Each year, hundreds of thousands of travellers head out on their summer vacation and decide to bring along Waggles or Fluffy, their dog or cat. But in addition to the possibility of hassles and red tape, they could inadvertently be putting their beloved pet in danger. So the Canadian Animal Health Institute in Guelph, Ontario, has put together some tips and advice for travelling with a pet this summer.
The first thing is to be familiar with the entry requirements for pets in the destination to which they're travelling. It's a fairly easy process to bring a dog or cat to the U.S., for example, as long as the pet is in good health. Dogs require Proof of Rabies Vaccination, however, cats may not depending on the state. But better safe than sorry. Regardless, pets arriving in Hawaii or the Island of Guam, are also subject to locally imposed quarantine requirements
For other destinations, the process can range from easy-peasy (the scientific term) be significantly more arduous, depending on the country. And most countries will require that a pet travel with a Canadian International Health Certificate, completed and signed by a veterinarian.
According to the Canadian Animal Health Institute, requirements for admission into other countries may include rabies vaccination, tapeworm treatment and tick treatments, and the pet may also need to be microchipped. The animal may also need blood tests to prove they are free from other disease-causing agents like Leptospira, Leishmania, Ehrlichia and Brucella.
To be certain, it is always best to consult the local Embassy of the country to which the pet will be travelling, to find out exact requirements to allow the pet entry to that destination.
But just because the pet is cleared to travel, they still need to be kept safe while travelling. Pets can be exposed to diseases and parasites when travelling, just like us, and so depending on the destination, the vet may recommend additional vaccines or preventative medications.
The Canadian Animal Health Institute recommends identifying the possibility of the following risks and talking to a vet about preventative measures:
Parasites: Different kinds of parasites are found around the world. Warm and temperate climates can host some particularly nasty parasites that can cause irritation, but may also transmit other diseases.
Viruses: Diseases caused by viruses, such as rabies, can be much more common in other parts of the world. These viruses may put people at risk and can cause serious illness or death.
Bacteria: While all pets (and people) have a large amount of normal bacteria, some bacteria can cause serious disease. Pets may be more likely to become infected if they have skin wounds, eat contaminated food, or drink from contaminated water.
And lastly, when travelling with a pet, how they get there can make all the difference in a pet's well-being and safety.
By air - Make sure to use an airline-approved crate or carrier for the pet. Many owners wonder about sedating their pet for air travel. While this may help relax the pet, it can sometimes interfere with the animal's ability to adjust to changing temperatures and can pose a greater risk to their health. Some airlines may not even accept pets during the hot summer months. Air Canada, for example, will not accept pets as checked baggage from June 20 to September 10, and Delta Airlines will not accept pets as cargo during the summer months from May 15 through September 15. And WestJet will not accept pets from May 15 to October 31 to all Caribbean islands, Mexico, and the U.S. southern states, due to the likelyhood of extreme heat.
By train - Confirm where the pet will be kept; as it's unlikely that passengers are able to keep their pet with them. Also plan for motion sickness and know how you will provide your pet with access to food, water and bathroom breaks. In North America, pets are permitted on VIA Rail but they must travel in the baggage car, which means they can only travel on trains that offer checked baggage service. On Amtrak however, pets may not travel as checked baggage and must travel with a human. In both cases, a fee will likely apply. Both VIA Rail and Amtrak have pages on their websites related to travelling with pets.
By car - Pets should be restrained in a secure carrier or with a pet seatbelt to prevent them from being ejected from the vehicle in the event of an accident. Always leave time for regular bathroom breaks and keep a leash at hand to prevent dogs from running when the door is opened. Cats should have access to a litter box and some quiet time to use it. Talk to a veterinary if the pet suffers from car sickness.
And remember, it is NEVER okay to leave a pet in a hot car.
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