14 Nov How do you Travel with a Pet Safely in Winter?
Travelling with your pet is a joyous experience. Our pets enjoy a change in scenery as much as we do, and taking some time off for a vacation can do a world of good for both you and your pet. If you do plan to travel, there are certain prerequisites to remember; safe pet shipping requires some preparation, after all. Prevailing climate conditions are something to factor into your travel itinerary, and you should prepare accordingly so you or your pet suffer no discomfort on your journey.
Here’s How To Travel With Your Pet During The Winter Months
Crate Training
Since your pet will travel in a crate and are likely to spend the duration of the journey in it, it is important to select one which is appropriate for them. Pets can only fly in an IATA-certified pet crate, and while road/rail transportation doesn’t have this requirement, it is still recommended you do so. Choose the right sized crate, factoring in the extra space required for them to stand up and lay down without feeling claustrophobic.
Once your shiny new crate has arrived, you’ll need to crate train your pet. Crate training is necessary as your pet will be spending significant parts of their journey inside it, and if they’re not acclimated to spending prolonged hours inside it, their journey will not be as comfortable as we’d like it to be. Start by keeping the crate in the same room as them, letting them interact with it freely. Reward such interactions with a treat or two, and slowly repeat the process until eventually they get in and out of it when prompted by you.
Vet Visit
Prior to any pet travel, whether driving to a neighboring city or flying internationally, you should visit your vet. If you’re flying during the winter months, this is essential. A vet can conduct a check-up to confirm if your pet is healthy and fit to travel. Any pre-existing condition your pet may have can be exacerbated by the prevailing weather conditions, so make sure to obtain your vet’s certification which confirms your pet is fit-to-fly.
Water
Pet Friendly Airline
Choosing a pet friendly airline is an important part of the travel process. A pet friendly airline is necessary as they take a few steps towards ensuring your international pet relocation is safe and comfortable. For instance, such airlines have pressure & temperature-controlled cargo holds, which are crucial components in ensuring a comfortable journey. Such an airline will also employ caution when boarding and de-boarding your pet, in order to minimize exposure to the conditions on the runway.
Consistent exposure to the elements is detrimental to your pet’s health, and choosing a reputable airline can minimize the risks considerably. Since different species and breeds of pets have different requirements, a reputable airline is required can manage these differing requirements. Dogs with thicker coats may be fine for a wintery flight, but smaller, short-haired, or snub-nosed breeds will require extra care in such a scenario.
Pet shipping during the winter months involves a certain amount of preparation. From the vet visit to proper crate training, there are many bases to cover; however, if you plan accordingly, your pet travel experience will be a smooth and relaxed one.
