Taking your pet on a foreign vacation isn’t as simple as you might think, but with the right preparation, it can result in an incredibly memorable holiday.Taking your pet on a foreign vacation isn’t as simple as you might think, but with the right preparation, it can result in an incredibly memorable holiday. “The key to a successful and easy overseas vacation is planning, organization, and diligence,” says Instagram-famous @EllaBeantheDog’s owner, Hilary Sloan. The real work is done before the trip even begins, so you can relax and enjoy yourself once the plane takes off. Follow these five tips to ensure a safe and happy journey for both you and your pet. Check Requirements Start by checking for country-specific requirements for immunizations and health records and if there is a quarantine period upon entry (which might negate the timing of the vacation itself). Dogs and cats are allowed more easily into some countries than others, and you don’t want to have issues upon arrival. Inga Fricke, director of pet retention programs for the Humane Society of the United States, points to the CDC and the USDA as go-to sources for international travel information. The next step is to check if your airline allows pets in the cabin or only in the cargo hold, which is a potential health hazard for certain breeds. Size and weight generally determine if a dog is allowed in a pet-friendly cabin, as its carrier would need to go under the seat in front of you. “Do your research to choose a pet-friendly airline, especially if your pet is not traveling in the cabin with you. As for routing, “if your pet is not traveling in the cabin with you, do your best to choose a nonstop flight,” says Andrea Arden, founder of Andrea Arden Dog Training and Animal Planet’s pet expert. Know Your Pet Traveling can be stressful, so Arden suggests determining your pet’s adaptability to a new routine. “Well-socialized pets that handle new situations and people with ease are generally the best travelers,” she explains. “Pets that tend to be stressed by new environments and people may be happier at home with a trusted caregiver.” That means determining if your pet is capable of staying in a new place. “The first rule would be to travel with pets that are comfortable around other animals and people. If they’re not, just be sure to keep them safe and sound in your room, preferably with supervision,” says Nick Gregory, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ senior vice president of hotel operations. Ask yourself if it will create undue stress for you on vacation or if your pet adds something special to the trip. Sloan found that having Ella Bean with her in Italy “opened up all kinds of conversations with travelers and locals, really broadening the experience of traveling.” Create a Plan Arden stresses that “one of the most important things is to make a plan well in advance of a trip. Allowing yourself and your pet plenty of time to get ready for what can be a stressful endeavor and environment will make you both much happier travelers.” As spots for animals on flights tend to be limited, book your tickets at least a month in advance. (Note: There is typically an additional fee for your pet.) You will need to get all shots and paperwork ready to present, but you’ll also need the right gear. Most airlines have specific rules on the size and type of carriers, so your usual bag may need a travel upgrade. Get Travel-Ready “Be sure to give yourself and your pet plenty of time to work on carrier acclimation,” says Arden. “Teach your dog to not just tolerate but also enjoy its travel bag. When your dog is tired and might normally be resting on your lap or on a dog bed, you can encourage it to go into the bag to rest for a bit instead.” Make a checklist of everything your pet will need in-flight and to be comfortable when it lands. Sloan’s carry-on packing list for Ella Bean includes “water bowl, extra food for two to three days in case of delays or unexpected layovers, treats, extra potty pads for emergencies, and her favorite cashmere sweater.” Arden recommends packing food-stuffed chew toys to occupy and engage a dog during a flight, as well as having natural calming agents like tryptophan chews and a ThunderShirt at the ready. Fricke suggests that “your pet has a well-fitting collar/harness that clearly displays your contact information—at home, at your destination, and even possibly third-party information in case you can’t be reached.” Ensure a Good Stay Once you deplane, have the next leg of the journey already planned. Not all train lines and cab companies are pet-friendly, so call or check online in advance. Arden also suggests talking to your vet before you go to “be sure to discuss potential health concerns, such as parasites, in the areas you plan on visiting. He or she may prescribe a preventative and/or tips on how best to keep your pet away from risk.” Prearrange with hotels for your pet, even if they have a pet-friendly policy (you can search “dog-friendly” on most major travel sites). “Definitely tip off the front desk if you’ll be leaving your pet in your room for any extended period of time,” suggests Gregory. “It’s helpful to have your pet crated if it’s only for a few hours. If it’s any longer than that, we can arrange for dog walking and have our teams check in upon request.”
POST: 2024-04-19