Lesson 7: Traveling with Pets
Traveling with you pet may be a difficult matter. Complications arise if your pet is a non-traditional pet (such as a snake, lizard, or amphibian). Many such pets are simply not allowed on airplanes or in hotels. Further, for international travel, stringent quarantine rules and high costs are in effect for even traditional pets such as dogs, cat, and birds.
Before deciding to take a pet on vacation decide whether your vacation is suited for taking a pet. Will your pet spend more time in quarantine than on vacation? Will you have enough time to give your pet the attention he or she deserves? Will the climate be a dramatic change for your pet? Will your pet have enough room to eat, play, and sleep. Also ask yourself about the personality of your pet. Is your pet well mannered and socialized? Is your pet accustomed to a kennel?
Transportation
When traveling by car, make sure you pet is secure in a carrier or harness. Make sure that you make plenty of rest and exercise stops. Always keep your pet on a leash during rest stops. Give fresh water to your pet at each rest stop. Watch your pet closely for signs of heat exhaustion or chills. If your pet is prone to motion sickness ask your veterinarian about motion sickness medication.
Most bus and trains do not allow pets. The only train system that allows pets (specifically dogs) is Eurail. Fare for dogs is 50% of a 2nd class fare. This limitation does not include Seeing Eye dogs.
Small pets such as birds and hamsters are generally allowed as carry on luggage in airplanes. The animal's regular cage can usually be used for transportation. Some airlines allow small animals as long as they fit into a carrier no larger than 21" x 1 8" x 8". Just be sure to cover birds so they don't get overexcited or chilled. Also, remove the food and water from the cage or they will spill.
Many airlines will not allow your reptile or amphibian as carry on luggage, as it may frighten other passengers. Alternately, send these small pets via air express or use a pet moving company. Shipping containers should withstand jostling, bumps, and the possibility of damage caused by other freight falling on them.
Larger pets must travel as air freight. All pets transported in this way need to be in an animal carrier or kennel. Your pet should be able to stand up and turn around in this carrier. Make sure your pet has an empty stomach, bladder, and colon for air travel. Again, remove the food and water from the cage or it will spill.
When traveling overseas with your pet, you will need an International Health Certificate. Your veterinarian can fill out this certificate, usually for a $22 fee. This certificate must be filled out within ten days of your trip. Some countries also require a Rabies Vaccination Certificate.
Other useful document includes some sort of proof of ownership for your pet. This is especially important if your pet is of an exotic species that may be mistaken for an imported animal. Proof of ownership can includes the bill of sale, registration, or microchip documentation of your pet.
Make sure your pet's identification is complete. I also like to attach a second identification tag on my pet's collar. This additional tag has my pet's name, my name, and contact information at my destination. Furthermore, I always bring a photograph of my pets in case they become lost.
Quarantine lengths vary drastically from country to country. In Cyprus, for instance, quarantine is one month. However, in the United Kingdom, quarantine can last up to six months. Most countries fall between these two extremes. Having complete documentation can often reduce or completely eliminate quarantine time.
