Consider your pet on travels

‘TIS the season to relax, unwind and travel – but in doing so, pet owners need to consider their furry friends this festive season.

When planning getaways during the Christmas break, pet owners must take a few things into account and remember that while you may be a seasoned traveller, your four-legged friend may not be. Sandy Taylor of the East London SPCA said before taking your pet with you on your travels, it was important they were comfortable and used to the speed and sound of other vehicles. Your pet’s comfort should be observed when making travel arrangements.

“Choose the form of transport that is safest and most comfortable for your pet.

“As a rule, cats are always better off in their own home. But if you have decided it’s best to bring your pet along, follow our tips for a safe and low-stress trip,” she said.

Some of the dos and don’ts for travelling with pets include:

•  Ensure pets have food and water available at regular intervals;

Remember to take your pet’s supply of food with you as you may not be staying near a pet store or shop that stock their favourite brand;

Plan your route and make regular pit stops to ensure that pets get adequate exercise. Ensure pets are on a leash when entering or exiting the car so that they don’t bolt into oncoming traffic;

Ensure good oxygen flow (this does not mean letting them stick their heads out of the car window). There are car window vents available which fit into a window groove;

Car safety nets can be fitted to a car’s interior to prevent dogs or cats from climbing into the front seats while you’re driving;

Never leave a pet alone in the car; this could cause stress, affect the health of the pet and they could possibly damage the interior of your vehicle;

Keep in mind the volume of your music – while you may enjoy the music, your pet’s hearing is far more sensitive and it could be distressing;

Dogs shouldn’t roam the car – the safest way for your dog to travel in the car is in a crate that has been anchored to the vehicle using a seatbelt or other secure means. Dog restraints or seatbelts are useful for preventing your dog from roaming around the car and being a distraction to the driver;

Most cats are not comfortable travelling in cars, so for their safety as well as yours, keep them in a carrier. It’s important to restrain these carriers in the car so they don’t bounce around and hurt your cat. Do this by securing a seat belt around the front of the carrier;

Leave the front seat for humans. Keep pets in the back seat of the car. If an airbag deploys while your pet is in the passenger seat (even in a crate), it might injure it; and

Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or become ill from having cold air forced into their lungs.

According to Taylor those who are unable to travel with their pets have options, as opposed to leaving them at home unattended.

“There are private boarding kennels and catteries that will care for your pets while you are away.

“The SPCA also provides boarding kennels. Ensure that you are using a reputable boarding facility. If possible visit the kennels to see what they are like prior to making the booking.

“Ensure all your pets’ vaccines are up to date. Kennels will not accept pets if their vaccines are more than a year old,” she said.

Taylor urged all interested pet owners to book well in advance because good kennels filled up very quickly. — siyab@dispatch.co.za