Dr. Judith Randall earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University. No stranger to taking her own pets on long trips, she has practiced in Oklahoma, Missouri, and New York before relocating to beautiful South Carolina.
Dr. Randall runs her own small veterinary clinic and is an avid volunteer for 2 local shelters. She lives together with her husband, 2 Labrador Retrievers, 2 adopted cats, and 2 stray cats that don’t leave anymore. During summer months she also welcomes 2 – 3 additional foster pets from a local shelter.
Cynthia G.
What is a pet passport?
A pet passport is a collection of documents (health, rabies, microchip certificates, import permits, FAVN test results, etc.) that are required for your pet to enter your destination country when traveling internationally. All documents are issued in your origination country by a licensed veterinarian and may or may not need a government veterinarian to endorse the forms. -- Dr. Judith Randall
Read more about pet passports here.
Theresa Jane O.
Why does your pet need a pet passport? How much will it cost?
Every country in the world will require a minimum of proof of good health and a rabies certificate, although the rules for additional testing vary widely from country to country. You should have a health certificate completed by your veterinarian. This certificate is also referred to as a Veterinary or Sanitary Certificate. Sometimes, import permits and other testing is required.
The cost for a pet passport will depend on your veterinarian’s fees, the fees for microchipping (if required), and the fees for completing and endorsing the necessary forms. There will always be a trip to the vet just prior to travel for a health certificate. Other tests such as tapeworm, internal/external parasites, microchips, and rabies titer tests, if required, will affect the cost. USDA endorsement in the USA or CFIA endorsement in Canada will add $38.00 per form at this writing and if a titer test is required, the costs rise to $121.00. Many countries also require an import permit and they will charge for processing it.
The first thing to do is to find out the requirements to bring your pet to your destination country. In some cases (like Hawaii), you have to plan 6 months in advance to avoid quarantine. The key to avoiding delays at the border and/or quarantine when traveling with your pet is to have your pet passport complete and accurate for the countries you are visiting. -- Dr. Judith Randall
Read more about pet passports here.
How do I travel with a rabbit?
Before you go anywhere with your rabbit, make sure the places you visit accept bunny visitors. Dogs and, to some extent, cats are more common travel buddies. Other pets that cannot be housetrained as well may raise some eyebrows. So do your homework and plan your trip as well as possible.
Bunnies are shyer by nature and, in general, get stressed more easily than cats and dogs. Therefore, it's vital to offer them a comfortable area they can travel in. Purchasing a good carrier that really fits your rabbit's size and activity level is a good start. Then let them get accustomed to the carrier long before the trip. If they are familiar with their carrier and find their own scent and their own blanket in there, it will relax them during the travels.
Make sure the travel surroundings aren't too hot. If you travel by car, use your a/c if needed. And provide plenty of food and water. And don't forget you may need to clean out the carrier a couple of times during the trip. Either way, take good care of your long-eared furry friend. They are as precious as delicate and need comfort to make it through unknown territory. -- Dr. Judith Randall
Read more about traveling with a rabbit here.
Derren P.
How do I travel with an older dog?
First and foremost, adjust your expectations of what you can do with your senior dog. Observe your dog's behavior and talk to your vet. As with humans, every dog ages differently. Your dog may still have a lot of energy, while others would rather take it easy and take long naps. Whatever it may be, don't overlook the signs of aging. That would just wear out your dog and make any travel feel like a burden. -- Dr. Judith Randall
Read more about keeping the adventure going with your senior dog here.
Sammie B.
How do I travel with a disabled pet?
Your first step should be to talk to your vet. They can offer advice if and what type of travel would be doable with your disabled pet. Your vet might recommend leaving your pet in professional care while you are on travels, advice that may hurt but should definitely be followed.
If your disabled pet is able to travel, or you have no option but to hit the road, make sure you prepare your trip well. Create a comfortable travel environment for your pet. Bring comfort items like snacks and toys. Do not forget any medication. And most of all, don't rush. Schedule enough time for any eventualities and plenty of stops.
Once on the road, make sure your disabled pet is as comfortable and safe as can be. Keep an eye on your pet and act immediately if there are any signs of discomfort or pain. This I cannot stress enough. Attend to your disabled pet at all times, and do not add any additional stress to the travel, as it might worsen any sides of the disability. Take it easy, one mile by another. -- Dr. Judith Randall
Read more about traveling with a disabled dog here.