POCKET PET TRAVEL TIPS  

Planning a vacation with your guinea pig, rat, ferret or other pocket pet?

ANIMART offers these pocket pet travel tips to make the trip more enjoyable for both you and your pet:

1. Always travel with your pet in a carrier. For the safety of you, your pet and other motorists, pets should never be held in your arms or be allowed freedom to roam in a car. A well ventilated plastic Kritter Keeper or small hard-sided plastic dog/cat carrier works well for most small animals. Your pet should be able to stand and move around comfortably in the carrier. This limited but comfortable travel space means less space for your pet to get tossed around (and injured) in case of sudden stops.

2. Secure the carrier with a seat belt so it doesn’t shift in case of sudden stops. Like kids, your pet will be safer in the back seat.

3. Test drive your pet in its carrier with some short fun trips around town. Visit a nearby friend or pick up some new toys and treats at ANIMART.

4. Never leave your pet alone in an unattended vehicle. Even with the windows open on a warm day, the heat can raise quickly, causing heatstroke, death and a quickly ruined vacation.

5. Observe your small pet for signs of stress. Provide comfortable bedding in the carrier for burrowing, a hiding place, partially cover the carrier with a towel to prevent drafts and to help your pet feel more secure. Avoid loud noises, drafts from windows, air conditioners or heaters, air fresheners, smoke and other irritants.

6. Water: Even spill-proof small animal water bottles may create too wet of a cage while traveling. High water content treats like cucumber, sweet bell pepper, or melon are good ways to keep your pet hydrated while traveling.

7. Food: For longer trips, put your pet’s favorite food in its carrier. Monitor your pet’s eating, as some pets may not eat while traveling and will need to be encouraged. Offer favorite fruits, vegetables, pellets, hay and fresh water at all stops.

8. Pack a travel kit: a good supply of its usual food/hay, dishes, treats, toys, an exercise wheel, a small animal harness, bedding, grooming and medical supplies. Consider bringing a larger cage to use once you reach your destination.

9. Plan ahead for pet-friendly lodging before leaving home. If you are visiting family or friends, make sure your pet is welcome. Be diligent about pet-proofing for the safety of both your pet and your holiday lodging.

10. When traveling interstate or flying, as with other pets, you will need a current (within 10 days) health certificate from your veterinarian. Research airline requirements and regulations for where you will be traveling.

11. Traveling internationally? Check regulations and quarantine periods required for pets to enter and leave the countries you will be traveling in.

12. Some pets travel better than others. If your pet does not adjust well to new things or if you are going on an extended vacation with lots of sightseeing, your pet may prefer to take its vacation at a boarding facility or to stay home with a pet sitter.

ENJOY YOUR TRIP!

We hope these pocket pet travel tips help you and your pet have safe travels together this summer!