Taking trips involves plenty of planning and logistics. Whether it’s a long-haul flight or an overnight road trip, traveling is often much better with a companion by your side. However, if that companion happens to be a senior pet, you may have to consider the additional tasks of traveling with aging pets.
Depending on your mode of travel, the length of your trip, and your pet’s current condition, you may have plenty of options to choose from. Whether relocating to greener pastures or enjoying an extended getaway, you’ll want to ensure your pet’s comfort. Here are some tips to help you figure out your travel plans with your furry friend by your side.
7 Tips for Traveling with Aging Pets
These are some tips you should follow to ensure a smooth trip that helps older pets feel more comfortable throughout your travels.
1. Consult with Your Veterinarian
Your pet may not be fit enough to handle the impact and strain that travel can have on its body. A pet is considered a senior if they’ve reached the following ages:
- Cats: 10 years old
- Small Dogs: 11 years old
- Mid-Sized Dogs: 10 years old
- Large and Giant Dogs: 7 to 8 years old, depending on their size
Senior pets tend to have medical issues that could affect their comfort during your travel. For instance, traveling in a small car can hurt a pet with arthritis. Long-haul flights can be an issue for pets with bladder or bowel problems. Older pets with signs of cognitive decline could be stressed by the unfamiliar environment.
Before planning a trip with your pet, consult with their veterinarian. They should sign off on whether your pet is fit to travel and if you must take extra precautions for their health and comfort.
2. Conduct Research for Flights
If you’re planning to go on a flight, you’ll need to research which airlines can accommodate your pet. The safest option is to take your pet as a carry-on, though some airlines have restrictions on size and weight. They may also have rules outlining to keep your pets in airline-approved carriers. Some factors you have to consider about bringing your pet onboard a plane:
- Only a few airlines allow pets in the cabin, and these are usually limited to small pets.
- Some airlines require your pets to be vaccinated.
- Before booking tickets, contact your chosen airline to check if they can accommodate your pet.
- Airlines may prohibit your pet from flying if they are sick or have certain medical conditions.
- Flying may not be an option for snub-nosed dogs and pets with breathing problems due to the temperature and altitude changes.
Some airlines can store your pets in cargo for pets where carry-on isn’t an option. While most pets are OK in the plane’s climate-controlled cargo, take note of the risks of this method, especially with their health condition. Additionally, long-haul flights mean that your pet could be kept in carriers for hours, so this may be an issue if they have bowel and bladder problems or require medication every few hours.
3. Have All Travel Documents Ready
Those traveling by plane may need to prepare the necessary documents to fly your pet. For local travel, some airlines will require the following:
- Vaccination records
- Health certificate from their veterinarian at least 10 days before departure
Flights to other countries may have additional requirements for your pet:
- Microchip
- Proof of anti-rabies vaccination
- Proof of tapeworm treatment (for dogs)
- Clearance from your destination country
- CITES permit (for pets covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)
Other countries may also have additional import fees, surcharges, and documents, so research which ones you’ll need.
4. Invest in a Comfortable Crate and Train Your Pet
Most traveling methods require your pet to be in a crate or carrier. When shopping around for crates, take note of these tips:
- Check the Size: Ensure the crate is large enough to accommodate your pet. If your pet has arthritis or any joint condition, ensure it’s large enough for them to sit comfortably for a long time.
- Find Airline-Approved Carriers: Carriers for airlines must be leak-proof, bite-proof, have good ventilation, and have a liner or pad that absorbs liquids.
At least a few weeks before your flight, start crate training your pet. This can help them feel less stressed once they get in.
5. Hire a Professional Pet Relocation Service
If you are moving to a new home with older pets and find no flights or travel solutions to accommodate your pet, consider letting professional pet relocation service companies handle your pet.
Pet relocation businesses are well-versed in the ins and outs of pet transportation. Whether that means traveling by land, air, or sea, they understand the process and will handle most of the legwork for a fee. However, they may require you to provide some documentation, such as papers from your pet’s vet.
6. Prepare Your Car for Long-Distance Travel
For long-distance drives, there are plenty of ways to make your travel arrangements more comfortable for your senior pet:
- Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on how to make your drive more comfortable. They may recommend purchasing beds, harnesses, and crates that make your car more comfortable during the ride.
- Stop for breaks every few hours and let your pet stretch their legs. If your senior pet requires medication every few hours, you could schedule your breaks around these times.
- Ideally, there should be two people in the car. While one person is driving, the other is ready to take care of your pet if they are visibly or audibly stressed.
- Have a carrier ready or have mobility devices prepared for your pet. Pets with mobility issues may need to be carried or rolled around.
7. Look for Pet Hotels and Pet Boarding Services
If you’ll be gone for an extended getaway and find no options for traveling with aging pets, you might have to consider long-term care for them while you’re away. Asking family and friends is always an option, but if your senior pet follows a strict plan and requires plenty of attention, they may be safer in the hands of professionals. Instead, search for pet hotels, boarding houses, or professional pet sitters.
Pet hotels and boarding houses provide your pet with spacious accommodations and around-the-clock care. You will need to provide the food and medication they need while they’re there. Depending on your chosen service provider, they may charge you a daily fee. Alternatively, you can hire a professional sitter to stay in your home and care for your pet.
When Your Pet Can No Longer Travel, Talk To a Vet About Their Options
As much as you’d like to bring your pet with you, there comes a point when long-distance traveling will be a grueling and unpleasant experience for them. If you can’t go any further without causing them pain, your best solution is to seek in-home hospice care. Through our pet hospice care services, we can ensure your pet receives quality end-of-life care to make their final days free of pain and discomfort.
If hospice is no longer an option, we can help you with the difficult decision to provide in-home euthanasia. Your pet deserves a dignified and comfortable send-off in a familiar home setting.
At Loving Paws Veterinary House Calls, we understand that there comes a time when a beloved pet’s journey ends. Get in touch with us to discuss end-of-life options for your pet.
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