Essential Guide: Preparing Your Pet’s Travel Crate for a Smooth Journey

by | May 2024 | Crates and Accessories, Pet Travel

When preparing for pet travel, ensuring your pet’s comfort and safety is paramount. This professional guide provides a detailed checklist to help you get everything ready for your pet’s journey.

Essential Preparation Checklist

Food:

  • Pack enough food to last 2-3 days in a sealed bag (e.g., Ziplock)
  • Clearly label the bag with feeding instructions (e.g., “1 cup 2x per day”)

Toys:

  • Include soft toys
  • Avoid hard toys, bones, or toys made of rope/stringy materials

Feeding Instructions:

  • Maintain the same feeding schedule
  • Adjust if feeding schedule results in a need to relieve itself soon after takeoff

Comfort Items:

  • Add bedding such as a towel or a sweater from home
  • Ensure bedding does not take up too much space in the crate

Leash and Collar (for dogs only):

  • Include a leash and collar
  • Not necessary for cats

Other Items:

  • Inform us or the airline of any additional items (e.g., brushes, sentimental toys)
  • Follow advice on suitability and packing methods

Medications:

  • Only bring veterinarian-prescribed medication
  • Place medication in a Ziplock bag with clear usage instructions
  • Sedatives that hinder motor skills or responsiveness are not allowed

Health Documents:

  • Carry all original health documents (e.g., rabies certificates, required vaccinations, test reports)
  • Prepare copies for yourself and for us

Crate Preparation:

  • Assemble the crate according to provided instructions
  • No need to label or tape anything to the crate (if you hire us, we will handle that at check-in.)

By following this checklist, you can ensure that your pet’s journey is safe, comfortable, and well-organized. Safe travels!