Getting pets trip-ready should start long before you leave home! First up, let your pet become accustomed to his carrier. If he's already a frequent flier, or will be using the same crate from home, your pal should be used to the sights, sounds, and smells of this case. For noncrate-trained animals, those traveling in a different or rarely-used carrier (only for the vet), it's important to give your pet a chance to prep. To get started, read more.
- Get your pet set by placing the carrier out about a week before you are leaving.
- Place some food (or his dish) inside the carrier so your animal ventures inside. Leave the door open but praise your pet warmly for entering.
- Show your pet a favorite toy, and then walk and place it inside the carrier so he goes in to get it. Repeat that praise!
- If you're traveling by car, take test runs — short trips around town — in the carrier to get him used to it. This can help determine if he suffers from motion sickness so you can get a prescription for antinausea medications from your vet.
- Consider adding natural, soothing aromatherapy sprays or pheromone products to help relax your pets like those seen in the widget below.
They take really good care of them up until they're boarded. We had Bailey shipped to us from a breeder when he was a puppy and he did just fine.
Pet- thanks so much for these tips! Little Brando is going on his first plane in a week and we put his new carrier out yesterday. He loves his wire crate, but it's not airline approved. Hopefully he'll get used to his new crate and be comfortable, but so far he hasn't ventured in much except to get the treats out that I put in there.
I'm worrying myself sick about him and if he'll be okay under the plane on Saturday. If anyone has ever flown with a pup before I'd love to hear stories and tips!
1