Essential Pet Products for Your Pet’s Safe and Smooth Journey
People have a habit of packing essentials before travelling to a new place. It is
only natural, given that you don’t know if everything you deem to be a
basic necessity will be available at your destination. The same goes
for pet
travel, even more so since some pet-centric equipment
isn’t available everywhere conveniently. It’s easier to compile such
essentials and make a simple checklist, so you can tick the equipment off as you
acquire it. Here are a few essentials you will need to ensure a smooth journey
with your pet.
Essentials for Pet
Travel
1) Pet
Passport
A pet passport is a rather important document, much the same way a passport is
for us humans. A pet passport is a collection of important documents, such as a
health certificate, vaccination record, and insurance paperwork. As the name
suggests, it is akin to a passport, and therefore you must maintain it and keep
it up to date. While a complete pet passport may not be required for domestic
pet travel, your pet will not be permitted to travel
internationally in the absence of a pet passport.
2) ISO
Microchip
A pet
microchip is a tiny electronic chip, which is
implanted on a pet underneath its skin. These chips measure roughly the same as
a grain of rice and are differentiated by a Unique Identification Number. These
chips require no power, and the unique identification number means no two
microchips are the same. Once a chip is scanned, the unique chip number can be
cross-referenced, and the pet/pet owner details can be used to get in touch with
the owner. Microchipping is the only way a pet can be identified and is often a
mandatory import/export requirement listed by countries when travelling with a
pet.
3) Leash &
Collar/Dog Tags
While a microchip serves as permanent proof of ID, it is a good idea to make sure
your pet has a leash/harness/dog tag with their name on it. a leash and harness
will also make it easier during rest and refreshment breaks and also help serve
as an identifier if your pet ever wanders off and is found by someone not so
tech-savvy.
4) IATA-accredited
pet crate
When travelling with a pet, it is crucial to ensure their comfort and safety
during transit. To make sure pets come to no harm, the International Air
Transportation Association (IATA) has a set of guidelines for the container in
which pets travel. IATA-accredited fibre
cratesensure your pet has a safe journey and are
bespoke for this purpose. Ranging from 21 to 48 inches in size, these crates are
mandatory for all forms of air travel, whether domestic or international. Such a
crate is also useful for road travel, on occasions where you must visit the vet
or travel to a neighbouring city.
5) Absorbent
Mats
An absorbent mat is used to line the inside of the crate, to provide some cushion
during the journey and make sure the crate stays dry in case of any
urine-related accidents. Made from a high-absorbent and quick-dry material,
these mats make sure your pet’s journey isn’t spoiled by a damp
& soggy crate.
6) Attachable
water/food bowls
To ensure your pet doesn’t wander away during refreshments and to allow
feeding on the go, attachable food and water bowls can be affixed to the door of
an IATA-accredited pet crate.
7) Water &
food
Regardless of the mode or whether you’re travelling locally or overseas,
you should always carry some pet food with you when travelling with a pet. When
travelling by air, you can leave food and freeze some water in their bowls to
make sure they are not left wanting for either during their journey.
8) First aid
kit
If you’re travelling by air, then the airline will provide this for your
pet, if need be, in which case you don’t need to pack one of your own.
However, as a general rule, it is wise to keep a basic first aid kit handy,
especially at home or when travelling locally in a vehicle. Adhesive tape,
cotton balls, an antibiotic spray/ointment, gauze, and non-stick bandages are
all useful additions to first aid. Remember, a first aid kit is for immediate
aid only, and you should head to your vet immediately if you suspect something
is wrong with your pet or if they’ve been in an accident.
Planning for travel is an important part of any journey, especially one being
made with a pet. Provided you make sure to think ahead and make sure to carry
all the essentials, you should have a safe and smooth journey. Always make sure
to comply with the safety requirements and travel rules, regardless of the mode
of travel.
AUTHOR’S BIO
Carry My Pet
Passionate pet enthusiasts and globetrotters, dedicated to easing furry friends' journeys worldwide. Penning tales of compassion at CarryMyPet, where every relocation is a tail-wagging adventure.
AUTHOR’S BIO
Carry My Pet
Passionate pet enthusiasts and globetrotters, dedicated to easing furry friends' journeys worldwide. Penning tales of compassion at CarryMyPet, where every relocation is a tail-wagging adventure.