How To Travel With Pets » Cat

How To Bring Your Pets To The US

Anil P. — Sat, 01 May 2010 06:00:04 +0000

Bringing your pets to the United States along with you for vacation or a trip is a fairly straightforward process and these are the basics you need to know. This guide only applies to dogs and cat since all other animals, including birds and fish, require a completely separate (and much more complex) process.

You can begin researching information about importing animals other than dogs and cats by reading over the USDA’s import requirements.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, lets start with some of the basics of bringing your pet to the US.

Nation Of Origin Isn’t (Usually) A Factor

The US customs officials who will greet you and your pet at the border won’t care where your pets are flying in from, provided you have a valid visa or are a US citizen yourself. That makes it a bit easier than traveling with your pets to Europe from the US, aside from individual state requirements that may apply. Be sure to check the official government website of US state you’ll be flying into for any additional information.

USA.gov has a complete list of all the official state government websites.
Do not use any natural bedding in the crate like straw or hay which will greatly complicate your pet’s entry into the United States.
If you’re coming from any of the countries on this list where screwworm is a problem you’ll need paperwork 5 days prior showing your animal isn’t infected.
Pets being imported into Hawaii or Guam will be quarantined for 5 days (up to 130). Dog Jaunt has good information on how to reduce that time to a few hours.

Also, it’s important to be aware of any breed restrictions (i.e. pit bull) that may exist in the local city or county you’ll be visiting.

Required Vaccinations

Dogs – You’ll need proof of rabies vaccination 30 days before arrival. Puppies too young (3 months or less) to be vaccinated must be accompanied by a confinement agreement [PDF].

Un-vaccinated dogs will be given the required shots and quarantined for 30 days. (Don’t do that to your pet, get the shots!)

Although dogs from some rabies-free countries may be imported without proof of vaccination it’s in your pet’s best interests to show documentation when asked for it. It’s better to have the appropriate paperwork rather than risk a lengthy quarantine.

Cats - Don’t require any specific vaccinations although some airlines require a veterinarian signed document stating that your pet is in good health. It’s a good idea to have one either way and good assurance in case anyone asks.

Call To Confirm The Requirements

Don’t take the risk that these requirements will have changed or that your pet may be under special restrictions so call to confirm with the Centers of Disease Control. Let them know your travel plans and dates in order to find out exactly what you’ll need and be sure to write it all down. Bringing most pets to the US with you isn’t difficult but takes advanced planning and preparation to get the right paperwork. Start at least 2 months in advance of when you think you’ll be traveling and budget out for several vet visits as well as the extra ticket for your pet.

[photos by: - POD - (black puppy), ryry9379 (yellow dog)]

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Basic Tips On Pet Travel

Anil P. — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:00:53 +0000

Chrissy Lyons goes over some good basic advice that’s important to emphasize especially if you’re new to flying with your pet or haven’t done it in a while.

How to Travel with Pets — powered by eHow.com

The most important tip I can’t stress enough, especially if you’re going on international travel, is to check and confirm the airline and import regulations you fall under. Getting the medical requirements and paperwork completed is the most difficult step of most trips with pets. Another good piece of advice Chrissy offers is to leave your pets’ collar on in case they need to be held on to or gotten a hold of by staff. She also shows a pretty good toy trick to keeping you cat or dog’s attention in the crate or carrier.

Rick Seaney’s Tips On Flying With Pets

3 Inspirational and Useful Books For Travelers With Pets

Anil P. — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 04:55:54 +0000

Traveling with pets requires preparing your animals beforehand, being aware of their natural tendencies, and learning all of the added rules and restrictions before you head out. These 3 books can help you do all three, while at the same time entertaining and inspiring you.

1. Cesar’s Way – Cesar Millan

Regardless if you use Cesar’s methods to train your dog, this book helps you think like one and appreciate how migratory these animals are instinctively. You’ll learn to think in terms of your dog’s daily circadian rhythms, understand the importance of wearing them out physically before setting off, and little tricks on making them feel comfortable during the car or plane ride.

Cesar’s Way is now available on Amazon.com.

2. Cruising With Your Four-Footed Friends: The Basics of Travel with Your Cat or Dog – Diana Jessie

A great resource whether you plan on taking your pets on a boat or not. Reading this book will show you that it’s possible to take you dogs and cats anywhere, no matter what form of travel you choose. One of the few pet travel books with specific information for boaters, it’s full of useful information like port entry requirements and how to potty train a dog when you’re out to sea.

Cruising With Your Four-Footed Friends is available in paperback.

3. Traveling With Your Pet, 11th Edition: The AAA Petbook

Although it does include information about how to prepare your cat or dog for a road trip, the book Traveling With Your Pet is really a good resource and listing of pet friendly accommodations and places to stay around the US or Canada. Aside from good data on hotel prices for pets, Traveling With Your Pet is loaded with pet friendly (and some off leash) parks, specific pet rules for each airline, and emergency vets found along hundreds of towns and cities.

Traveling With Your Pet, 11th Edition is a useful resource when you’re offline. When you’ve got a good Internet connection though, be sure to check out Go Pet Friendly for updated listings.

Your Recommendations

What books do you recommend other travelers with pets read before or during their road, boat, or plane trips? I’d love you hear your suggestions in the comments.

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Important Things To Consider Before Traveling With Cats

Anil P. — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 23:12:52 +0000

When you’re making plans for your next trip with your cat don’t forget to consider their needs and schedules before booking. Cats circadian rhythms and small sizes are advantages for their human owners when it comes to traveling. By taking advantage of their natural tenancies beforehand you will already make your next trip more enjoyable for you both.

Go At The Right Times

Cats are nocturnal animals and are most active and alert at night, dawn, and dusk. You’ll want to schedule (as best you can) your trips to be in the morning and middle of the afternoon when your cat is likely to be tired. While they’re in this ‘resting’ mode they won’t be as prone to fidgeting and will probably sleep for most of the time during these hours. (Especially if you get them used to it!)

Find The Right Transportation

Use the best options you have to traveling with your cat. A car isn’t the only way to travel by land and if you’re concerned about the welfare of your pet consider getting a sleeper car on a train so you can let your cat out to stretch their legs. Many trains will let you bring small pets along, just make sure you check all of the rules beforehand.

You can also consider using an airline just for animals. Learn more about Pet Airways: the basics.

Play With Them

Depending on the age of your cat you can spend a good amount of time with a laser pointer, Star Chaser, or mouse cat toys on a string to wear your cat out right before your next trip. Just like it is for a dog, the more tired your cat is the less energy they’ll have when they’re in their carrier. That lack of energy will put them in a resting mood and make them want to sleep in their carrier along the way.

That way you can focus your energy on everything else you need to do when traveling so you and your cat are well rested to enjoy your destination.

[photos by: cassandrajowett, emdeen, Dr.Hermmert]

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How To Get Your Cat Used To Traveling

Anil P. — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 20:33:14 +0000

To move your cats with any form of transportation you need to give them plenty of time to prepare well in advance of your trip. Cats are territorial by nature and find comfort in familiar surroundings. While you yourself are an object that your cat will find comforting you need to get them used to the items that they’ll be moving with to make the trip that much easier.

Make Their Carrier Home

Animals don’t like to be confined but can be conditioned to like just about anything, with the proper incentives. All cat owners should get their cats used to their carriers – even if they won’t be used often. Start them early since it’s more difficult to get an older cat used to new things. A good carrier is the Bergan Comfort Carrier.

You want them to feel comfortable so it’s easier to go to the vet, take a road trip, or even move to another country without unnecessarily stressing them.

Make the interior of the carrier comfortable – Place a blanket or something soft that doesn’t smell like any other pets you may have.
Make it familiar – No matter how soft it is or how many treats you put in your cat carrier (even if it’s a Bergan Comfort Carrier), if you plop your cat in for a 4-hour car ride without any preparation it’s not going to be a pleasant experience for you or your cat.

Short Trips Around The House

You need to make every moving experience a positive one. Make it easy and set yourself (and cat) up for success each time. Once you’ve gotten your cat familiar and happy in their carrier, take them to a room in the house they don’t frequent too much. (You want somewhat unfamiliar surroundings.) Place your cat in their carrier and spend 5-10 minutes doing something like reading, listening to music, or watching some TV on your laptop.

Do this several times until your cat is comfortable just hanging out in the cat carrier while you do other things. Move on later to taking short walks around your neighborhood and then on short car trips.

Steps for Success

Do this around midday when your cat is naturally inactive.
Try to make the temperature comfortable.
If you will be listening to music or watching some TV, keep the sound reasonable and avoid things with sounds that will make your cat nervous (super loud, lots of explosions, etc.)

More Time

Cats need much more preparation for traveling. It’s a slow process that requires lots of patience and if you rush it or do other things to make the experiences negative you won’t be able to travel with your cat. Don’t make what should be a positive thing negative – teaching your cat to love something it’s learned to hate is extremely difficult – and it doesn’t have to be. Your cat can end up loving travel as much as you do if you get them ready early enough.

[photos by: someToast, HarlanH]

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