Traveling with Your Pet...Summer Vacation---------Donald H. DeForge, VMD-Milford Veterinary Hospital -DoctorDeForge@yahoo.com

Donald H. DeForge, VMD
Milford Veterinary Hospital
17 Seemans Lane
Milford, CT 06460
DoctorDeForge@yahoo.com

Traveling with Your Pet
Summer Vacation

Safety First!
Donald H. DeForge, VMD

Image result for Picture of a dog in a car restraint
 If traveling by car, use a pet friendly seat belt for dogs and large comfortable cat carriers. 

Summer Safety Tips when traveling with your pet on vacation!
#1 Check in with your doctor of veterinary medicine.  If you pet is geriatric or has serious health issues your animal doctor will give you advice concerning precautions in traveling or may recommend that your pet stay home with a relative or trained pet-sitter.

If choosing a pet-sitter get multiple references.  Be sure they are bonded and insured.  Set up a private Mini-Baby Cam so that you can be comfortable that your pet is being treated with compassion and kindness if using a new pet-sitter.  Remember pet sitters are like nanny's.......some are great and others cannot be trusted.

#2 Check with your veterinarian about the proper Health Certificate if traveling out of state or crossing international borders.  Some Health Certificates need the signature of the State Veterinarian or a Veterinarian licensed
From the AVMA:
If you plan to travel outside the United States with your dog or cat, they will need a health certificate. The purpose of the certificate is to confirm for your airline and/or destination country that your pet does not present a health hazard to other animals or humans. Having the health certificate gives you extra peace of mind, too, knowing your treasured pup or feline is “good to go” for their upcoming travel adventure. The official American pet health certificate is officially known as the US Interstate and International Certificate of Health Examination for Small Animals, or APHIS Form 7001. Although there are exceptions, most countries require this form to be officially endorsed by the USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (that’s APHIS). Each state or geographic region has an Area Veterinary Services office – the one that serves your state is responsible for endorsing your pet’s paperwork. Nonetheless, the process of obtaining the necessary paperwork starts with your pet’s own veterinarian. Here’s how the process works Many private vets are Accredited by the USDA – in effect “deputized” to work cooperatively with state and federal vets.  


Call your local doctor of veterinary medicine and see if they are Accredited by the USDA.  If not Accredited they will point you to the nearest Accredited veterinarian in your area. 


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#3 Call ahead for a Pet friendly-hotel or Motel.  Use a comfortable travel crate in the room.  Let the front desk know when you will be out of the room in case of an emergency in the hotel/motel.

#4 Make sure your pet is microchipped for identification if lost
Bring a color photo of your pet in case your pet is lost or stolen on vacation for the local police department and animal warden

#5 Keep the number of a National Poison Control in your traveling records as well as the Phone number of the nearest Animal ER to where you are staying on vacation.

#6 Keep an up to date First Aid Kit for pets in your car.  This is very important.  Be sure to pack all prescription medicines in the quantity needed while on vacation.

#7 This sounds obvious but do not wait to get to your destination to get bottle water and a supply of the food that your pet normally eats.  Pack all of this with you and do not forget the food and water bowls that are most familiar to your pet.  Don't forget a collapsible crate; blankets and toys; and collars, leashes and harnesses.


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#8 If traveling by plane call the airline one month in advance and make sure you have all of the paperwork completed well in advance of your trip.  If possible with cats and toy breeds, use the carrier that can be placed below your seat in the plane.  If traveling outside the cabin be sure your pet is in a comfortable travel site on the plane that is air conditioned in the summer and heated in the winter.  Try to pick a non-stop flight for your pet and research the airline's past experience with pet travel.  Confirm your pet travel reservation the day before.


#9 If traveling by car, use a pet friendly seat belt for dogs and large comfortable cat carriers.  For dogs, stop every 2-3 hours for rest stops.

#10 Try to avoid sedatives and traquilizers.  These can lead to problems on long trips if veterinary care is needed for over sedation.

Have an enjoyable summer and a safe trip with your pet......

Questions about this blog:
E-Mail Dr. DeForge at
DoctorDeForge@yahoo.com
or call him at 203-877-3221
Milford Veterinary Hospital is a full service companion animal hospital in Milford, CT
17 Seemans Lane-Milford, CT 06460

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