Special to the Aroostook Republican
Now and then you might find yourself in the unenviable position of traveling with your pet. Whether it is a visit to the vet or a cross-country trip, pets need special treatment and kind consideration when venturing far from home.
Contributed Photo/Connie Tucker
These three kittens traveled comfortably from Caribou to Saco for placement downstate recently. Food, water, a soft bed, and a litter box made their trip comfortable and free from trauma.
Crates and other containment systems are vital to keeping your pets safe while traveling. Cats and dogs often require different accommodations on any trip. Cats and small dogs tend to prefer soft-sided carriers. These are durable fabric cases, similar to soft-sided suitcases, but they have flaps, netting and zippers to provide ventilation and, since your pet is more secure if he can see you, a pet’s-eye view to the outside world. You can line the carrier with a soft blanket or towel, especially if it has your “scent” on it.
Hard cases, vinyl, wire, or wicker carriers, are well suited to medium-to-large dogs, but if you are flying some airlines prohibit them if they are collapsible. And if you are traveling by air, a small hard case that fits under your seat might be the best way to go. Some airlines require that your pet is able to stand up inside his carrier. But airline rules vary. It’s best to check with your airline before transporting Fido or Fluffy.
Sometimes you can let your pet ride along in your car without a carrier. I had a friend who took her cat on a short ride to the dairy bar for an ice cream. The cat rode along with his paws on the dashboard, very savvy and excited about his adventure. Although this was very cute, safety advocates would have a problem with this, but there are no laws that require pets to be restrained by seat belts. I had another friend whose cat suffered a serious brain injury when she had an accident while taking her to the vet without the protection of a crate. The cat survived but was permanently brain-damaged. Use your judgment when transporting cats or dogs in your car without a crate. Medium or large size dogs should be restrained with a seat-belt harness. Check with your vet or go online to find out where you can purchase one of these.
Getting your pet into the carrier is always a bit tricky. Take the carrier out and set it near your pet’s food bowl a few days before you plan to leave to get him used to it. Put a favorite toy inside the carrier. Use the carrier for trips only so you pet doesn’t feel betrayed. When the time comes to leave, turn the carrier on end and lower your pet in “butt first,” if necessary. Some skittish cats can be wrapped in a towel covering the head before lowering him into the carrier.
You can subdue your pet to make travel easier. Place a catnip toy in the carrier for your cat. Dogs are relaxed by a dog-appeasing-pheromone collar, popularly referred to as a D.A.P., and try to maintain your pet’s normal feeding and exercise schedule, if possible.
If your dog or kitty drools, howls excessively, vomits, or soils the carrier whenever it travels, ask your vet about sedating drugs to make the trip easier on the pet and you. With careful planning and proper protection, you and your pet will enjoy almost any mode of travel.
Finally, should he or she get loose in transit, be sure your pet is clearly identified with a collar tag or an I.D. microchip planted beneath his skin. The tag should list your destination or cell phone number. Ask your vet or local shelter about their microchip program.
Thank you for your support through donations and volunteerism. Our shelter is located at 6 Richards Road in Caribou. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 488, Caribou, ME 04736. Our telephone number is 498-3800. Caribou Pet Rescue, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible.
If your pet goes missing, DO CALL US FIRST to check if it was brought in to CPR by the animal control officer or police. We get many pets that are obviously well-loved, not stray, and desperately miss their families.
Visit our Web site, www.cariboupetrescue.org, for shelter news and photos of our adorable, adoptable pets. Remember–Neuter and Spay! It’s the ONLY way!
