How to Travel Safely With Your Pets – National Pet Travel Safety Day

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How to Travel Safely With Your Pets – National Pet Travel Safety Day

January 2nd is National Pet Travel Safety Day, and during this time, we like to raise awareness about traveling with pets while helping to educate pet owners on how to travel with them safely. Whether you’re making a quick trip to the veterinary hospital or going on an extended journey, your pets must have what they need to travel safely.

5 Travel Safety Tips for Pets

1. Small Pets Should Be in Their Carriers

Small pets travel safest in a small, sturdy pet carrier. This carrier should either be restrained or stowed on the floor behind the driver’s or front passenger’s seat.

2. Larger Pets Should Have a Safety Harness or Restraint

You wouldn’t ride in a car without a seat belt, and you should have the same safety standards for your pets. Larger pets can be safely restrained in a vehicle with a special harness and restrained clip.

3. Vaccines and Parasite Preventatives Should Be Destination-Appropriate

Your pet could be exposed to other animals on your journey. You might also be visiting a location where there are different types of parasites and contagious diseases that you should be concerned about. Talk with one of our veterinarians about a month of two before you leave on your vacation so we can help ensure that your pet is adequately protected from the potential health risks associated with traveling.

4. Make Sure Pets Meet the Travel Requirements

Depending on your mode of transportation, your pet might need to meet certain requirements from airlines or other transportation providers. Additionally, if you’re crossing state lines or traveling internationally with your pet, you might need to obtain a certified pet health certificate for your dog or cat well before your date of departure. Be sure to research all of the rules and regulations associated with pets and travel for your upcoming trip.

5. Research Emergency Veterinary Hospitals

You never know what could happen on a trip. So, it’s good to be prepared in the event your pet has an emergency. Before you leave, be sure to research emergency veterinary hospitals located along your travel route and at your destination.

6. Stress Free travel

A lot of pets do not like car rides. If your pet is stressed with travel, we can help evaluate if your pet would benefit from medication to ease their stress and anxiety. Please schedule an appointment and we can help you and your furry shotgun rider!
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Health Certificates and Pre-Travel Wellness Appointments at White Haven Veterinary Hospital

In addition to vaccines, parasite preventatives, and pet health certificates, we also provide permanent identification with pet microchips. To learn more or schedule an appointment, we welcome you to contact White Haven Veterinary Hospital today.