WASHINGTON If you are traveling for the holidays and can't imagine spending the time without the furry members of your family, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) offers tips for making the trip safe.
"If you're thinking of taking your pets along for the annual holiday trip, it's important to know their limitations, and to check ahead to make sure that your accommodations are pet friendly," said Stephanie Shain, director of outreach for companion animals at The HSUS. "Pet travel can be done safely, and planning in advance is the best way to make that happen."
Whatever your mode of transportation may be, The HSUS has tips to help your pets have a safe holiday:
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 dog in the open bed 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. Extreme temperatures are dangerous, and an animal left alone in a car is an open invitation to pet thieves.
Traveling by plane?
The HSUS recommends that you do not transport your pet by air unless absolutely necessary. According to the Airline Transportation Association, an estimated 5,000 animals are killed, injured or lost during airline travel each year. Consider driving instead of flying or consider leaving your pet behind under the care of a pet sitter or boarding kennel. If you must travel by air with your pet, keep the following in mind:
- Not all airlines will carry pets. Call the airline well in advance of your trip to make sure that they accept pets and to check health and immunization requirements for your pet.
- Use direct flights and choose flights that will accommodate temperature extremes. Afternoon flights are better in the winter.
- Never ship pug-nosed animals such as Pekingese, Bulldogs, or Persians in the cargo holds. These breeds have short nasal passages that leave them especially vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and heat stroke. Small animals may be able to travel in the cabin, check with your airline for their requirements.
- Animals should have proper identification, including a contact phone number for your destination. In addition, carry a photograph of your pet for identification in case you become separated.
Pets staying at home?
A pet sitter or boarding kennel can give you the peace of mind that your pets are being cared for while you are away. Call family, friends or your veterinarian for suggestions for reputable pet sitters or kennels in your area.
For additional travel tips, visit www.hsus.org.
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with more than eight million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals and equine protection, wildlife and habitat protection, animals in research and farm animals and sustainable agriculture. The HSUS protects all animals through legislation, litigation, investigation, education, advocacy and fieldwork. The non-profit organization, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2004, is based in Washington, DC and has 10 regional offices across the country.
