Page 13 - Senior Times South Central Michigan June 2023 - 30-06

Senior Times - June 2023 Page 13
PET SAFETY – TRAVEL WITH YOU OR STAY HOME?
By: Sherii Sherban, Publisher
I love my pets but I can admit that when I know they are well cared for at home when I am traveling I’m certain that it is more enjoy- able for all of us. Before you choose to bring your beloved pet when you travel consider how much time you will actually be spending with them. Unless you'll be able to commit a signif- icant amount of time with them, or at least as much time as you normally would, they will probably be happier at home. As a rule, cats are almost always better off in their own home.
pet to exercise and eliminate. But never permit your pet to leave the car without a collar, ID tag, and leash.
If you have decided it's best to bring your pet along, the safest and most comfortable way for pets to travel is inside a carrier or crate. Before you leave, visit your vet to be sure all vaccinations are up to date, and get any pre- scriptions needed for your length of stay. Also ask about suggestions if your pet gets anxious while traveling. Next, you will want to get your pets used to new travel equipment such as a carrier and a pet collar and leash. It is import- ant that your pet wears a collar during your travels with ID containing your contact infor- mation, in case they escape during an accident.
Don't ever leave your pet alone in a car.
According to the American Kennel Club, the safest way for your dog to travel in the car is in a crate, preferably made from a strong mate- rial such as aluminum, that has been anchored to the vehicle using a seatbelt or other secure means. Some crates even have padding for added impact protection. No matter which kind you choose, be sure that the crate is big enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, and has proper ventilation. Always bring enough water and a toy or two to keep them comfortable and happy. Being in a crate may also reduce motion sickness in dogs. Better yet, place crates on the floor of the back seat or in the back storage area or your van, rather than on the back seat.
Bring along a human buddy. Whenever possible, share the driving and pet caretaking duties with a friend or family member. You'll be able to get food or use the facilities at rest stops knowing that someone you trust is keep- ing a close eye on your pets.
Make certain that bringing along the family pet is acceptable whether you’re vis- iting family members or lodging at another special destination for several days. Pre- planning saves frustration.
Most cats aren't comfortable traveling in cars, so for their safety as well as yours, keep them in a carrier. It's important to restrain these carriers in the car so that they don't bounce around and lead to injury for your cat. Do this by placing carrier on the floor or securing a seat belt around the front of the carrier.
A note about traveling by air. Air travel can be a quick way to get your pet from one place to another, but you should know that every airline has different rules about transport- ing pets. Some allow small dogs to travel in the aircraft cabin as part of your carry-on luggage allowance, while others will only allow pets
to travel in the cargo area. Fees can vary from nothing at all to more than $500.
The good news is that numerous lodging options exist that welcome your family pet, including friends and family.
Keep those heads inside, even though you know they love it! Pets should always be kept safely inside the car to prevent injury from par- ticles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
Book early. And do not buy your ticket until you confirm that there is room for your pet. It is best to fly direct. When you arrive at your destination be sure to go for a long walk before checking into your hotel.
When traveling by car leave the front seat for humans. Pets should stay in the back seat. If an airbag deploys (even in a crate), it might injure your pet that travels in the front.
Visit https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/ home-living/dog-pet-airline-travel-guidelines/ for more guidelines on air travel and preparing you pet.
Crate pets when traveling in the car.
Schedule plenty of rest stops to allow your
Note: Most airlines allow fully-trained ser- vice dogs to ride in the cabin without a carrier.
A quick pit stop may feel like no time at all to you, but it's too long to leave your pet in a car by himself. Threats exist from the theft of your family pet to the hazards of heat. Even
a 72 degrees Fahrenheit day can heat the tem- perature inside your car up to 116 degrees within an hour.
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