Pets may experience anxiety when traveling long distances. The newness of their environment during the travel will surely be stressful for them. Pet owners, on the other hand, can make the trip pleasant for their furry friends. Here’s how to prepare a pet for a move. This planning guideline is the best thing one can do for an animal companion before and during the journey.
Preparation
1. Visit the Veterinarian
Schedule a checkup with the vet near the time of the trip. Have the needed immunizations done to ensure your pet is healthy. Your veterinarian’s prescription for a modest sedative or anti-anxiety meds could be a lifesaver for some fur babies. Get a health certificate as it’s needed for crossing borders.
2. Prepare Travel Documents and Requirements
Research on the paperwork for your pet’s travel. This is a necessity when the destination is abroad. You must also have medical certificates for different tests and inoculations. The same is true for quarantine. Keep the contact details of your pet doctor and a photo of your fur friend in the files. Before pet travel, check whether the destination country requires a rabies titer test. If it does, be sure to have it done ahead of time to meet entry requirements.
3. Get Your Pet Adapted to Its Carrier
A carrier will only be a sanctuary if the pet views it as one. A few weeks before your journey, help your pet see its carrier as an inviting place. Keep the door open and place comfortable bedding and favorite toys inside. Set its meals there too. Bringing your pet in it will aid in the adjustment process.
4. Select a Comfortable and Secure Carrier
Pet carriers that are safe and comfortable for travel must be spacious and well-ventilated. They should also be airline-approved and IATA-approved, especially for international flights. Get a soft crate that can be fastened with a seatbelt attachment to the car seat, or get a safety harness if your pet is traveling by land.
Travel Day
5. Pack Essential Pet Travel Needs
A stress-free long-distance move with pets will require you to pack a travel kit for your fur family member. Bring its favorite blanket and toys. Include a used t-shirt with your scent with them. These will somehow give your pet a sense of belonging. Lastly, have poop bags and cleaning supplies.
6. Maintain Hydration During Trip
The fluid intake of one’s pet is essential in long-distance journeys. Bring a lot of water, it’s used to because a sudden change in what they drink may be bad for their stomach. Take regular water breaks. For your cat or reluctant drinkers, bring wet food. Red gums or little to no urination are signs of dehydration.
7. Take Breaks for Exercise and Bathroom Needs
It’s important to make stops for your pet’s comfort. Schedule them every two to three hours to walk your pet around a bit and allow them to answer the call of nature. This can reduce stress and free up pent-up energy. Remember that a tired pet is a calm pet.
Ensuring A Happy Outcome
A peaceful arrival is the result of a fur parent knowing how to prepare a pet for a move. You may transform a stressful experience into one that’s okay by putting their well-being first. To help them adjust some more, give your fur baby a place to wind down and adjust to the new surroundings. For more information, call Pet Chauffeur at 866-738-7433.
