Stress-free travelling with your pet

TRAVELLING long distances in a car or on a plane can be stressful for your pet. If you’re on the road with your pet, how many times should you stop? Or if you’re moving and need to transport your pet on a plane, what kind of carrier would you need?

To take the stress out of the journey and to answer any questions you might have, SuperLiving spoke to animal experts the Royal Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) to get advice about what you need.

Going on a road trip with your pet is not as easy as bringing along its favourite toys, getting it in the car and hitting the road. There are steps that need to be taken to ensure your pet is relaxed and safe throughout the journey. The RSPCA says it is always a good idea to get your pet micro-chipped just in case it gets lost.

You should make sure your pet is up for the journey by checking their vaccinations, worming and flea treatments are all up to date. “If your pet takes any prescription medication, make sure you have enough to see you through the holiday,” the RSPCA said.

Some pets have a lot of energy and like to move around. For its own protection, you will need to secure it by using a harness that loops though the safety belt to secure it while you are driving. Some pets, such as cats and hamsters, as most people would already know, need to be placed in a carry or transport box which can be bought at a pet shop. The RSPCA says the harness and the carry box will keep your pet safe in the event of an accident.

If you plan to travel in the car with your pet during hot weather this summer, make sure you never leave it unattended. Dogs, for example, can die very quickly from heat stress, even in mild weather. Make sure you also have plenty of water for your pet in the car.

“Remember to stop for plenty of toilet breaks during your road trip to avoid accidents in your car,” the RSPCA said.

The RSPCA says all pets are different and it is always a good idea to consult your vet before travelling.

• Your pet’s regular food and treats
• Bedding or a travel crate to sleep in
• Food and water bowls. Always carry fresh water in case you can’t find a tap
• Collar and lead
• Your pet’s favourite toy
• Grooming equipment
• A ‘pooper scooper’ or plastic bags to clean-up after your pet (mainly dogs)
• Sunscreen
• Medications and a first aid kit

If you are moving to another state or country and need to transport your pet to the new location by plane, the first thing you need to do is consider if air travel is suitable for it. The RSPCA says it is usually a good idea to consult your local veterinarian before deciding whether to put your pet on a plane. This is because air travel might be harmful if your pet is ill, pregnant, recovering from surgery or too old or young. It is also not advisable for kittens or puppies under 12 weeks old or that have been weaned within five days of the travel date to be put on a plane.

It won’t hurt to pay your vet a visit before travelling for a thorough health check. This is not only to make sure all vaccinations are up to date but because most commercial airlines require a health certificate from a vet dated within 10 days of the intended travel date, according to the RSPCA. “Your vet should be able to tell you whether there are any health risks such as heartworm and ticks in the area you are moving to and ensure that your pet is given the appropriate treatments.”

“All air transportation of companion animals [i.e. dogs] should abide by the International Air Transport Association live animals regulations,” the RSPCA said. As far as RSPCA Australia is aware, the IATA regulations already apply for international air transportation of companion animals. The regulations should also apply for all domestic air transport of companion animals in Australia, the organisation said.

Don’t try to cut costs on the airfare for your pet and choose the most direct flight as this will limit the amount of time it spends in transit. Also, think about the weather, as if the time you are planning to travel is warm, try to book flights in the early morning or late evening to avoid excessive temperatures. On the other hand, if it is cold, book the flight in the middle of the day when it will be warmer.

Your pet will need to be placed in a carrier for the journey and it is important for it to be familiar and comfortable with the container beforehand. To get your pet used to the carrier, the RSPCA recommends encouraging it to sleep in the carrier before you travel. Putting some of its favourite toys in the carrier will help your pet feel more comfortable.

When taking into consideration the size of the carrier to get for your pet, make sure it can stand without its head hitting the top and lie down comfortably. The bottom of the carrier must be leak proof and should be lined with absorbent material. The carrier must also be well ventilated.

Don’t forget to make sure that your pet is wearing its identification tags, licence and/or has a microchip with up to date details. It is also a good idea to attach a travel tag to your pet’s collar with your contact details in case of any emergencies.

It is important for your pet to get plenty of time to stretch and exercise before it travels, especially if it is going to be a long flight. The RSPCA says it is advisable for your pet to travel on an empty stomach for its own comfort, but do ask a vet for advice on feeding it before and after travel.

Be warned, giving your pet a sedative before air travel is a bad idea as the animal will not have the ability to keep its balance or brace itself if the flight is turbulent. Changes in pressure can also cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems if your pet is sedated.

Once you arrive at your destination, make sure you perform daily health checks on your pet, monitor its appetite and visit a local vet if you notice any behavioural changes or health issues.

This advice is mainly for dogs and cats. For other animals, please consult your local vet. The RSPCA advises that this is general information and encourages pet owners to seek professional advice about travelling with their pet.