If you have a pet and think of it as a cherished member of the family, you will want to do everything you can to keep it safe and secure. This is especially true when it comes to pet transport. Just as you keep yourself and your family safe with such things as safety belts and child safety seats, you need to ensure your pet’s safety as well.
Transporting Your Pet in a Car
Whether you are going on a trip with your pet or simply taking it a short distance to the vet, it is essential to use safety precautions while traveling. Just as with people, when dogs and cats are not properly restrained in cars, they can become seriously injured or even killed should you become involved in an accident.
Furthermore, pets that are not restrained can also interfere with your driving abilities while on the road. Thus, it is recommended that you restrain your dog or cat with pet crates, a pet harness or a pet car seat while driving. If you choose a cat or dog kennel, be sure that the kennel is fastened securely to your car’s seat as well.
Never leave your pet unattended in your car for longer than a few minutes. The temperature inside a vehicle can get extremely hot in a very short time and can cause your pet to suffer from heat stroke. Even if the window is cracked, the temperature within a car can top 100 degrees in the summer.
Finally, be aware of the vaccination and health certificate requirements if you will travel out of state.
Transporting Your Pet on a Plane
If you are going on a long trip and need to take a plane, you will want to know the proper way to transport your beloved pet. There are two ways to transport animals on planes, and they are with regular baggage or as a carry-on. However, you need to check with your airline first to find out about their policies pertaining to pets.
Most airlines do allow the transport of pets so long as they are in airline-approved cat or dog crates. Additionally, if your pet is small enough, you may even be able to place in under your seat in a small carry-on crate. If you are transporting a dog, be sure to walk it before your flight to allow it to relieve itself.
You may also wish to purchase sedatives from your vet if you have a high-strung or nervous cat or dog. Finally, always be sure to lock the crate securely, give your pet water on layovers and include a tag on the crate with your name and contact information. When you follow these valuable tips, you can be sure that your precious dog or cat will be safe at all times.
Going on a holiday and not sure yet what to do with your pet ? Find some suggestions here.
