Prior to traveling to any destination, national or international, the most important step you can take for your small pet is a pre-trip veterinary visit. The rules and regulations of your destination will give you the time frame in which this visit must take place. Some destinations require this visit to take place, but even if you are taking a road trip and are camping along the way a vet visit is important to your small pet’s safety and health.
Having this visit will not only ensure your pet’s health, but provide documents that may be required for your pet to enter certain locations. Some hotels and attractions may require certification of health. If you need an emergency veterinarian visit, these documents will be valuable to the vet. If you choose to use a pet-sitter or a kennel for any time frame, these papers will also be needed. In general it is a good rule of thumb to see the veterinarian two weeks before the trip unless traveling internationally. In that case, check with the destination country because it can take up to six months to process paperwork.
Call your veterinarian and schedule and appointment for your small pet. Make sure the receptionist knows that this is a pre-trip visit. This way they will know what forms need to be available at the time of your visit and you will spend less time waiting. A pre-trip visit is very much like a regular check up. The only difference is that forms must be filled out and certified by your veterinarian. The vet will check to see if your small pet is up to date on all vaccinations. Your pet will also be checked for general health to be sure he is up for the trip. If crossing state lines, you will need not only the health certificate, but also a rabies certificate. It is also important to have a document clearly identifying your pet. If your pet becomes lost or there is any question of ownership, this will become invaluable. The last thing that you need to have documented if you plan to stay in hotels is that your pet is free from fleas, ticks and parasites. Many locations will require this documentation to accept your small pet on premises.
Remember, ask lots of questions. Your veterinarian is you biggest ally in keeping you pet healthy and comfortable on your trip. Most veterinarians do not recommend sedatives, but if you have an overly anxious pet, this may need to be discussed. Making sure your pet is healthy and that you have obtained all required documents will eliminate many unnecessary headaches and issues on your trip. Fewer problems will create a more enjoyable and less stressful experience.
