My cat Fiona enjoyed a trip earlier in the year to the Isle of Skye.
Today, dogs, cats and other pets can travel by air, rail, road or sea.
Each form of travel presents its own unique set of problems. In order to smooth the way, it may be helpful to consider the following points.
Air Travel
An increasing number of pets travel on internal flights today and, although International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations regarding carrier size and conditions do not apply to internal flights, it is worthwhile considering these since they apply to all international flights.
Remember with air travel, the container will be your pet’s home for the length of the flight and also for an appreciable time prior to and after the flight after you have checked in and until they are collected after the flight.
The pet carrier should be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around freely.
There are specific IATA recommendations. Fixed food and water containers must be provided and these must be accessible from the outside.
On many internal flights (and some international ones), small dogs may be carried in the passenger cabin in under-seat containers.
If allowed, the total weight of the dog plus the container must not exceed 4kg.
It is useful to use several thicknesses of newspaper plus an acrylic dog bed of the Vet Bed type. A familiar toy or blanket in the container helps calm the animal.
Tranquillisation of the dog before loading in the carrier is not recommended. Tranquillisers sometimes wear off in flight, when it is impossible to either comfort the dog or to give any further medication.
Therefore it is a good idea to try to familiarise your dog with the travel container before the trip is undertaken. Feeding them in the container, first with the door closed and then open, helps to eliminate some of the apprehension that may be felt during the actual trip.
To travel to countries within the EU, your pet must be microchipped and have a rabies vaccination at least three weeks prior to travelling.
Your vet, who has to be an OV, official veterinary surgeon (there are three at Dunedin Vets), will require details of when and where you are travelling to and produce an AHC (Animal Health Certificate) for your pet. This is valid for dogs, cats and ferrets only.
This is all that is required if travelling to many European countries, especially if by car and ferry.
If you are travelling to more distant destinations, it is essential you contact the relevant authorities, who can advise on what your pet requires for travel in the way of paperwork and vaccinations. These certificates are called EHCs (export health certificates).
It is always best to do this well in advance of your travel to prevent any troublesome hold-ups during your journey. Sometimes, this requires starting over six months before your travel plans.
Car Travel
The Highway Code is very specific about animals in cars. They should be under control in vehicles and unable to distract you while you are driving.
If you want your dog to be loose in the car, he should be separated from you, and thus an estate vehicle or hatchback with a strong dog guard is ideal.
Alternatively, a crate or cage can be used, the dimensions of which should be comfortable for the animal.
If the dog is not so separated from you, he should be tethered so that he cannot act as a distraction. Dog harnesses attached to seatbelt fastenings are useful.
My sister’s dog Jet loves travelling in the car on her harness.
Signs are usually excessive salivation, restlessness or excitement.
Consult your veterinary surgeon, as there are several prescription-only medicines that are extremely effective for this condition.
There are also herbal and homeopathic treatments which may help.
Rail Travel
Remember that even the most well-behaved dog can take fright at the sight and noise associated with a railway station and trains.
Make sure that the collar and lead are strong.
Today, different railway companies have varying conditions regarding the transport of pets and therefore you should enquire prior to your trip.
When travelling on the underground with your dog, remember it must be carried up and down any escalators. If a large dog, seek other means of access to the platform.
If travelling with you in the carriage, make sure your dog is well-behaved and does not upset other passengers.
Sea Travel
Many ships and ferries today have permanent kennels into which your dog must be placed for the duration of the trip.
Again, the provision of a familiar blanket or toy helps to ease the tension.
Mild tranquillisation is possible since you can visit the dog during the trip and ascertain its effect.
Hints on travel with your dog
1. If you are going to stay in a hotel, ascertain beforehand that the hotel allows pets.
There are publications available that list such hotels and boarding houses, e.g. Pets Welcome.
2. Make sure the dog wears a correctly adjusted collar and not a check chain.
The collar should bear an identification tag with your name, address and telephone number.
Ensure your pet’s microchip can be read and your details are up to date.
3. If they are travelling unaccompanied, check that the name appears on the container together with your name, address, telephone number and any other relevant details, e.g. where you are collecting him from and whether you wish to be telephoned first etc.
4. Remember that most hotels and boarding houses will not allow dogs in the public rooms, therefore if you leave him unattended in your room, make sure there is no opportunity for escape and that you will be responsible for any damage caused.
Again, if practicable, i.e. size, a travelling cage or container is ideal.
Even if your pet is extremely well-behaved, make sure that you place ‘Do Not Disturb’ notices on the door if the dog is left unattended.
In this way, the possibility of confrontation with staff and the likelihood of escape are minimised.
5. Should your pet get lost, contact the local police, SSPCA, dog warden and veterinary surgeons.
6. Remember that advance planning is vital to make the trip an enjoyable experience for both you and your pet.
So, wherever and whenever you are travelling with your pet, advance planning is the key for a safe and happy stay.
I know boarding kennels and catteries are wonderful places, but sometimes you just want your pet to come on holiday too.
