They were our emotional support during the pandemic. They comforted us during lockdowns. They filled a void when we could not gather with family and friends. Now, dogs are everyone’s best friend.
So, with vaccines making travel possible again, how can we possibly be expected to leave our dogs at home when we go on vacation?
It’s a question that’s forcing a lot of dog owners to “paws” for a moment to consider their options. And, if nothing else, the pandemic has certainly created a lot of new dog owners.
In fact, a January 2021 report by rover.com revealed that a staggering 41 per cent of Canadian households welcomed a “pandemic puppy,” as they’ve become to be known, into their families during the COVID-19 crisis.
Other countries are reporting similar trends.
Above: Taking your pet on vacation is challenge during COVID but Dacia Rohleh, right, and her company can help.
In the U.K., for instance, a total of 3.2 million households acquired a pet since the start of the pandemic, according to the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association, and in the U.S., animal welfare groups report that 280,270 dogs were adopted in 2020 in Utah alone.
And even though some pandemic puppies have been returned to shelters, most are now treasured family members who can’t be left behind.
So, dogonit, who can help dog owners lick this problem?
Toronto-based pet transportation service Paws en route has some answers.
The Uber for pets company, which has partnered with the Center for Pet Safety on a campaign called PAWS-UP!, offers travel services for pets that ensures our four-legged friends arrive safely at our holiday destinations.
Part of Paws en route's services includes flight bookings, preparation of required travel documents, boarding, customs clearance for pets arriving from international locations and comfort stops/accommodations for pets with connections.
In these days of COVID, owners are in desperate need of guidance when it comes to travelling with their dogs and Paws en route, which was the brainchild of Dacia Rohlehr, follows all the pandemic protocols set out by countries and airlines.
“In times of COVID, keep in mind pet care services are observing contactless protocols during this challenging period,” says Rohlehr. “This means that we are limiting contact between pet parents and service providers.”
Dog owners should really sit up and take notice of Rohlehr's company if they don't want to disappoint their pet pooch when it comes vacation time.
FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN TRAVELLING WITH PETS
Key purchases required for pet air travel:
• IATA airline approved carrier (to ensure the safety and comfort of your pet), carrier pad and a water container specific for the carrier.
• The pet transportation company should assist with the pick up and drop off of your pet to and from the vet for required shots/paperwork/health certificate as well as ground transportation to or from the airport.
• Pets go through the same security check-in process as humans and a pet transportation company should assist with ground transportation to the airport as well as assisting with the check-in process. If you are travelling on the same day or do not have transportation to the airport, a pet transportation company could transport both you and your pet to the airport — dropping you to the passenger terminal and your pet to the cargo terminal.
• When arranging pet air travel, there is pertinent information that the transportation company will require. For example, age of pet, weight, breed, IATA approved pet carrier dimensions, documentation such as veterinary, medical and international country required paperwork.
Important tips:
• Where possible direct flights should be booked to reduce the trauma on the pet.
• Pets should not be given heavy meals at least four hours before the flight.
• A good walk and bathroom break are recommended before leaving for the airport.
• When sending your pet on a long flight, freeze the water in the container for the carrier prior to fight. This will allow your pet to have fresh cold water during the flight.
• Don’t put food, toys, your pet's blanket, etc in the carrier. These are not allowed for safety reasons. If you would like to send food, a toy or blanket with your pet, place those items in a box and arrange to have them shipped along with the crate.
• Even if a health certificate is not required for your pet’s travel, we highly recommend getting a health certificate from your veterinarian in order to ensure that your pet is in good health to travel.
• When purchasing a pet out of city or out of province, it is best to ensure that the health certificate provided from the breeder is from a reputable veterinarian. There have been too many horror stories of improper paperwork giving permission for an unhealthy pet to travel.
Did you know?
• Airlines have strict heat and cold embargoes where they will not fly pets on days when temperatures get too high or low. A transportation company can usually arrange last minute boarding/accommodations for your pet when this situation occurs — especially in relocations where you are travelling at the same time or before your pet.
• It is important to note that it is dangerous for snub nose breeds (cats and dogs) to travel via air. These pets are more prone to respiratory problems, especially when they travel by air and the end result may be fatal.
• All dogs greater than 3 months of age, with the exception of service dogs which accompany their user into Canada, must have proof of current rabies vaccination to travel to Canada.
For MORE ON PAWS EN ROUTE AND THE SERVICES THEY OFFER, GO TO https://www.pawsenroute.com