Frederick, MD is warm and sunny, the kids are out of school,
and after the winter we have had…it is time to venture out and take a
vacation! At Kingsbrook Animal Hospital,
we consider our pets family, so why not bring them along too? If you are able to bring your furred family
member with you, plan ahead to ensure a safe, fun trip for everyone. Traveling by land, air, or sea has its
obstacles so make sure you have what you need ahead of time to prevent any
hiccups in your trip.
Firstly, no matter how you are traveling, as long as you are
in motion, your pet should always remain in a veterinary approved carrier for
safety. Carriers come in a variety of shapes
and sizes and can be either hard or soft.
Carrier size and shape may not make a difference if traveling in your
own car, but some airlines or buses will require a certain kind of carrier that
must fit under the seat. Make sure you
check with the travel company before hand to ensure you have the correct
carrier. |
| Haley's Blue is ready to go. |
 |
| Megan's Juno says "Don't forget me Mommy." |
Another thing to consider is whether or not you need a
Health Certificate for travel. Health
Certificates require a scheduled visit to your veterinarian before your travel
date. Most Health Certificates are only
good for a short period of time, so scheduling is very important depending on
when you plan on leaving. It may also be
advisable to bring a copy of your pet’s medical record with you in the event of
an emergency, especially if your pet has a medical condition. Planning ahead, will ensure you have the
necessary paperwork needed for a hassle free vacation.
Besides what your pet will be traveling in and possible
paperwork you will need, consider what necessities your pet may need too. Always make sure your pet has fresh water
available. If traveling in your own car,
having some bottled water reserved will accomplish this. If you are traveling in an airplane or bus,
you may not be able to take your pet out while in motion. Freeze some water in
a bowl so that it slowly melts as you travel; this will prevent spillage and
will keep your pet hydrated. Food is
also something your pet will need.
Depending on how long your trip is, your pet may need to eat during
travel. If you are unable to take your
pet out of his carrier, keep some dry food in with him. Make sure you plan to bring enough food for
the entire trip, plus a little extra just in case. If your pet is on a prescription food or
medication, contact your veterinary office before hand to make sure you have it
in hand before you go.
With these tips in mind, you should have everything you need
for a fun filled, well needed, family vacation.
