If you are thinking of traveling with your pet, it is important that you mentally answer some questions…
Many people ask us what are the rules for traveling by car, bus and plane with a dog. So we decided to make this post to answer these questions and give some important tips on traveling with our pets. Let’s go!
Traveling with your pet – what do you need to know?
Before traveling with your dog, whether by car, bus or plane, it is important that you talk to your veterinarian. Ideally, he should examine your pet to make sure everything is ok with his health. Another point to be talked about is possible nausea, very common in travel. The professional will be able to indicate preventive measures so that your pet does not feel ill during the journey.
Now, a tip from petlover to petlover: if you are thinking of traveling with your pet, it is important that you mentally answer some questions like:
- Has my dog ever been in a car? If so, does he enjoy the experience or is he extremely stressed / agitated?
- Is he used to carrying bags and boxes?
- Does my pet feel comfortable in strange places with different people?
- Is he a sociable pet who will enjoy the trip as much as I do?
- Is my pet friendly with other pets and other people?
- Does my pet exhibit undesirable behaviors that can end up bothering other people (such as barking / meowing excessively, doing their needs anywhere, destroying objects, etc.)?
The idea of taking our pet with us on trips is wonderful, but it will only be really wonderful in practice if our dog is as comfortable with the situation as we are. If you think that he may end up not enjoying the trip so much or may exhibit some unwanted behavior, it may be better to rethink your trip with your pet, otherwise the situation may end up not being a nice experience for you or for him.
Traveling by car
The safest way to travel with dogs is to make sure they are locked up. Thus, in cases of sudden braking or collisions, pets will be protected. For dogs up to 10kg, a great option are the seats. They are fastened by the car’s safety belt and the pet is fastened to the seat by the collar.
Dog seat travel For dogs weighing more than 10 kg, the dog safety belt is ideal. It will ensure that the dog will be safe and comfortable during the trip.
Another option is the shipping boxes. Shipping boxes and carrying cases are available in different sizes, shapes, colors and materials. However, if your pet is not used to using it, it is important that you introduce the transport box or bag into the animal’s daily life before the trip. Walk the dog a few times in the box and leave it around the house so that it can get used to it. Thus, he will not feel uncomfortable and afraid when traveling inside the box.
During the trip, it is important that you make several stops so that your pet can drink water, do his needs and spend a little energy (all of this supplies you can put in a travel dog bag). In addition, we must pay attention to the temperature inside the car. If the trip takes place on a sunny day, don’t hesitate to turn on the air conditioning or open the windows so that the temperature doesn’t get too high.
Traveling by car
The safest way to travel with dogs is to make sure they are locked up. Thus, in cases of sudden braking or collisions, pets will be protected. For dogs up to 10kg, a great option are the seats. They are fastened by the car’s safety belt and the pet is fastened to the seat by the collar.
Dog seat travel For dogs weighing more than 10 kg, the dog safety belt is ideal. It will ensure that the dog will be safe and comfortable during the trip.
Another option is the shipping boxes. Shipping boxes and carrying cases are available in different sizes, shapes, colors and materials. However, if your pet is not used to using it, it is important that you introduce the transport box or bag into the animal’s daily life before the trip. Walk the dog a few times in the box and leave it around the house so that it can get used to it. Thus, he will not feel uncomfortable and afraid when traveling inside the box.
During the trip, it is important that you make several stops so that your pet can drink water, do his needs and spend a little energy (all of this supplies you can put in a travel dog bag). In addition, we must pay attention to the temperature inside the car. If the trip takes place on a sunny day, don’t hesitate to turn on the air conditioning or open the windows so that the temperature doesn’t get too high.
Traveling by bus
To travel by bus with your pet, you will need:
- Present a veterinary certificate attesting to the animal’s good health
- Transport the pet in a shipping box
- In addition, it is important to contact the company before your travel date to answer any questions. This is because some companies have specific rules, such as, for example, the obligation of the pet to occupy a seat next to its owner. Some companies require the person to buy a dog or cat ticket in order for him to take the seat next to him. Others do not have this rule and allow the pet to stay on the guardian’s lap (inside the transport box, of course). Also, it is important to warn that you will be with your pet, as there is usually a limit number of pets that can be transported per trip – and if that limit has been reached, you will probably not be able to board that bus.
Traveling by plane
To travel by plane with your dog, it is important to be aware of the national aviation rules and also the rules of the airline you will be traveling with, as each company adopts its own rules.
In the case of domestic flights, the basic rules and adopted by all airlines are:
- Update all doses of your pet’s vaccines
- Present veterinary certificate
- Notify the airline in advance that you will be traveling with your pet
- Transport your pet in a sturdy, ventilated transport box that will accommodate your pet with a certain amount of clearance
For your pet to travel in the cabin with you, he needs to weigh less than 10 kg with the transport box (this rule may vary according to the company). If he is going to travel in the hold of the aircraft, do not forget to identify both your pet and its transport box with a plaque.
An important note: some airlines do not transport dogs of certain breeds. Therefore, as much as your dog has the vaccines up to date and with a certificate of good health, he may be prevented from traveling if his breed is among those prohibited by that company.
On international flights, it is extremely important that you, in addition to contacting the airline, inform yourself about the rules of the destination country.
This is because some countries have specific rules (such as the need for the furry to go through the quarantine period before entering the country) that may end up preventing you from landing with your dog or cat. In addition, it is important to inquire about the specifications of the transport box in which your pet will travel.
That is, he will not be able to travel in any transport box, so, before buying one, check if it meets these specifications.
Latest Posts
The Great Dane obeys orders easily and learns quickly what he can and cannot do! Of German origin, as its name already …
Meet the “Frenchie” Bulldog Also known as “Frenchie”, the French bulldog is believed to have originated in three countries: England, France and …
These dogs are known to be active, playful and very close to the family. The Fox Terrier is a beautiful breed of …
One of the main points of the English Cocker dog is the energy! Initially, the English Cocker Spaniel and American Cocker Spaniel …
They are loving animals with their family, loyal to those they like, somewhat shy and very, very active! The Dalmatian is one …
While they are very sociable and independent, they are loyal and protective Popularly known as “sausage”, the Dachshund (or teckel) breed is …
Very delicate, smart and intelligent Famous for the role of “Lassie”, the Collie is one of the most popular dogs in the …
He is loyal, affectionate and with great enthusiasm for work and play. Created in France, the Clumber is one of the largest …
Chow Chow are extremely furry and super imposing Like a bear, chow chow has no way of passing by without attracting attention. …
Exotic by nature. One thing is certain: no one is indifferent to see a puppy of this breed in its (almost) hairless …
