Travelling with a Cat
Posted date : May 5, 2020.
I feel that your response to Harvey Bates of Innisfil in the winter 2019, Issue 113, was quite oversimplified. You’re right−it’s not a big deal − but there are definitely more steps to be taken when travelling with pets. We are snowbirds travelling to Florida with a dog and two cats. Both cats are in their own carrier which is seat-belted and the dog is in her bed, but she is also seat-belted. Why do you recommend the carrier only for crossing the border? Our neighbour from Ottawa was rear-ended in Georgia and his cat got out and was gone. Luckily, he had had his feline microchipped and she was returned to him some months later. This is another suggestion; microchip your pets.
Furthermore, all three of mine have valid rabies vaccines and we carry the paperwork for that, as well as certificates of good health from our Canadian veterinarian. Both have been requested on both sides of the border.
Moreover, not all hotels on the trip are pet-friendly and I’m sure that there are some stops involved for Harvey and his cat. I decide ahead how many nights we will take and book pet-friendly rooms ahead. They can be cancelled up to 6:00 p.m. of that day without penalty. We also travel with a disposable litter box, a dustpan to clean up stray litter and some toys.
Hopefully this will be helpful to Harvey.
Genia Alperin-Newell
Innisfil, ON
Ed.: All excellent points. The rabies and vaccination certificates are REQUIRED going both ways. Happy travels with your menagerie.
