| Recently,
many major air carriers have announced changes in policies
regarding pet travel during the summer months. These policy
changes are probably a result of new federal rules that require
reporting of injuries and death of pets on airlines. You may
not be able to fly with your pet (if he/she will not fit in
a “carry-on” container) and the ground temperatures
are over 85 degrees. We are pleased that there are new requirements
to prevent senseless stress and injury (or even death) to
pets. While the new rules may require some major adjustments
for our traveling clientele, planning can alleviate many headaches.
We wanted
to alert you to some considerations before traveling:
- Do you have
a current Health Certificate? This is required by most airlines
and assures that your pet has been examined within the past
10 days and is found to have no conditions that might contribute
to travel health hazards.
- Is your pet
current on all vaccinations? Heartworm preventatives? Lyme
Disease vaccination (if traveling to certain parts of the
country)?
- Will your pet
require tranquilizers? Some pets are too anxious to handle
the stress of a trip in good shape. Is your pets’
temperament like that?
- If you are leaving
your pet at home, does the pet sitter have our clinic’s
phone number (480.899.7738) and instructions on what to
do in case of an emergency? (If you let us know ahead of
time, we can even arrange to have credit card information
and authorization to treat your pet in case of an emergency).
- If you are using
a pet sitting service, are they licensed, bonded, and insured?
Have you called any references?
What are the requirements for the kennel where you are planning
to board your pet?
- Have you made
arrangements well in advance? (Many kennels have very high
occupancy rates during the summer months.)
Please plan ahead
and have a safe and fun trip
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