Getting ready to head North for the season or planning a fun family car trip this Summer? Traveling with pets can be a wonderful experience with some preparation and care. Your pet has a Vet for Life at Winter Park Veterinary Hospital, and all of us are ready to help you get your pet ready for travel. If your pet doesn’t like to travel we are here for luxury boarding and playcamp services for our established clients to help your vacation be relaxed and worry free. For those pets that love to join the family on a vacation or road trip, here are some tips to make your journey smoother:
Visit Winter Park Veterinary Hospital Before Traveling
Before traveling, make sure your pet is healthy enough to travel, up-to-date on all vaccinations, is microchipped (and check to be sure your contact information is up to date) and has a clean bill of health. Get any necessary medications or paperwork from your vet, including required health certificates if required for your mode of travel or if you are traveling within the United States. Also make sure to ask your veterinarian about any medications that could help ease your pet’s trip.
Research the Required Paperwork
As soon as you know you will be traveling, research and familiarize yourself with any specific regulations or requirements for traveling with pets, especially if you’re flying or crossing international borders. Discuss with us your travel plans so that we can assist you with the requirements. Due to the complexity and constantly changing rules and regulations we do not offer international health certificates, but we can recommend a couple providers that help you walk through the process.
What to Bring With Your Pet
- Appropriate Size Pet Carrier or Crate
- Identification Tags, even if your pet is microchipped
- Travel Documents, including pet travel certificate, vaccine records or other required documentation
- Contact Information for your veterinarian and research ahead of time a local veterinarian at your destination in case of emergencies.
- First-aid kit appropriate for the type of pet you are traveling with
- Bring enough food and water for the duration of your trip, plus a little extra in case of delays. It’s best to stick to your pet’s regular diet to avoid upset stomachs.
- Food and Water Bowls
- Familiar bedding can provide comfort to your pet during travel.
- Leash and Harness
- Medications and First Aid Kit
- Toys and Comfort Items
- Poop Bags and Cleaning Supplies
- Grooming Supplies
- Collapsible Travel Crate or Playpen
- Weather-appropriate Gea
- Towel or Blanket for Covering Car Seats
Practice Traveling, Positive Rewards
If your pet is not used to traveling and you are traveling by car, start with short car trips to get them accustomed to the ride. This can help reduce anxiety during longer journeys. Be patient with your pet during practice and travel and reward them with treats and praise for good behavior. Positive reinforcement can help alleviate stress and make the journey more enjoyable for both of you. And always prioritize your pet’s safety and comfort throughout the journey.
Plan For a Slightly Longer Car Trip
If traveling by car, plan for regular stops to allow your pet to stretch their legs, use the bathroom, and hydrate. Make sure any rest areas or pit stops are pet-friendly, and please respect any signs that direct where pets can be and where they cannot be.
One Winter Park Family
We are a family owned facility that has been providing exceptional veterinary care to the pets in Central Florida for more than 50 years. WPVH currently offers a Full service Veterinary Hospital (including exotics), a large air-conditioned boarding facility as well as Doggie day care and PlayCamp. We have the experience and traditions of full service, client centric veterinary care and would love to help you and your pet get ready to have the best travel experience possible.