WASHINGTON – Planes, trains, and automobiles. All are options
for getting to your summer vacation destination. But which is
the best method of travel if you are bringing your four-footed
family member along? And should you bring your animal companion
or is he or she happier staying at home?
The Humane Society of the United States, the nation’s
largest animal protection organization, has the information to
help you make these decisions. Nancy Peterson, HSUS companion
animal issues specialist, says, “The first thing you need to
determine is whether your furry friend likes to travel. Does he
or she enjoy being in the car and seeing new people and places?
If these stress your pet, it may be kinder to leave him in the
care of a boarding kennel or professional pet sitter.”
If you decide to take your pet on vacation, start to plan
your trip early. You will need to research places that provide
pets-welcome accommodations. Motel 6, Red Roof Inns and Studio
6 properties all accept pets. Next, determine if your pet will
need a health certificate, and schedule a pre-vacation
veterinary exam. You will want to make sure that you carry
proof of a current rabies vaccination.
The following are some tips on traveling with your animal
companion.
Traveling by Car:
• Always be sure that your pet is safely restrained in the
car. If he is accustomed to one, your dog can be restrained
with a pet safety harness that functions like a seatbelt. Or
you can use a well-ventilated, hard-sided kennel. To ensure
that they don’t distract the driver, cats should always be kept
in their carriers when traveling by car. All animals are safer
in the back seat.
• Don’t allow your canine companion to stick her head out
the window when the vehicle is moving. Doing so can subject
your pet to injury by flying debris. Never transport a pet in
the back of a pickup truck. Some states have laws restricting
such transport and it is always dangerous for your dog.
• Always provide frequent bathroom and exercise breaks. When
outside the car, make sure that your pet is always on a leash
and wearing a collar and ID tag.
• Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car. On warm
days, the temperature in your car can rise to 120 degrees in
minutes, even with the windows slightly open. Also, an animal
left alone in a car is an open invitation to pet thieves.
Traveling by Plane:
The HSUS recommends that pets be transported by air only if
absolutely necessary. According to the Airline Transportation
Association, an estimated 5,000 animals are killed, injured or
lost during airline travel each year. Most injuries and deaths
to animals traveling by airplane are due to extreme heat or
cold, poorly ventilated cargo holds, mishandling by baggage
personnel, and damage to kennels. If you must travel by air
with your pet, keep the following in mind:
p> • Take small
animals on board with you in carriers that fit under the seat.
Contact airlines for specific requirements, including type and
size of carrier, for taking your pet on board.
• Take direct flights to avoid mistakes and delays that
occur with transfers, and schedule flights early or late in the
day to avoid extreme heat.
• Notify the captain and at least one fight attendant that
your pet is traveling in the cargo hold. If the captain knows
there are pets on board, he or she may take special
precautions.
• Fit your pet with a collar that can’t get caught in
carrier doors. Instead of a dangling tag, affix identification
on the collar and carrier with your name, address, and phone
number, as well as a temporary travel ID with the address and
phone number where you can be reached at your travel
destination.
Traveling by Ship or Train:
• Most cruise lines don’t accept pets with the exception of
assistance dogs. Contact cruise lines in advance about their
policies and kennel facilities. If you must use the ship’s
kennel, make sure it is protected from the elements.
• Amtrak currently does not accept pets for transport unless
they are assistance dogs. There may be smaller U.S. rail
companies that permit animals on board their trains. Many
trains in Europe allow pets.
Many restaurants and tourist attractions do not allow pets.
If you’re not prepared to go the extra mile to accommodate your
pet during travel, he or she may be safer and happier at home.
Then research the pet sitting services and kennels in your
area.
