GUIDE: Things fur parents need to know when traveling locally with their pets
While there's nothing wrong with traveling by yourself, there are times when exploring new or familiar places are much more enjoyable with a companion.
Human travel buddies are easy to bring along, but it's a different story once you throw an animal in the mix.
Going on a trip with your beloved fur babies sounds like a fun concept at first, but it can be a nightmarish experience if you come unprepared.
To make sure your trip with your pets goes smoothly, here are some things to keep in mind when you want to bring them along for the ride to local destinations.
Vaccinate your pets
Perhaps the most important tip on this list is to ensure that your pets have the correct vaccinations, particularly for anti-rabies, as it is required by most travel companies.
Vaccinations are important in order to protect their health and ensure their safety. Since you'll be bringing your pets along in new territory, there's a chance that you'll be exposing them to various illnesses and diseases.
Animals can also be moody and you can never quite predict if they're going to bite, so having them vaccinated will not only protect you, but other passengers you're traveling with as well.
Moreover, a rabies vaccination certificate is required when getting a transport permit from the Bureau of Animal Industry, wherein the animal should have been immunized not more than one year of age and not less than 14 days from the time of vaccination. This permit is needed for you to travel locally on an airplane or boat with your pets.
Check guidelines of travel companies and transport
Before anything else, it is important that you contact first the company that you will use for transportation, whether it's by bus, airplane, or boat, and ask them whether they accept pets onboard.
For instance, provincial bus company Genesis Transport Service Inc. announced back in January that they are only allowing dogs that are small to medium in size, as large and giant dogs will not be allowed. They are also requiring pets to wear animal diapers to maintain cleanliness and sanitation during the journey.
Traveling by sea? Pets and other animals (except for endangered species) are allowed on ferry 2GO provided that they are properly caged and with quarantine certificates from the Bureau of Animal Industry and a bill of lading.
Inquiring about these kinds of guidelines are important so as to not waste your time.
Put them in a proper carrier
For those of you who plan on using public transport, your fur babies sadly cannot roam free inside these vehicles as they must be put in carriers.
Since the transport system in the Philippines is exceedingly inefficient, with it being plagued by traffic and congested vehicles, carriers are necessary in order to protect your pets from being stomped and stepped on in such crowded areas. Putting them in carriers also prevents other passengers from being inconvenienced or put at risk in case your pet starts getting aggressive.
In choosing the right carrier, you must consider whethey they are large enough for your fur babies to be comfortable in, as closed, tight spaces may trigger claustrophobia in them. You need to check whether your pets can lie down, turn around, and stand in its natural position
Bring pet essentials
Last but definitely not the least, you must bring along all of the items that you think your pet will need during your travel.
Some essentials that you should take into consideration are sufficient food and water to feed your pet, waste bags in case they can't hold it in, their leash, their favorite toys to keep them entertained, and of course, their collar with your contact information in case they get lost. It may be hard to find their preferred brand of pet food in your chosen destination, so be sure to come well-stocked.