Every time I would pack my bag, Noddy would look at me soulfully, never leaving the room. Whether it was for a week or just a quick office trip, this continued to happen. This meant leaving my furry love, Noddy, was very difficult. Saying goodbye was so tough with those eyes bothering me all the time I was away from home. Though all this was made up when I returned and we were united again, doing all the things we always did like going for walks, having tea and biscuits together, watching TV, and just lazing the day away in perfect bliss. I always thought how nice it would have been if I could have done this too, wherever in the world I was. It sure would be lovely to come back home to my dear Noddy. Taking holidays in turns would have been out, and all of us could be together, enjoying the small gifts life has to offer all along.
Restless about this thought that lingered on, I kept asking friends, searching the net, meaning travel and tour guides, talking to hotels and restaurants, and most importantly, my vet. I kept searching for the right solution and finally geared up the courage to take my pet for a holiday along with the entire family. All it required was a lot of planning and talking to the right pet-friendly people. After a few trips, now I am very comfortable to travel by air or road anywhere in the world. All I needed was compassionate and animal-friendly people around me. I could also shift my city for work once I was sure the travel rules were followed right and my Noddy would be safe and comfortable.
The first thing I did was to visit my vet and take him into consultation and make sure my pet was ready physically to take the travel fatigue. I had to get her ready emotionally too, as for a short duration she would be away from me in the midst of unknown handlers, and that could actually upset her in some way. I would talk to her and show her pictures and videos and try to communicate in every possible way. To a certain extent, it helped, but the first time it was not very easy for us, all being new to the experience. But soon we both got used to it and later on enjoyed our trips together. At least we did not have to leave her alone, waiting for us to return.
It is best to arrive at the airport early on the day of the flight. Most airlines, national and international, have different rules and regulations for travelling with pets, depending on whether you are travelling with a dog or a cat. Also, the size of your pet matters. Depending on the size of the pet, they will be allowed either in the cabin or in a special area in the hold. But even before doing that, the health certificates and vaccinations from a certified vet are important. All information about medication for your pet must also be presented to the officials. Any incorrect information could cause cancellation of travel. So all papers, as stated by the airlines, must be complete. It is important to discuss with the vet if sedation could be allowed during travel to quieten your pet. However, plenty of exercise could also reduce restlessness. If you are connected deeply with your pet, you could understand what works best.
Certain things to keep in mind before travel are to make sure your pet is used to the carrier and is comfortable going in and out of it. Carry food and water and specially pamper them with the goodies they love. But on the day of travel, it is important to feed them less, as they might feel nausea and discomfort. The tags on the carrier should have the relevant names and addresses, including that of the vet. During international long travel, there might be a quarantine area for which you and your pet both have to be prepared.
Your vet will give you the necessary health certification. However, make sure all the vaccinations are given at least way ahead — 21 days before. The vaccinations like Canine Parvovirus, Distemper, Canine Hepatitis, and Rabies should be completed before travel. Paperwork, as I said, is very important, and it must align with the airline you have chosen to fly with. It is important to also find out the carrier size allowed in the hold and the cabin. To make it easy for your pet, add his or her favourite toys so that it becomes easier to travel in the carrier. It is important not to develop any anxiety and feel comfortable inside the carrier. This trial can be done way ahead of the travel by allowing your pet to settle inside it, with or without the door open.
If you have taken the right decision, then the rest should be easy. Make sure from which location the airline handlers would pick up and drop your pet. Before and after travel, fuss over them as much as possible so that you make them comfortable and proud of this adventure. This makes frequent travel easier, though it does take a toll on health, so best is to travel only if you have to and make sure they can take the air pressure fluctuations smoothly.
Hotels and cabs are these days pet-friendly to a certain extent. All you need to do is contact them well in advance. Some travel companies have pet-friendly cabs, and all you need to do is select them right. Pet-friendly hotels and restaurants, though few in number, are there, and some of them also welcome pets with special food of their liking. This makes you and the pets at ease, with so much less to worry about. If your pet loves a special rug or mat, then take it along to make the trip for all a happy one. Like I take a ball that Noddy loves and the folding mat she loves to curl up in. At all times, it is important to be connected to your vet and also keep a list of the nearby vets in the city or area you are visiting.
So, no more worries about leaving your pet behind as you travel around the globe. You can now coordinate with your pet, travel partners, and the vet no matter where you are going. Just following a few basic rules can make travel with pets easy for you. What you need to do is plan well and plan well ahead, take care of all the paperwork, and give your pet plenty of excited hugs. At all times, be prepared in case your plans miss a line here and there, but be confident to get back on track. After all, who can stop you if your mind is made up and you are willing to take the necessary steps to walk by your pet with lots of love to share? The happiness is reflected in the eyes of your pet too. I can read the happiness in Noddy, of being added into the family trips, discovering new places together. It is an adventure worth going out for.
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By Piu Sur