Our top tips for travelling with pets
Pet owners must take a number of measures to properly prepare animals for travel. Bringing a pet along in the car on a road trip may not require much planning, but taking pets on commercial transport such as airplanes or trains calls for some thoughtful preparation. From paperwork to health exams and pet travel kennel specifications, owners have to cover several bases before they can safely travel with their pets.
Pet Vaccinations and Health Conditions
Set up an appointment with your veterinarian to confirm whether or not you pet is healthy enough for the type of travel you have planned. If your pet is healthy, you will still need to update its vaccinations in most cases. This is especially true for international travel. Pets on the Move can advise on countries requirements.
Pet Documentation
Documentation is key when traveling with a pet. Obtain proof of health records and vaccinations. Travelers taking their animals on flights will also need a health certificate filled out by a veterinarian and validated by your vet prior to departure. Additionally, keep proof of ownership with you and an ID tag with complete contact information, which will remain on the pet at all times.
Pet Microchipping for air travel
Have a microchip implanted in your pet. Microchips make it much easier to get your pet back in the event that it gets lost. Some animals may be able to wriggle out of their collars, but a microchip will stay with them no matter what. The microchip registration should include permanent contact information as well as information on how to reach you during your trip. This way any shelter or animal control service that picks your pet up and scans for a chip will be able to get in touch with you.
Air Kennel Preparation
Pets on the Move provide plastic or wooden travel kennels. Different animals have different requirements in terms of crate specifications for commercial travel. Pets on the Move will advise on type and size of crates and crates should generally be large enough for your pet to stand upright, turn around and lie down with a little space to spare. The crate must also have a secure door mechanism and adequate ventilation for the animal. Pets on the Move can advise you on the proper type of crate or kennel for your particular pet. Pets on the Move travel crates come with a food and water dish, owners are advised to provide a blankets. Help your pet get used to being in the crate in the weeks and days leading up to the trip so that it is not uncomfortable or overly nervous when placed in the crate on the actual day of travel.
Preparing pets for Travel
On the day of flying with pets
Ask Pets on the Move about your pet’s feeding schedule leading up to the actual day of travel. Pets on the Move recommends that most pets go on an empty or nearly empty stomach when traveling Internationally. Airlines will not transport pets which may have been administered tranquilizers as this may pose several health risks. Pets on the Move will ensure dogs are walked prior to the check in. This way the animal can relieve itself and burn off a little energy before being checked in.
Pets on the Move are always happy to discuss each pets requirements, please do not hesitate to contact ourselves for advise on any aspect or pet travel.
Pet Air Travel with pets on the Move
Pets on the Move is UK’s only dedicated pet travel agent to based at a Scottish airport, with a state of the art Animal Reception Centre and comfort lounge, offering onsite check in facilities for your pets.
Pets on the Move airport shop offers the chance to purchase last minuet items for your pets journey, such as comfortable bedding and additional water dishes.
Over 20 years we have cared for pets of all shapes and sizes, our luxury boarding facilities and ‘Pocket Pet Hotel’ is only 30 minuets from the airport, set in a rural location, with the offer of our ‘Pet Taxi Service’ you can be assured your pets will be checked in on time for their flight.
