COLLEGE STATION, TX – Well they say every dog has their day … but your PTO may not be included.
So what are you going to do when you make plans this summer?
According to the A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and BiomedicineThe answer is pretty simple, plan ahead.
While the act may be daunting, with proper planning, owners should feel confident about bringing their furry friend this summer season!
If you are going to travel by plane, first notify your airline, accommodation and of course your veterinarian. Owners should also contact the appropriate authorities to ensure that their pet has the correct records. especially when crossing national borders.
The best thing to do is to review the specific requirements of your destination to ensure that you comply with all relevant laws and regulations when you arrive.
Time factors to consider may include meeting timeframes for obtaining a health certificate, updating vaccinations, diagnostic tests, or administering medication / treatments.
Also, when getting the correct records from your veterinarian, owners should ensure that their pet is up to date on all vaccinations, heartworm prevention, ectoparasite prevention (like fleas and ticks), has a registered microchip with up-to-date contact information, and is legible on the label their collar or harness.
Tags should contain a pet’s name, an emergency number, and any relevant medical information.
Pet owners who rely on a medical device like a blood glucose meter or pacemaker should speak to their veterinarian about what resources are available near their destination. If your pet is struggling with anxiety or motion sickness, ask your veterinarian how best to meet their needs while traveling.
Also, if your pet is on medication on a daily basis, it is important that you have enough time to get through your trip and pack a paper copy of the prescriptions in case any of them get misplaced.
Another tip?
Keep your pet in a travel crate or luggage rack when they are unattended in a new environment. This will keep your pet out of mischief and ensure that your pet is in a safe and familiar place.
Owners can also help create a familiar environment for their pet by using the same litter that their cat uses when traveling at home and by giving them a consistent diet. Avoiding introducing new foods and treats while traveling can also reduce your risk of indigestion.
In other potential emergencies, experts recommend bringing trash bags, water, time-sensitive medication, and at least a small portion of your pet’s food with you no matter where you go.
Owners may also want to research where local emergency veterinary centers are along their route or near their destination. Owners may also want to purchase pet insurance for their pets and should have their insurance policies ready when traveling. If possible, include insurance information on your pet’s collar or harness label.
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