It's important to recognize that traveling can be very stressful on our favorite four legged friends. Dogtravel Company tries to make travel as stress-free as possible for our dogs, but we need your help to ensure that you and your pup have an enjoyable experience.
Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian
Before you schedule your vacation with your dog, be sure to make an appointment for a physical with your vet. If you are flying, taking the train, or going on a Dogtravel Company vacation package you are required to provide a signed veterinarian health certificate. If you are traveling outside of the US you are required to have the appropriate health forms completed by your vet and certified by a USDA. Each country has their own regulations so be sure to check with that country's embassey for specific up-to-date requirements. You don't want to arrive in another country to find out that your dog will not be allowed through customs.
Vaccinations
Your dog must be up to date with his or her vaccinations. In all US states a current Rabies Vaccination is required. If you prefer titer tests, please check with your vet, as well as the jurisdiction or country that you are traveling to. Some countries do not accept titer certificates. Dogtravel Company will accept a current titer provided the dog is traveling to a location where the titer is acceptable..
Dogtravel Company requires dogs to be current with Bordatella & Parvo vaccinations. All dogs traveling with us must also be free of all parasites, both internal and external. This means all dogs traveling with us must also be current on their flea & tick medication.
Timing is important
It's important to be aware that different countries and jurisdictions have different laws regarding how close to travel a dog's health certificate must be signed. Please carefully review the requirements for each jurisdiction or country you may be traveling to. Also be aware that the United States and Canada also have requirements that your dog must comply to for re-entry if you are returning home! Some countries require a health certificate to be signed within 48 hours (2 days) of travel, while others require it to be signed within 3, 5, 7 or 10 days. Also please be aware that even though these health certificates must be signed within those periods, vaccinations, especially rabies vaccinations, must be current and given no sooner than 30 days to your travel date to ensure that the vaccination has taken effect. Some of this can be confusing, but you can always call the embassy of the country you are visiting, with specific questions.
Make Copies
Make sure to make copies of all of your vet records. Don't hesitate to ask your vet for a copy. Keep a copy at home with someone who can access it if you need them to. Keep a copy on you, keep a copy with your dog's travel gear, and we can keep a file for you as well.
Identification
Make sure your dog has a current ID tag with your name, cell phone number and home address. Also make sure your dog has a local ID tag with your cell phone, a local phone number (hotel, friend, camp site, etc), and a local address. If your dog does get lost, it's important that anyone who finds him or her can return them to you ASAP.
Microchipping
If your dog is not already microchipped, you may want to seriously consider getting your dog chipped. This is a very quick and painless proceedure, no worse than a shot, but it can be the one thing that ensures that your dog is returned to you, no matter where he or she is found. All vets, shelters, and rescue organizations have chip readers these days, and the first thing they do is scan an animal when a lost animal is brought in. The chip can hold invaluable contact information, like your cell phone #, your pet's medical history, medications he or she may need, your home address, etc. During hurricane Katrina, most of the animals who were chipped, were returned to their owners almost immediately as soon as they could be contacted.
In more and more jurisdictions microchipping is becoming required. If you plan to travel to Europe or many other countries your dog will not be allowed into the country unless he or she has a European ISO standard microchip. Please check with the embassy of the country you will be traveling to for specific requirements.
If you would like more information on getting your dog microchipped contact your veterinarian, a local shelter, rescue organization, or breeder. Many times local shelters and rescue groups offer in-expensive chipping between $15 - $25. Regardless of where you get your dog chipped, make sure that you call the chip company and have the chip activated and provide them with your contact information so that you can be contacted if your dog is found.
A word about tranquilizing your dog - Don't Do It!
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) do not recommend tranquilizing any animal that is flying or traveling.
AVMA Article "Don't Sedate or Tranquilize Pets Traveling By Air"
Grooming
Make sure your dog has been freshly bathed and groomed within a day or so of travel. Your dog will be much more comfortable, as well as the passengers, both human and canine, around your dog. Be sure his or her nails are trimmed, his or her coat is cleaned, and has been well brushed.
Creature Comforts
Although your dog may be on an adventure, you want to make sure that you keep your dog's daily routein as normal as possible.
Food - Bring or make sure you can purchase the same food he normally eats while you're away. This will help keep your dog's stomach from getting upset. It will also keep cleanup "doody" during a walk, much easier!
Water - Bring or buy bottled water for your dog, rather than using tap water. The change in the water may adversely affect your dog and it's better to be safe than sorry.
Exercise - Keep to your regular exercise routein. If you normally take your pup for a walk after breakfast , at lunch, and at dinner time, do not deviate from that schedule. Your dog needs that exercice. If you're taking your dog with you during the day while you're going out and your dog will be walking with you keep in mind that the change in routein may tire him out a bit more. This can be a good thing, but make sure your dog is able to handle it! You don't want to over exert your pup.
Crates - If your dog is used to being in a crate when left alone, or to sleep, or if his hang-out is his crate with the door left open, make sure you bring a crate for him. This is part of his routein and it may make him uneasy or anxious if he doesn't have his own space. There are some great travel crates available through www.dogtravelcompanystore.com . Some are collapsable.
Make sure to bring favorite toys - If your dog is particularly attached to a favorite doll, toy, blanket, or pillow, make sure you bring it with him. It will have familiar scents and remind him of home and help keep him comfortable and secure.
Things to Pack for your Pooch
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Travel Pet Bed if not staying |
Your dog's regular food |
Portable |
Bottled Water |
Treats |
Toys & Chew toys if your dog is a |
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First Aid kit |
Brush / Comb |
Poop Bags |
Old towels if not available to clean paws if it's raining |
PupLight or flash light for night |
Medical Records |
ID tag with local Information |
Old Sheet to cover furniture in hotel |
Portable Crate if your dog likes a den |
Lint / Hair remover |
Baby Wipes |
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