Whether you are flying to a tropical destination or driving to visit your friend in the United States over the weekend, you may want to take your pet with you. Although some cats travel extremely well, generally it tends to be more common to travel with dogs so in this blog, we will focus on travelling with dogs and what to prepare before you depart for your trip. (Please note that the information below has come from a variety of sources including the Government of Canada.)
Travel documents
The Government of Canada recommends that before you leave Canada, contact the embassy of your destination country about its requirements for importing animals including vaccines. The Canadian International Health Certificate may be used to accompany your dog to other countries. You can obtain more information here. When flying, you may need additional documentation so check with your airline.
Airline requirements
Most airlines have specific requirements for transporting animals. It’s a good idea to contact the airline far ahead of time to let them know you will be bringing your pet and to find out what you need to do anything before arriving at the airport. They may require that you get a special carrier, among other things.
Contacting your veterinarian
Depending on the country you are visiting, you may need certificates of vaccines. It is also a good idea to bring in your dog for a check-up before travelling to make sure that your dog is healthy for the trip.
Travel container
If you are travelling by car, hopefully your dog enjoys the car ride whether by sticking its head out the window or taking a long nap in the back seat. If you are flying, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website recommends checking the companion animal container guidelines issued by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). If you have questions, it may be a good idea to contact your airline about this.
We hope this information was helpful. Happy travelling!
ADDITIONAL READING:
Travel insurance – the basics
Tips for booking travel online
Has bad weather delayed or cancelled your flight?
WOW, You just made my day! Thanks for sharing this perfect article. I really, really appreciate your time and efforts for writing this.
This is one content but lots of information and Knowledge…
anyone interested, I have flown a lot and taken my cat with me in the cabin….usually there is a small fee and the airline outlies types of carriers etc.— booking must be done ahead of time in most airlines. the best airline I have encounted flying with my cat is air Canada…flown many times and always a good experience (my cat loves the hum of the airplanes engines…)
Thanks for sharing Joyce!
It’s a really bad idea to let your dog stick her head out the window when you are driving on a highway or freeway. Stuff can get in her eyes. Also, invest in a seat belt, keep her in the back and make sure she has water to drink