Interstate Pet Travel

  Traveling with our pets has increased exponentially in the last decade. This can be a very fun experience for both you and your fur baby! Whether traveling out of the country or Interstate, there are many steps to consider for our pets prior to travel. Follow these 8 steps for interstate travel to keep your pet safe, decrease stress and have a great trip!  See our Blog on International Travel recommendations if you plan on traveling out of the country.

•Current Vaccines- Call your veterinarian and make sure your pets’ vaccines are current. Although their core vaccines maybe up to date, there are other viruses that they may need to be protected from depending on their exposure level. For instance many core vaccines do not include Leukemia, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Lyme, or Flu vaccine. Depending on the area that they will be traveling through depends on what other vaccines they need to have current to protect them from many harmful viruses.

•Identification- During travel our pets are more likely to escape and get lost. Please make sure that they have current identification worn at all times. We highly recommend a microchip. Collars come off easily when our pets are on the run. Microchips bring pets home safely and fast by providing a permanent ID that cannot fall off, be removed, or become impossible to read. If your pet already has a microchip make sure your contact information is up to date.

•Medical Aides to Prevent Motion Sickness and/or Anxiety- Ask your veterinarian. There are now amazing motion sickness prescriptions that do not cause drowsiness and are more effective than previous ones. Current research now shows how important it is to prevent stress and anxiety for our pets.  Preventing anxiety is important for their health as well as their safety. Some signs and symptoms of anxiety are aggression, Urinating or defecating inappropriately, drooling, panting, destructive behavior, depression, excessive barking and whining, pacing, restlessness, repetitive and/or compulsive behaviors.

•Health Certificate- Call your veterinarian or check USDA state to state pet travel requirements website. Some states whether you are driving or flying require a health certificate. If you are flying with your pet please check with the airlines as well as the state requirements. A health certificate may be required within 10 days of flight.

•Heartworm and Intestinal Parasite Prevention- If your pet is not on heartworm and parasite prevention it is highly recommended. Some states have increased incidents of heartworm disease and intestinal parasites.

•Flea and Tick Prevention- There are a lot of flea and tick borne diseases that can be prevented by using the proper medication. Call your veterinarian to let them know your travel plans and to see if your pet needs prevention.
•Rabies Certificate- All states require a current rabies vaccination and will want to see proof in the form of a signed rabies certificate. It will also be required if emergency boarding/grooming is needed.

•Medical Records- If your pet has a medical history besides wellness visits; keep your records on hand in case the need to go to a veterinarian while traveling arises.

•Pack for Your Pet- This very important. Our pets love stability and consistency and at times require it. Don’t forget to pack these necessities:

Prescriptions- Bring any medications that they are currently on or will be due to be   given while away from home.

Current Diet- Pack their current diet and if they are on a prescription diet make sure you pack a written prescription if the need for more food occurs. This is very       important to prevent dietary indiscretion. Often rapid food changes lead to apainful   abdomen with diarrhea and/or vomiting.

Favorite Bedding- Our pets love consistency, bring their regular blankets/ Bedding that  they normally use

Favorite Toys

Litter Box- If you are traveling with your cat and some dogs you will most likely need to bring a litter box. Make sure it is the same litter they always use. Cats especially do not like change especially their litter. This can prevent inappropriate urination and defecation.  

Crate- Bring their crate/play pen or pet carrier. In some instances they may be required to be in their crate/ play pen or a Pet carrier at their destination or along the way.

Leash and Collar- Have a leash within arm’s reach at all times during travel in case of emergency. Make sure your pet has their collar with current identification attached to it.

Water and Food Bowl

Seat Belt Harness – Seat belt harnesses or crates secured to the vehicle are very important for the safety of not only your pet, but the driver and passengers in the car, as well. Keeping them secure prevents them from distracting the driver, getting hurt, and/or hurting others as a flying object, in the case of an accident.

Pheromones- Pheromones help prevent anxiety and calm our pets. We use and recommend Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs. These pheromones are available in a variety of forms; including collars, sprays, wipes, and plug-ins. We recommend spraying their bedding fifteen minutes prior to travel, otherwise, the collars are very convenient because they will last 30 days and go anywhere your pet goes.

  If you are traveling with your dog or cat we recommend calling your veterinarian with your plans and planning your trip at least a month in advance to make sure your pet is protected prior to traveling. Follow these 8 important recommendations prior to travel for a happy and safe trip with your fur family!