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How to prepare your pet for transportation.

PET WAY IS HERE AND ALONG THE WAY TO HELP YOU PREPARE YOUR PET AND HELP YOUR PET HAVE A SAFE AND COMFORTABLE EXPERIENCE.

THE BETTER YOU PREPARE YOUR PET FOR TRAVEL THE BETTER WILL BE HIS EXPERIENCE.

What should you think about when deciding to transport your pet cross country?

A: There are numerous considerations you should take into account:

  • Make sure your pet is comfortable with travel

    • Some pets cannot handle travel because of illness, injury, age or temperament.

    • If your pet is not good with travel, you should consider a reliable pet-sitter or talk to your veterinarian about boarding facilities in your area.

  • Make sure your pet has identification tags with up-to-date information.

  • Having your pet implanted with a microchip can improve your chances of getting your pet back if it becomes lost. The microchip must be registered with your current contact information, including a cell phone number. A tag is included when you have a microchip that has the microchip number and a mobile contact of the owner, so if the pet is found, they can use the tag to determine ownership without having to contact a veterinarian. Contact the microchip company for a replacement tag if you've lost yours, and for information on how to update your personal information when traveling.

  • If you are taking your pet across state or international borders, a health certificate as well as other documentation may be required. The health certificate must be signed by an accredited veterinarian after examining your pet and determining that it is free of infectious diseases and satisfies all import requirements of the receiving state, territory, or country.  International travel often requires USDA endorsement of the certificate.  For more information, see AVMA's resources on Animal Travel and Transport and Basic Timeline for Interstate and International Travel with Animals.

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To learn the requirements for moving your pet from your current location to another U.S. state, press the link here to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE website to get all details by state

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What can you do to prepare your pet for ground transport

A: If your pet does not ride well in a car, consider leaving your pet at home, with friends or family, or in a boarding facility.

  • If you don't often take your pet in the car, start with short trips to "fun" destinations (such as a dog-friendly park or play area) to help your pet get used to riding in a car.

  • If your pet gets car sick, talk to your veterinarian about alternate traveling suggestions or medications to keep them comfortable.

Q: What PETWAY does to help keep your pet safe and healthy during car transportation?

A: To keep your pet safe and healthy:

  • we make frequent stops (about every 2-3 hours) to allow your pet to go to the bathroom and get some exercise.

  • we properly restrain your pet in the car to prevent injury to your pets, you and to other drivers.

  • We do not let your pet ride in the back of a truck. If your pet must ride in the truck bed, they should be confined in a protective kennel that is secured to the truck to prevent injury.
    » AVMA Policy: Transport of Dogs in Motor Vehicles

  • Pets will  not be allowed to ride with their heads outside the window. Dirt and other debris can enter their eyes, ears and nose and cause injury or infection.

  • Pets will not be allowed to ride on the driver's lap or near the driver's feet. Small pets are confined in crates or in travel-safe dog beds, and larger pets should be appropriately restrained with harnesses attached to the car's seat belts or in a travel crate.

  • Cats are transported in carriers.

  • Providing a familiar blanket and/or safe toy can help make your pet more comfortable during the trip.

  • We never leave your pet in vehicle unattended.

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What should your pet bring for the trip?

  • You will need to provide your veterinarian's contact information

  • PETWAY  has a list of Veterinarians and 24 hour Emergency Hospitals along the way and close to your destination provided by

  • National Animal Poison Control (ASPCA Web site)
    888-426-4435

  • You will need to provide Identification

    • Current color photo of your pet

    • ID tag should include:

      • Owner's name, current home address and home phone number

    • Travel ID tag should include:

      • Owner's local contact phone number and address

      • Contact information for your accommodations (hotel, campground etc)

    • The microchip registration should be updated with your current contact information including a cell phone number.

  • Medical Records

    • Current copies of your pet's medical records including pre-existing conditions and medications (especially when re-locating or traveling out of the country). For travel within the United States, a brief summary of medical conditions would be sufficient.

  • Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (health certificate)

    • Proof of vaccinations (Proof of rabies vaccination required) and other illnesses

    • Requires an examination by a licensed and accredited veterinarian to make sure the animal is not showing signs of disease.

  • Acclimation certificate for air travel

    • This is only required by some airlines, so check to see if your airline requires this.

  • You will need to provide some Items for your pet

    • Prescribed medications (adequate supply for entire duration of trip and several days' surplus supply, just in case)

    • Collar, leash, harness

    • PET WAY provides Crate

    • Bed/blankets

    • Toys

    • Food.

    • WE provide Food and water dishes

  • PET WAY has a First Aid Kit available for your pet

Minibus on the Road

Travel and short-nosed dogs

In July 2010, the U.S. Department of Transportation released statistics that showed short-nosed breeds of dogs—such as pugs, Boston Terriers, boxers, some mastiffs, Pekingese, Lhasa Apsos, Shih tzus and bulldogs—are more likely to die on airplanes/surface transportation than dogs with normal-length muzzles.

Veterinarians have long known that short-nosed – the technical term is brachycephalic – dog breeds are more prone to respiratory problems under normal circumstances, and not just during air travel.  The situation is worsened if the dog is overweight or obese.

There are many things you can do, including: 

  • Keep your pet healthy and at a normal weight. Pets with underlying medical conditions may be more likely to have problems during transport. Elderly and obese pets may also be at higher risk.

  • Getting your pet used to its traveling crate can really reduce stress while traveling

  • Although it can be comforting to your pet to have a familiar-smelling item in its travel crate, avoid thick blankets, fluffy towels or cloth items that your pet can wrap itself or bury its nose in – this could increase the risk of respiratory problems. A very thin blanket or flat newspaper is best for lining the crate.

  • If you have a short-nosed breed of dog, ask your veterinarian about your pet's respiratory health and what precautions you can take to minimize the risks for your pet if he has any health condition that has been recommended for surgery in the pass we don't recommend traveling with pet till you take care of it.

  • We strongly recommend that you avoid tranquilizing your pet for air travel, because it can increase your pet's risk of injury and health problems.

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