Traveling with Pets

ZeusCompanion Animals
Written By Jacqueline Chang

Zeus and I would take at least two trips (4 flights) a year and maybe a drive back and forth from school and home. Knowing the temperament and personality of Zeus, I was very worried to travel with him at first. I expected him to have issues with sitting in a carrier for an extended period of time and I also expected him to be very vocal throughout the trips.

I was right on both accounts.

But the good news is that things have gotten much better since our first trip. These are the tips and tricks that I have tested with Zeus, sharing both our successes and failures with you in hopes that it will benefit you too.


Driving

The first trip Zeus and I took together was a drive back to Vancouver with my roommate and her dog. We expected to complete the drive within the day but planned for an overnight in case of poor road or weather conditions. So, I packed enough dry kibble for a dinner and breakfast’s worth for Zeus, a bottle of water, and a blanket. I made a makeshift litter box for him using a medium-sized cardboard box, cutting an entry hole for him, creating a swinging door, and lining all around the base with a plastic bag to prevent leaks. I filled it (shallowly) with his pellet litter. For cleanup, I brought along poop bags and wet wipes.

Since Zeus has already been on short car rides to the park or to the vet, I already knew that he has a preference to be out of his carrier. On longer short rides, he likes to be able to roam. Thus, I brought him to the car in his carrier while were setting up, but then opened it when we were done to give him the option to walk around. His carrier served as a hideout or bed for the trip. The litter box was tucked in the foot area between the front and back seat. This way, it stayed secure and was not at a risk of tipping over at any point. It would be checked and cleaned any time we pulled over for a rest.

The trip itself went well and there were no big issues. We would all stretch our legs during rest stops, and the animals would get water from collapsible bowls. We did end up stopping overnight at a hotel where we were all able to rest for the night. Zeus had his dinner and breakfast out of the collapsible bowl. The litter box served its purpose and held up at least until I got home and was able to set up his proper litter box.


Taking the Plane

Prior to the trip, I had taken Zeus to the clinic and asked what their suggestion was for traveling with him in terms of medication. Knowing that he is an anxious kitty and we have not had a traveling experience like this before, I was recommended to try sedatives and to use a calming spray with him. As per the veterinarian’s instructions, I tested the medication out a week before our trip, monitoring how Zeus behaved on it. There didn’t seem to be much of a difference in his demeanor since he just napped all afternoon (as he normally does). However, I still thought I would give it a try. Well in advance to your trip, make sure you have gotten your carrier and that your pet has the time to familiarize him or herself with it. I placed Zeus’ carrier on the floor and put in a blanket with his scent. He never had any issues with the carrier and took to it quite quickly. I would find him lying in the carrier for his afternoon nap sometimes. On occasion, I would give him treats just for choosing to be in the carrier. This helped reinforce a positive experience with the carrier.

 
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I had the same concerns for Zeus with taking a plane as I did with a long drive. The preparations for taking a plane was similar to that of the drive. Obviously, I was not in need of a makeshift litter box this time. Instead of packing kibble, I packed a small bag of treats. I still put wet wipes into my bag and a collapsible bowl. The poop bags were attached to his leash, and I had him wearing his harness and a bandana. In addition, I packed the rest of his medication and brought along his paperwork (records from the veterinarian) in case there were any issues. I gave him his dosage before leaving the house to go to the airport. Depending on the medication, it can be given in a Pill Pocket, or mixed in with wet food. Before getting on the flight, I let Zeus out of the carrier and we just have a stroll around the area of our boarding gate. This tires him out a bit and lets him be out of the carrier for as long as possible. It also reduces the chances that he will have an accident in the carrier (which has happened!!). I fast Zeus (both food and water) at least 4-6 hours from the flight. Just before boarding, I will spray his carrier and bandana with Feliway, offer him a bit of water in the collapsible bowl, give him a few treats, and secure the carrier.

The first few trips with Zeus included a lot of crying throughout the flight. He was also visibly frustrated with being confined to the carrier, shown by digging at the corners and zippers. In doing so, he has shredded the bed within the carrier and made holes in the mesh. The sedatives are meant to make them drowsy and help them sleep for the duration of the trip, but this was never the case for Zeus. I tested out different doses to no avail. The veterinarian suggested that I consider not to medicate him, so for one trip, I decided to give it a try. I think the main difference was that he was no longer feeling dizzy whenever we were preparing for a flight, thus losing the confusion that came with medicating him. Without the confusion, he seemed to feel less scared and anxious about extended periods of time in the carrier. There was a lot less vocalization and digging on flights, and there were even times where he would nap. Thus, I no longer feel the need to medicate Zeus for flights. I do, however, still use Feliway in his carrier and on his bandana. Note that these were our personal experiences and it is fully advised that you consult with your veterinarian to figure out what is best for your pet!

Products mentioned:

Jacqueline Chang
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