In modern times, some people choose to travel with their pets to relax and strengthen their bond. However, traveling with pets involves issues of adaptation and logistical challenges. Animal experts and veterinarians have provided professional opinions on whether it is appropriate to travel with pets.
According to the Huffington Post, Erin Askeland, an animal health and behavior consultant at a pet daycare center in the United States, mentioned that while traveling with pets can be fun, it is essential to ask yourself if it is necessary. Will your pet enjoy the trip? Will you be able to spend time with your pet during the journey?
Askeland pointed out that some people may want their pets with them but fail to consider the possibility of leaving them alone in unfamiliar places or exposing them to unsafe or unpleasant activities or situations.
Veterinary expert Grant Little stated, “Personally, I strongly oppose traveling with pets. It involves a lot of tasks and stress. For instance, arranging international travel with paperwork, vaccinations, and quarantine schedules can make the trip complicated, sometimes nearly impossible… If you rush through it, you might make mistakes and encounter problems.”
It is crucial to consider environmental factors such as weather that may cause discomfort or harm to pets.
Jessica Bell, an associate professor at Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, advised against taking pets to Independence Day celebrations on July 4th due to the exposure to high temperatures that could be harmful to pets.
Bell emphasized the importance of evaluating how to care for pets, observing their surroundings, and avoiding situations that might startle or stress them in a new environment. It is vital to assess if your accommodation is pet-friendly.
She mentioned, “My family often travels with our Labrador, especially when camping. However, his health and safety are paramount, so we check the weather, plan our itinerary, and determine where he can go. If our travel plans are not convenient or safe for him, we have friends or pet sitters look after him, which he enjoys.”
Furthermore, the duration of the trip and the mode of transportation are crucial considerations.
Ricky Walther, a veterinarian, highlighted that short car trips might be tolerable for pets, but long flights could be particularly challenging. Traveling may expose pets to a higher risk of illness.
He added, “Not all pets cope well under the stress of traveling. Some may experience high levels of stress, anxiety, or even motion sickness, making the journey a terrible experience for them. Other safety risks may include injury during transit or getting lost in unfamiliar locations.”
Assessing an individual pet’s personality and circumstances is perhaps the most critical part of travel evaluation.
Askeland stated, “Some pets adapt well to traveling and enjoy being with their owners, while others may feel stressed. Before deciding to travel with your pet, considering their personality, health, age, and comfort level is crucial.”
Occasionally, traveling with pets can be a good option. For example, pets prone to anxiety in urban environments may enjoy traveling to the countryside.
Walther mentioned that some pets seem more well-behaved and relaxed when traveling with someone they have a special bond with. Extending the travel time can be helpful as it eliminates the need for pet sitters or arranging pet meals, which can be costly and stressful for both pets and owners.
In conclusion, the decision to travel with pets significantly depends on the individual pet and the specific circumstances of the trip. The welfare of pets regarding health, safety, and comfort should always be a top priority.
However, if pets are capable of traveling on their own, it might be a different story. For instance, there is a stray dog in Turkey known for using various modes of transportation to travel around the city.
In Istanbul in 2021, the city’s public transportation noticed a large yellow dog named Boji who would take buses, trams, subways, and ferries. Boji seemed to know exactly where to board these vehicles.
Officials took Boji for a check-up and installed a microchip to track his whereabouts and health. It was found that in a single day, Boji would visit at least 29 stations within the city and cover a distance of approximately 18 miles (29 kilometers), making him a “celebrity” within the public transport system.