Last week’s tip: The Top Three Dog-Friendly Airlines

Before you hit the skies with your favorite pooch, make sure you have everything on our checklist to ensure that you and your furry buddy have a safe and happy flight.

1. Visit your veterinarian:

 Have your vet give your dog a complete check-up

 Make sure that all vaccinations are up to date, especially rabies

 Get refills on any medications

 Obtain a health certificate

Obtain a copy of your pet’s medical file

Ask your vet for recommendations for vets in the area you’re traveling

Microchip your dog

By ensuring your pooch is in tip-top shape, it will save both of you a lot of time and stress on your trip. A healthy pooch will fare much better in the varying plane temperatures and new environment he will be experiencing.

2. Pack early and don’t forget the following:

Your dog’s favorite food

Treats and travel water bowl

Crate, sturdy collar and leash

Dog tags/I.D. on both your pooch and the crate

 Post your contact information and destination on the crate

 A recent photo of your dog

 Toys and blankets from home

Make sure your pooch is comfortable and surrounded by familiar smells and plenty of identifying information. By packing all of these items, you can help to prevent your dog from becoming lost or injured.

3. If you and your dog are traveling overseas:

 Research pet regulations in the country to which you are traveling

 Certain countries may quarantine your pet for up to six months

 Obtain an international health certificate from your veterinarian

 The health certificate must be endorsed by the USDA

 Bring money for the customs fee

If you have stopovers in other countries, be sure to find out their pet regulations as well, since they can vary from place to place. The last thing that you would want is to have your dog get quarantined or confiscated because you didn’t have the proper paperwork.

Next week’s tip: Special Precautions for Flying With Short-Snouted Dogs

PHOTO: Randy Son of Robert

Category : Flying &TRAVEL TIPS