Schweizerische Vereinigung für Kleintiermedizin
Association Suisse pour la Médecine des petits Animaux
Associazione Svizzera per la Medicina dei Piccoli Animali
Swiss Association for Small Animal Medicine

FECAVA Newsletter – June 2021

13. Juli 2021

Entering the vacation season, traveling with animals is once again the topic that deserves close attention. This pet journey trend has been rapidly increasing over the years, and it is quite obvious why. It brings us great joy to share fun, relaxed and adventurous moments with our animal friends. Today’s travel with your pet is tomorrow’s warm memory. But does it come with a risk?

As already mentioned, with the growth of this trend, the travel industry had to adapt to this demand, so it is safe to say that traveling with your pet is now much easier than before. However, in order to be stress-free, this endeavor requires some research and precise planning.

First of all, make sure to have your pet’s documents with you all the time. Crossing several borders on a journey or even a visit to a vet clinic abroad might require a few copies of these documents. Secondly, be sure to double-check airline pet policies, when flying. These policies are constantly changing, as well as the prices for flying with your pet, and they usually depend on the airline and the size and breed. So, just be prepared for a bureaucratic roller coaster sometimes.

Additionally, plan your accommodation arrangements smartly.  Do the research; see which hotels are pet friendly and if they charge any additional fees for your pet. There are some hotel chains that will welcome your pet without any additional fees. Be even smarter! Use pet-friendly apps and webpages, where you can find all the hotels, tourist attractions, and restaurants that welcome pets.

Pay attention to your pet’s health! Be cautious and try avoiding the risk and potential infection by blood-feeding anthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Use the FECAVA Feline and Canine Vector-Borne Diseases Fact sheets, where you can inform yourself about the type of disease and the country of origin, the clinical signs, prevention, and disease management.

Pack all of your pet’s‘ essentials.
Have fun!
And enjoy the summer!

Marko Milin, MPhil
FECAVA Marketing Team