General Pet Travel Training

From the first day your pet arrives in your home you have to start training him to get used to the big wide world.If the pet is to be transported for any reason he should be familiar with the car and being handled by strangers as soon as possible.

Short and Sweet

Most dogs enjoy a trip in the family car but sometimes it takes a little while for them to get used to the vehicle. Once their vaccinations are complete and they are allowed to go out into the big wide world ensure they are used to the speed and sound of vehicles. This is not just your own car but others as well. Think of when you travel on the motorway, cars and lorries overtaking your vehicle can be noisy and daunting. Buses also are large and frightening – humans appear from nowhere and this is very strange to any animal. Motorbikes too can frighten a human with the speed of their approach and the noise of the engines think of how a puppy feels when encountering one of these for the first time.

Walkies

When walking your puppy get him used to local traffic. Sit in bus shelters and let him observe approaching vehicles and strangers alighting from the vehicles. Walk through crowded high streets and market places. A few weeks road training will pay dividends when you become a frequent traveller with your pet.Although cats and smaller pets such as rabbits will not be road walked it is important for them to be used to being handled. Harnesses can now be purchased that enable pets to be walked in the garden and around the home. These items will prove invaluable when transporting your pets to the vet or cattery and kennels.

Kennels or Travel?

Decide early on in your pet’s life whether he will be accompanying your family when you travel. If you decide that it is not a good idea to have you pet with you investigate kennel, cattery and pet hotels in the area. Ask neighbours and colleagues if they have a favourite place they use for their pets. More importantly ensure that establishments with a bad reputation are avoided. Any decent kennel or cattery will allow you to make a visit and check their facilities before you book in your family pet.

Vet

When visiting your veterinary clinic for those first important vaccinations and health checks inform them that you intend to travel with your pet. If your travel plans incorporate overseas trips ask about the clinics course of treatments to comply with the Pet Passport Scheme. Any decent vet will be able to make the application and follow up vaccines straightforward.

Rules on Travelling

It is the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) that decide on the rules on overseas travel for our pets. These rules are changing and being improved at all times and it is in your interest to stay abreast of them. Check the DEFRA website when planning your trips so that you are not delayed at the airport or dock because your pet’s information is not up to date.

A Happy Pet

It may be that your pet is not happy travelling and is content to stay at home or in the kennel, cattery or pet hotel. At all times your pet’s comfort should be observed when making travel arrangements.