Planning a holiday abroad is a challenge. You go with an open mind to enjoy a fresh environment where the new surroundings will challenge you to make an adjustment. What is harder than making an adjustment though, is making your pet get to adjust to the change. If you are going abroad and taking your cat or dog along, it could turn out to be a great experience or a total flop depending on not only how well you are prepared, but on your pet’s preparations as well.

Here are a few tips to help you with the planning:

1. Plan ahead. One or two weeks is not enough for planning a trip with your pet, look farther, its even good to plan six months or even a year ahead.

2. Can your pet travel? Make sure your pet is physically able to travel; in some cases it is better to leave them back with a caring pet sitter instead. Your vet can give you the best advice on that.

3. Consider the destination. Not all countries have the same laws for traveling pets. For instance, traveling from North America to UK can be tricky. Ask yourself; Are you ready to leave your pet in quarantine for six months? Or would you rather have it be blood titer tested like they require?

4. Consult your veterinarian and get the papers ready. Vaccination records are important; those for rabies have to be no older than 10 days when traveling abroad, so it is always handy to be prepared and to keep copies of the information with you.

5. Microchip your pet. The vet can put the identification microchip on your pet. For travel to UK, a different microchip is required altogether so make sure your pet meets the requirements.

6. Have a vet’s contact number. Where you are going and how you are traveling are important information you will need guidance on, ask your vet. Keep his phone number handy even during your trip. Get tranquilizers and medication for motion sickness.

7. Get an appropriate carrier for the pet. The size should be such that your pet can move around a little and change position or lay down. There should be absolutely no protrusions on the interior so the pet does not get injured during travel.

8. How does your pet behave? Pets too live on habits; do not spring a surprise on your pet and cage it in for travel on an odd day. Get the carrier your pet will travel in beforehand and give it time to adjust by letting your pet into the carrier once every day for a while.

9. Method of travel. How you are traveling matters when you think of how your pet will be handled during travel. You should be fully familiar with all the rules and regulations regarding pet’s travel, and be properly prepared. If it is an air trip, what is the air line’s reputation with pets? Do they handle them well? Are they adapted to it?

10. How much is your pet’s ticket? There are airlines that will allow you in cabin travel for pets with their approved pet carrier. Of course that means buying a ticket for your pet as well.

11. Label your pet. Make sure you have your name, address and phone number on the carrier along with the pet’s name. Use permanent ink.

12. Safety measures. If your pet is traveling in the cargo, remember to take the leash off before it is sent to cargo, you do not want it tangled. Choke collars are not good either.

13. Are pets allowed at the hotel? Can you find pet friendly lodgings at your destination? Will you be able to take your pet along when you go out? What if the answer is no? Answer the questions and decide accordingly.

14. Food. Another destination concern would be about the food. If you feed your pet something special you should take the food along and a can opener with a spoon is a must.

15. Water. Even if your pet is not picky still take along at least 8-9 liters of water along. When you start to get low dilute the local water with the water you brought along so your pet’s stomach can get used to it. Use distilled water otherwise.

16. Blanket. Your pet might start to feel homesick if it is not used to travel, consider taking along a blanket or something it is used to in its home bedding.

17. Other accessories. Grooming supplies, booties if you are going hiking, food and water container, and baby wipes to take care of any accidents are good stuff to take along as well.

Most of all pack some good attitude along; enjoy the trip and enjoy the company you are taking along, and a pet can be a best buddy indeed.

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