Many pet owners dislike leaving their pets home when they go on vacations. Many like to take their pets along, if possible. There are rules governing pet travel by air and pet travel to another country by any means. You must be aware of these and make prior arrangements.

You must always keep your pet on a leash when you move out of your place. Find out if there are any pet friendly hotels or inns in the place that you are going to visit, as hotels generally don’t permit pets. Look for the ones that provide kennel facilities. It is always better to carry a kennel, just in case the hotel does not provide one.

If you’re planning to take your pet by air, make the necessary arrangements in advance. Find out if the airline allows your pet to travel in a carrier that can be kept under the seat, otherwise it must travel by air freight. You can send small pets like birds, hamsters and tropical fish by air express. Make sure your pet is identified by a tag or microchip. A health certificate is a must for the pet to travel by air. Choose a travel case or kennel that is very comfortable for your pet, preferably a spacious one and familiarize your pet with it by placing the pet for a little while in it everyday.

You can also take your pet with you in your car. Before the date of the actual journey, take your pet for small trips in the car so that the pet gets used to it. Take along a jug of cold water, in case of any emergency. Don’t allow pets to ride with their heads outside, as particles of dust can enter its eyes, nose and ears causing infection. Pets are generally not allowed in trains or buses except for guide dogs accompanying blind persons.

If adequate measures are taken beforehand, travel will be a pleasant experience for both the owner and the pet.

Most airlines allow pets. Some airlines even allow your pet to be carried onto the plain if it is small enough to put into a kennel that will easily slide under the seat in front of you. If the dog is too large, it will be kept in cargo which is temperature and pressure regulated just like the passenger area. It is imperative to make sure that your airline will make accommodations for your pet as there are a few discount airlines that will not.

Especially if you buy your airline tickets online, call ahead to verify their policies. Each airline that accepts pets will ask you to make reservations for you pet ahead of time because they can only carry so many pets each trip. It is important to make these reservations as soon as possible to ensure your pet’s seat on the flight. Pets also require health certificates to fly. You can purchase one from your vet, but they only last for 10 days. If your voyage is longer, you will need to purchase another for the trip home.

As mentioned before, your pet will need a kennel/carrier. These can be purchased usually for very cheap at your local pet store. They come with padded inside walls and in various sizes from extra small to extra large depending on your needs. You will have to be careful with your kennel purchase as there are some carriers that aren’t approved for airline travel and some that are. Be sure to ask the pet store workers for help if you need it. There is no need to tranquilize your pet, either. Air travel will put your pet to sleep just like it does you. The only thing that may aid your pet in travel is to crate train it.