Traveling with pets

Pets are a part of the family and when we travel we would love to have them with us. Find out how best to travel with your dog and cat here:

Traveling with your dog

Where are we going?

The first big question in holiday planning is where the journey should go. After all, it should not only be a relaxation for the owner, but also your four-legged friend should enjoy the surroundings. And he certainly doesn’t do that in a big city, in extreme heat or on a trip that is too long. Swiss animal protection also advises against long journeys and journeys in hot and humid climates.

How do we get on holiday?

Once the destination has been selected, it is a matter of choosing the travel vehicle. For the dog, a journey by car is much more pleasant than by plane. He can be close to his family and you have the opportunity to take more breaks – preferably every two hours. Make sure that your dog’s transport box is well fastened.

However, if you prefer to travel by plane, you should contact the airline well in advance and clarify all necessary matters. Depending on the company and size of the dog, he may even fly with you in the cabin. When travelling by plane, the dog should be accustomed to the transport box at least 3 months before departure. It must also be ensured that there is sufficient food and water in the box during the flight. However, tranquilizers for the flight are not recommended, as the combination of changes in air pressure and stress can lead to circulatory problems.

Documents for the dog

Be sure to consult your vet before your next trip with your dog, as there are different regulations depending on the country. In Italy, for example, muzzles are compulsory and in Denmark the dog must be kept on a leash. Depending on the country, a valid rabies vaccination, parasite treatment or blood analysis may also be required.

What all dogs within the EU need, however, is a pet passport, in which all vaccinations of the dog are documented. This is especially necessary for border crossings. Furthermore, all dogs must be marked with a microchip.

Traveling with your cat

Many questions arise regarding this: Does a journey with a cat work at all? In any case, it is unusual as cats are creatures of habit and prefer the familiar environment. However, especially when travelling for several weeks, where the cat would be separated from its family, it makes sense to take it with you. And if the cat is also fixated on its owner, travelling with it is not a problem. However, it is important that you prepare for the holiday well in advance and adapt your travel habits and needs to the cat so that you and your cat can travel more easily. Here are the most important rules to follow:

On the road by car

Of course, safety also has priority with cats. It is best to transport the cat in a special transport box. In order for the cat to get used to the transport box, it should be set up at home a few days before departure. Otherwise it is also helpful to place the cat bed in the transport box so that it has familiar smells around it.

Some cats have a hard time coping with transport in a car and react with nausea, vomiting, anxiety and nervousness. Sedatives can help the cat, but you should consult your vet first.

The cat should not be fed for about five hours before departure. If the journey does not last longer than four hours, the cat does not need any water. However, if the journey takes longer, the cat must be given a little water.

Documents for the cat

Be sure to consult your vet before traveling, as regulations vary from country to country. However, you will need a pet passport, which includes all vaccinations.

Arrival at your holiday destination

It may well be that the cat behaves differently in the first few days than at home, even if it is the regularly visited holiday home. This can be shown by uncleanliness, aggression or shyness. Therefore be especially patient with her. Show the cat your nearness and give additional strokes so that she feels comfortable again quickly.