So, you have planned a vacation and don’t want to leave your fur baby behind? Awesome! Then take your doggo along, discover places, view new sights, and make memories together. With a little groundwork and arrangements, you can simplify your travel that initially seemed very complicated.
We agree that flying solo or with other humans is more manageable than flying with fur babies; all the same, it is still possible. First things first, if you don’t have pet insurance for dogs, purchase it before you head out for the vacay. Pet insurance is vital to support your doggo with excellent medical care in times of accidents, illness, and with other health-critical conditions.
Once you have a health backup for your pet, you can stay relieved that your finances are protected from a range of unanticipated pet health occasions throughout the trip. For now, we have a few essential tips that help you devise a vacation plan with your furry bundle of joy.
Assess your options
The first question that needs answering is – does my dog have a temperament for flying? Some dogs are noisy, have a lot of pent-up energy, and bark at the slightest provocations.
If your dog belongs to that category, re-evaluate your flying plans with your pet doggo. You may need to choose an alternate private transport where you have no neighboring passengers who will be disturbed.
On the other hand, if the doggo is previously trained to handle stressful situations and stays calm, you can probably go ahead with the flying idea.
Choosing flight
Traveling in fair weather is the best. You should avoid taking your pet for a trip in cold/hot seasons as they are more likely to fall sick.
Also, it is advisable not to book your flight tickets during the holidays. The busy airports and crowded flights may overwhelm your pet doggo.
One wise decision will be to block your tickets with a nonstop flight. No transits mean fewer hassles for your pet.
If you have a specific airline in mind, you better call them up much in advance and book seats early as there are only a limited number of seats available in the cabin for small pets. And cabin seats for pets are only available in some countries – otherwise your pet will be crated and put in the cargo hold of the plane. Now, you don’t want to miss a flying opportunity due to tickets not being available, right?
Selecting pet carrier
Read through the instructions on the pet travel carrier needs specified by the airline. The standard requirements include durable, leak proof, ventilated, strong handled, and space large enough for your pet doggo to move around inside. Note down the carrier’s dimensions and abide by them if you don’t want to face rejection.
Also, know that some dog breeds are not permitted to fly. Check if your pet dog breed is included in the list or not. And large pets usually aren’t allowed in the cabin if pets are allowed there at all.
If you don’t have any traditional airline options left you can take a look at chartered flight options. Many of them allow pets to travel.
Vet visit
Once booking your flight is over, your next pit stop is the vet’s office. You will need to collect your pet’s health certificate (inquire about the validity period). It is proof stating that your pet is healthy and up to date with vaccinations. You need to provide the certificate at the time of departure and return, so your pet is allowed to travel.
Pet essentials
Fresh food packed will not be allowed while traveling and in many countries you can’t transport fresh food to your destination due to quarantines. If allowed, pack some of your dog’s favorite dry/wet food and snacks, as well as water bottles, water bowls, poop bags, collars, ID tags, leashes, treats, toys, bathing essentials, and pee pads.
Most important is crate training your pet at least a week or two before the journey. It is necessary to prepare your pet for the long haul mentally. Seek your vet’s advice on what to do if your pet gets too cranky before you travel. Pet sedation isn’t allowed unless you have the vet’s approval.
Have active pet insurance for dogs at the time of travel. Pet insurance assures your pet doggo superior medical assistance in needy times through the holiday and other days. Check with your insurer to know more about the validity of the insurance when you are traveling with your furry pet to a new or distant place.
