What You Should Know About Spring Travels With Your Pet

As spring awakens the desire for adventure, many people plan to share their travels with their pets.

Whether it’s a trip to another city, a journey abroad, or simply a picnic, for your pet it will be a big adventure.

Wherever you are heading, it’s important to prioritize safety during the journey and pack all the essentials.

Learn more about how to prepare for spring trips with your dog or cat in this Animal Clinic article.

Checklist for Traveling With Your Pet

When preparing for a vacation with your pet, it’s essential to bring everything necessary for their comfort, well-being, and, in some cases, even their ability to board public transportation or enter another country. Your checklist should include:

• Food, drinking water, and bowls. By mid-spring, temperatures can get quite warm, and thirst during travel is common. Offer water using a collapsible bowl. Also, bring treats to keep your pet happy and help reduce stress.
• Medications and a first aid kit. Our veterinarians recommend carrying a pet-specific first aid kit, which should include any medications your pet regularly takes (especially if they suffer from allergies or chronic illnesses). Also include remedies for food poisoning, pain relievers, bandages, hydrogen peroxide, and a thermometer.
• Veterinary passport. The document must show up-to-date vaccinations and, for international trips, microchipping information.
• Personal items. Bring your pet’s bed, toys, a towel for cleaning paws, a leash, and a muzzle. Additionally, save your veterinarian’s phone number in your smartphone. If you’re traveling to another city or country, find out in advance where the nearest veterinary clinic is located.

Traveling by Private Car or Public Transport

Traveling by car? Prioritize safety: pets should not move freely inside the vehicle.

If you have a large or medium-sized dog, use a special seat belt. Small dogs and cats should travel in a carrier.

When stopping at gas stations, never leave your pet inside the car unattended. If it’s hot, they could suffer heatstroke or even die from overheating.

Traveling by public transport is possible only if small pets are in a carrier. Large dogs must wear a leash and a muzzle.

Preparing Your Pet for Country House Trips

In rural areas, the risk of contact with wild animals — and consequently rabies — increases. Vaccination is essential and should be preceded by deworming.

After vaccination, a quarantine period of about 14 days is recommended before taking your pet to the countryside.

Protect your pet from skin parasites like fleas and ticks. You can apply anti-parasitic skin treatments or give oral tablets that are absorbed into the bloodstream and begin killing parasites within a few hours.

Would you like to fully prepare your four-legged friend for spring adventures?

Visit Animal Clinic branches in Kyiv and Kyiv region for consultations, vaccinations, and microchipping to ensure your pet is ready for safe and joyful travels — and you can have peace of mind!