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Harley has crossed oceans at the side of Dr. Katie Minniear. |
DO YOU DREAD vacation
Miss Harley Minniear, CGC,
Minniear laughs and says, "Harley flew so often that my dad jokes that she should have her own frequent-flyer number!" Minniear and world traveler Harley impart travel advice for owners who won't leave home without their dogs at their sides.
How did you prepare Harley for her trip?
"It takes extra time to get everything organized for travel with a pet. To reach St. Kitts, Harley and I flew four hours nonstop on US Airways from Philadelphia. I chose US Airways because they offered a direct flight and were very pet-friendly. Having Harley on the same flight with me was very important.
"Weather conditions and temperature are critical to safe air travel. Airlines often refuse to fly live animals when outdoor temperatures are above 80 degrees."
Were you nervous about flying
"I was extremely nervous the first time we flew. It was hard to watch when they took her away on the luggage belt after her crate was scanned and X-rayed."
What kind of official paperwork was required?
"You must know all the travel rules and regulations for your particular airline, and for your country of destination. My airline required a health certificate stating that Harley was in good health to fly and that documented her vaccine history. This certificate had to be issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of the departure date.
"The government of St. Kitts required that an AVID microchip be implanted prior to travel. They also required a rabies titer because the island is rabies-free. Extra preparation time was needed since the blood work had to be sent out to a laboratory and the report had to be included in Harley's travel certificates.
"Once we landed in the West Indies, Harley had to remain in her crate until the local vet arrived to examine her. She was quarantined at my house for 30 days. The local vet made random visits to ensure people did not take their pets elsewhere for the first 30 days. The vet stated the dog would be euthanized if caught breaking quarantine."
How did you prepare Harley
"I recommend that your animal be crate-trained. Harley had always been terrified of her crate. Since she was very anxious being confined in her crate, I gave her
Whether a pet is flying or riding
"The best time of day to travel depends on the weather. Make sure the conditions are not too hot or cold.
"My patients' most frequent pet travel health worries are anxiety and becoming nauseated. If you feel your pet may experience these problems, talk to your vet and get appropriate medications prior to travel. My best tip for preventing problems is: Withhold food the morning of, or up to 12 hours prior to, travel. Limiting food will prevent 'accidents,' vomiting or urgent needs for bathroom breaks. Clean, fresh water should be available throughout the trip. It is very important to never withhold water!
"Pack all medications that your pet takes regularly or may need while away. If an owner feels there is any health problem when arriving at their destination,
"Plan ahead. Make reservations at pet-friendly hotels. The American Automobile Association (aaamidatlantic.com) publishes
"For geriatric dogs I recommend a very thorough physical exam and blood work before going on an extensive trip. Ask your vet's opinion on whether or not your animal is well enough to travel. Make sure there is soft bedding in the crate.
"I keep the contents of Harley's overnight bag simple: water bottle, her own food, treats and any medications she is taking. Traveling by car, I take her dog bed for her to lie on in hotels and in the car.
"Small dogs and cats should ride in carriers while traveling is cars. Cats should wear a harness and leash. If they try to run away, you have a leash to hold on to! Many animals escape when owners open the door to pump gas.
Harley has given up her world travel to rest at home in Spotsylvania County. Minniear can be found giving out gentle medical treatment and warm dog-lover advice to her patients at Fredericksburg Animal Hospital.
Sarah A. Ferrell of Spotsylvania County, author of "Devoted to Dogs: How to Be Your Dog's Best Owner" (available through abrohamneal.com or amazon.com), runs Dog Manners and Obedience. E-mail her in care of
Email: gwoolf@freelancestar.com.
