In the Community

Safe Transportation for Your Pet

We know how much your pet means to you, and we know there’s nothing better than having your best companion alongside you for a road trip! Whether you’re in for a short trip to the Veterinary Hospital, or in for a longer haul, here are some things to consider:

Preparation

Some pets don’t mind the change in scenery and the excitement of a drive, while for others; this can be a majorly stressful event. If your pet experiences anxiety, motion sickness or becomes extremely distressed with any type of travel, please speak with your Veterinarian regarding any possible modifications that can be made to your routine to help make your pet’s trip a much safer and less stressful event. There are various medications such as anxiolytics or anti-nauseants that may help make travel a more enjoyable experience as well as other behaviour modification/conditioning techniques that may be useful to you.

If you’re leaving the province/country, speak with your Veterinarian to ensure your pet is up to date on all necessary vaccinations, parasite prevention and you have all the necessary documentation. Ensure you have researched and acquired any necessary paperwork for travel and schedule a visit to ensure you don’t encounter any problems.

Travel Kit

If you’re in for a longer trip or an outing, ensure you have a leash, food, bowl, grooming supplies,  waste collection supplies, medications, litter & pan, and lots of water!  You will want to stop every few hours for a bathroom break and to have a stretch. A pet first aid kit is also a very good idea to keep with you while travelling with your pet.  Ensure you know the contact information for the nearest Veterinary Hospitals wherever you travel. Speak with your Veterinarian to see what types of supplies may be useful to you in the event of an emergency, but remember to always seek Veterinary guidance before giving your pet any medication or treatment. https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/productdownloads/LR_COM_FirstAid_010816.pdf

Buckle Up!

As well behaved as your pet may be, it is always best to ensure your pet is strapped in when travelling in a vehicle. There are various harnesses, buckles and barriers that can be purchased to help reduce injury in the event of an accident. If you have a small pet, consider keeping them in a secured carrier or kennel. Remember to keep all heads inside the vehicle while driving!

Never Leave Your Pet Alone in a Vehicle

With our ever changing weather and temperatures, your pet is at risk from serious illness or injury if left in an unattended vehicle. Never leave your pet alone unattended while travelling in a vehicle. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/pets-vehicles

For other valuable information and frequently asked questions regarding travelling with your pet:

Have a safe and happy summer full of adventures everyone!

Jillian, RVT