stowage of your pet container.

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