The holidays are coming, and while many dogs board at day care, others are hitting the road. Here are a few things to keep in mind…

Preparing for Travel

Before traveling, make sure your pet has time to become comfortable with the crate or carrier you will be using. Carriers should be roomy enough for your pet to turn around in, with plenty of ventilation to avoid overheating. Stressed dogs pant excessively and overheating can occur rapidly, so make sure your pet has plenty of air and access to water if possible. Dogs tend to make bad crash test dummies, so always make sure your pet is secured in your vehicle in a crate, behind a barrier or wearing a dog seatbelt. Dogs should NOT ride in the front seat — like children, they are easily killed by deploying airbags.

Emergencies can happen anywhere, so be prepared. Make up a first aid kit for your pet, refill any prescriptions and pack plenty of food for the trip. Changes in water can upset a dog’s system — using bottled water while traveling can save you and your pet from a gastrointestinal crisis. Make a list of vet clinics and emergency clinics that you can rely on when your own vet is out of reach, in case your pet needs professional medical attention while you’re out of town.

Check with the airline’s requirements if you will be flying with your pet. Most airlines have size restrictions on carriers, so make sure yours complies. Also, be sure your pet will be traveling in a temperature-controlled, pressurized cargo area if it’s too large to be in the cabin. Pets should NEVER be loaded into the general baggage area, as they may not survive the trip.

Medicating the Stressed Pet

Owners often request tranquilizers for pets who will be traveling. If your dog will be sedated for travel, make sure you medicate him BEFORE you leave the house — a stressed animal can completely override any sedation if their adrenaline is pumping. Check on sedated pets frequently, especially during air travel. Medications can have unpredictable effects at high altitudes, so avoid medicating if possible, especially if your pet is riding in the cargo area where he can’t be under your watchful eye. If a prescribed dosage really knocks your pet out, talk to your vet about reducing the dose. Pets should be calm and comfortable, but not unconscious. Most pets do surprisingly well on long trips without medication, even if they haven’t traveled much before.

Don’t Forget the Paperwork

For pets that will be flying or riding across state lines, an interstate health certificate is required by law. This form is available through federally accredited veterinarians (be sure to ask your vet — not all licensed vets are federally accredited). Your pet will be examined and, if found free from infectious disease and current on vaccinations, will receive a health certificate. One copy goes with the pet, one stays with the vet, and the other two go to the state veterinarians in the home state and the final destination state. Airlines will request this paperwork prior to boarding, so don’t leave it at home! Those traveling by car will be asked to produce these papers when they are pulled over. Each state sets its own fines for owners who have not complied with the health certificate laws in their state. Every state in the US requires rabies vaccination by law. Your health certificate is proof that your pet is in compliance. For international travel, the country you are visiting will dictate what forms are required and whether your pet will need to be quarantined before entering the country.

Have a great holiday, enjoy your trips, and don’t forget to make frequent potty breaks to stretch your pet’s legs!