Traveling with your pet can make a good vacation great.
Preparation is key to stress-free pet travel. Make sure you discuss travel plans with your veterinarian prior to your trip.
For more information, see the travel tips below.
General Tips
• The chance of losing a pet on a trip is higher than at home, and pets who get loose are less likely to find their way back to their owners. Be sure your pet has a microchip implanted and is wearing a collar with identifying information including your phone number. Your pet’s current license tag should also be attached to the collar.
• Health risks vary with geographic location and even between city and country environments. Check with one of our veterinarians for advice about protecting your pet while you are traveling.
• Make sure that places you are planning to stay allow pets and ask if there are any special requirements or fees for pets.
Travel Outside The United States And To Hawaii
• Rules for travel to other countries and Hawaii vary greatly, sometimes requiring testing or preparation months in advance. As soon as you know you are planning a trip abroad with your pet, contact the consulate or embassy of your destination or ask your travel agent for advice. You may also contact our veterinarians or Air Animal, a pet transport and travel agency in Tampa.
Automobile Travel
• If you haven’t traveled with your pet by car before, try a few trips around town. Determine whether he or she rides quietly or will need a crate to ride safely. If your pet becomes excessively nervous or carsick, contact our staff about sedatives or motion sickness medication.
• Bring your pet’s favorite food, treats, toys, water and food bowls, and plenty of fresh water.
• Plan to take regular breaks to walk dogs and to allow them food and water.
• Always leash dogs securely before exiting the car for a walk. Always crate cats and secure dogs with leash or crate before opening car doors or windows.
• For pets that travel well without being crated, safety harnesses that attach to the seat belt are available from several sources.
Airline Travel
• Contact the airline you’re flying well in advance – each has its own regulations, and reservations for your pet will be necessary. Be sure you know what paperwork, health certificates or releases they require and the time-frame within which these must be done.
• Be sure to ask about the airline’s rules for pet crates or carriers.
• Try to book a direct flight or one with a minimum of stops.
• The airline may allow your pet in the passenger cabin if your crate or carrier can fit under the seat in front of you. If your pet must travel in the cargo hold, be at the airport early, place him in his travel crate yourself, and pick him up promptly when you land.
Establish that your pet will be in a pressurized area of the plane – cargo holds can get very hot or very cold without environmental controls.