Traveling with your Pet

When leaving on vacation, many pet owners opt to leave their pet behind at a boarding house or with family or friends; however, you should know that you can always take your pet with you. Traveling with your pets allows them to experience new sights and smells, averts separation anxiety, and prevents you from worrying about your pet while you’re away. Before traveling with pets, be sure to check local regulations regarding pet travel and safety. Also confirm that the places you will be staying (hotel, friend’s house, etc.) allows pets. Always make sure traveling pets have proper identification tags on their collars, as well as internal microchips for added safety.

Airplane

Each airline has different regulations regarding pet travel. Some airlines allow small pets in the cabin when kept in a carry-on, others do not. Most airlines require a certificate of health and proof of vaccination dated no more than 10 days prior to your flight. Many also recommend that pets traveling in winter months travel midday and in the early morning or late evening during summer months. It is also recommended that you purchase a non-stop flight which does not change planes. The following requirements are true for most major airlines:

Allow your pet a familiar toy during the flight.
Attach a pet water container to the side of the crate.
Crate must have slits for ventilation and handles to grip.
Crate should be lined with absorbent materials in case of pet accident.
Crate should have contact information labeled clearly on it along with a current photo of the pet owner.
Pet should have proper identification on collar.
Pets need to be secured in a bolted crate.
Trim your pet’s nails to avoid catching on crate openings.

Car

Traveling by car is one of the most common ways pet owners travel. For pets accustomed to car rides, travel is fairly easy on both pet and owner. Pets will need a comfortable area to lie down, frequent stops for exercise, and ventilation via windows. Be sure to bring your pet’s leash and an adequate supply of food and water for the trip. Pets should never be left in the car alone and should never have access to a fully opened window. If you are traveling with cats, it is suggested that they remain in a small crate which allows more security than being allowed to roam the car.

Bus or Train

Generally, pets are not allowed on trains or buses, though some exceptions do exist. If you plan on traveling by bus or train, be sure to check with local regulation. Service pets for owners with disabilities are usually allowed on most trains and buses.

Testimonials

I can't say enough good things about Duke.

My 16 year old girl cat came down sick in July and on a Sunday morning I thought my only option was MedVet, but then I found Duke was open Sundays. Check out Duke's hours, they're uncommon and appreciated. I called as soon as they opened and they saw her within the hour. Unfortunately she was sicker than I thought [...]. They were so patient as I waited for a friend to come by for support, we occupied that room for a few hours and there was no rushing us, pushing us out the door and, most importantly, no judgement. They've thoughtfully put into place processes and procedures that are in the best interest of animals and their human companions.

Now my [other pet] is a regular patient and recently needed dental work. Same as before -- the best, most compassionate medical care. The followup, which included a few emails and phone conversations initiated by Duke, was surprising and wonderful. He's now on a geriatric diet, his teeth are better and, at nearly 17, he's behaving almost like a kitten again.

Duke really is the best option, in my opinion, for addressing the needs of their patients and offering flexibility of hours to accommodate the real life needs people with busy schedules. And most of all the kindness and compassion you get from them is downright heartwarming. I'm not one to Oprah-fy things, but I'm full of gratitude to have discovered Duke Animal Hospital.

Michael D., on Yelp January 2020

Great experience, very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Got me in on a moment’s notice for an emergency visit with my cat. Did everything my previous vet did and then some for less than half the cost. Highly recommend this animal hospital to anyone.

Ian P., on Google December 2019