Travelling with Pets

The holiday season is upon us, and many of us enjoy a little retreat away from our everyday life. If your pets are the lucky ones that get to come along, here are a few things to keep in mind while you plan for your trip:

• It is a good idea to have a health check for your pet to make sure they are fit to travel, especially if it is going to be a long trip.
• If you are travelling abroad with your pet, make sure you check the import requirements for the destination country. Some countries have very specific requirements, and details are often available on the destination country’s government website. It may entail a health certificate or specific documents to be filled out by your veterinarian.
• If the pet is to travel with you on the plane, call the airline to check their requirements and also to notify them that you will be bringing your pet along. They can guide you through what they require and if there is anything you need to bring or have ready.
• If you are travelling by car and it is going to be a long drive, just like us, they would also appreciate a break mid-trip. Some pets may experience car sickness. If this is the case, speak with your veterinarian, and they may be able to prescribe medications to help make your pet’s trip more pleasant.
• Lastly, some pets, especially cats, may get very stressed by travelling or visiting new places. Although you may want to have them along to enjoy the experience with you, it may be in their best interest to stay home with a pet sitter or boarding at a familiar facility until you return.

If you would like more resource, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has a lot of information on pet importation and exportation. You can visit their website here.

If you have any questions, give us a call at 905-853-4706.