Flying With Pets

Because regulations for flying with your pet vary from airline to airline, and are subject to change, we recommend that you contact the airline you are traveling on for the most up-to-date information. The airlines will also have the most up-to-date information on quarantines and medical requirements for your pet.

Evasions provides current links to 650 airline web sites — that's just about every airline you can think of. You can search the listings alphabetically and by global regions, ie. European carriers, North American carriers, Asian Carriers etc. This site also provides links to embassies, and a host of other travel related services. And, the information is provided in French, Spanish, German, Italian, Swiss, Belgian, Dutch, and English.

www.evasions.com

If you're flying with pets in the US, check out the Federal Aviation Authority's web site at www.faa.gov. Then go to the 'Travelers' section, then 'Flying with Pets.'

If you're flying with pets in Canada, go to Air Canada's web site at:
www.aircanada.com.

Tips for Driving With Your Pet

According to a survey of pet owners in the US, done in 2006, 84% of pet owners say they take their pets with them in the car when they travel.

In order to make your journeys together more comfortable here are a few tips from the experts:

• Make sure your pet is safely secured in the vehicle while you're traveling. This protects you and your animal from potentially seriously or deadly injuries if you have to make a sudden stop at any kind of speed. Say you have a 25-pound dog who is not strapped in. If you make a sudden stop and you were doing 40 mph, your dog becomes a 1,000-pound mass (half a ton) flying uncontrollably inside the vehicle. That could have serious, if not deadly consequences.
• Small dogs and cats should be crated and positioned so they can see out the windows, if possible. This can help prevent car sickness.
• Seat belts or harnesses designed for pet travel are the best things to use to secure your pet once they're crated. Never attach the restraint to your pet's collar, as this could result in a life-threatening accident.
• Despite good intentions, it's actually dangerous to let your pet stick its head out the window. Obstacles outside the vehicle like tree branches or stones could injure or kill your pet, and particles of dirt could get into your pet's eyes or ears and cause an infection.
• Stopping every couple of hours for a break is a good idea as both you and your pet can stretch your legs, and take the all important bathroom breaks. Be sure that you keep your pet on a leash while it is outside the car – even cats – as they could run off in unfamiliar surroundings and become lost or injured.
• Make sure you have a good supply of fresh, cold water for everyone to drink. If you're taking a long trip don't allow your pet to eat or drink large amounts in one go, rather reserve the large meal for the end of the day – maintain a routine.
• It's never a good idea to leave your pet in a parked vehicle, especially if you're somewhere hot. The inside of the vehicle can heat up quickly, especially in the summer, which could cause heat stroke or death. Extremely cold temperatures are equally as dangerous, as your pet could freeze to death.
• A pet first aid kit is essential, and easily put together. It should contain antiseptic creams, eye drops, tape, gauze and bandages of different sizes, and extra sets of any medicines your pet may be on.
• Important contact information to keep at hand includes your vet's phone number, the National Animal Poison Control Center hotline (888-426-4435), and emergency pet hospitals in the areas where you plan to travel.
• A collar and name tag are also essential items for your pet's safety when you're travelling. Ideally, the tag should have any identifying tattoos or microchip numbers on it, your phone number, and your pet's name. A cell phone number is likely the best phone number to use.
• Last but not least – pack cleaning supplies, towels and blankets or a waterproof seat cover, to make clean-ups easy, in case your pet does become car sick.

For more tips and helpful information on travelling with your furry friend visit: http://www.pettravelcenter.com

Quarantines

For information on bringing pets into the UK:
www.defra.gov.uk

As of December, 2002, US and Canadian pets were no longer exiled from the UK—their draconian six month quarantine laws scrapped.

Before you go:

1. Make sure your travel companion has a microchip number, vaccination documents, approved blood tests, certificate of treatment against ticks and tapeworm, and a declaration of residence.
2. When you book your ticket, make sure the airline is authorized to fly pets into the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS).
3. The airline will arrange a special crate and seal that must be applied by a customs or immigration official prior to departure. You will be charged for this service.
4. The official signs and stamps the PETS certificate before departure.

For more information, email pets.helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Phone: 011 44 870 241 1710 | Facimile: 011 44 20 7904 6834