FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Contact: Fred M. Hall, Tarrant County

CEA, Ph: 817.884.1946; email: [email protected]

If You Will Travel Abroad With Your Pet–Check Out This Website

It is becoming more common to see pet-owners travel abroad with their pets during the holiday. If you have plans to travel with your pet, check out the new Web site dedicated to international pet travel and helping travelers and accredited veterinarians easily determine country-specific requirements for pets.

“We know pets are members of the family, and our goal is to ensure pets meet the requirements to relocate with their families internationally – whether temporarily or permanently,” said Dr. Jack Shere, Deputy Administrator for APHIS’ Veterinary Services (VS). “We recognize each country has different entry requirements, and our new website makes it easy to understand and meet those requirements so travelers can avoid last-minute problems.” The Web site provides information about taking pets from the United States to other countries and bringing pets into the United States, and applies to the following pets: dogs, cats, birds, ferrets, rabbits, rodents, hedgehogs and tenrecs, reptiles, and amphibians.

With the help of the APHIS’ pet travel website, travelers and accredited veterinarians can get the most current information available for a particular country. The site also includes country-specific health certificates and instructions for completing them. Country forms can be confusing and the new website helps to remove the guess work by highlighting required fields.

For the rest of us planning domestic vacations with our pets, here is a check list from the folks at BarkPost.com that will help to make it a safe trip for your pet.

1. Health records Keep a copy of all vaccination records in your dog’s bag. Should an emergency arise once you are on the road, you will have the important information you need. You will also need these records when boarding.

2. Collar and leash Remember that taking Fido out of the car for bathroom breaks must include his collar being secured and him being leashed (don’t forget the poop bags). Your destination brings unique smells that are oh so hard to resist, and your little darling can escape before you can say, “Sit, stay.”

3. Tags Fido won’t want to get lost, so be sure that he has a current tag with an emergency phone number firmly attached to his collar or harness. Your cell phone is the perfect number for your dog’s tag.

4. First aid kit There are a number of pet first aid kits on the market or you can put together on your own. Some essentials to include are: tweezers to remove ticks, stypic powder to stop toenail bleeding, eye wash to flush wounds, gauze bandages, adhesive tape, scissors and antiseptic moist wipes.

5. Food and water Be sure to bring along Fido’s favorite food so as not to upset his stomach. Your dog is used to drinking water from your hometown, so spend a week training him to bottled water before the trip and bring his favorite water bowl along. Tarrant County The members of Texas A&M AgriLife will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout Texas A&M AgriLife. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating Making a Difference in 2016

6. Safety restraints Did you know that in some states seat belts are now mandatory for pets? When you think of your best friend as a projectile in case of an accident, you understand the wisdom of securing Fido to keep both of you safe.

7. Bed and crate Don’t leave home without Fido’s favorite blanket or bed. If your dog calls his crate his den, then bring it along for a good night sleep during your vacation.

8. Double-check hotel reservations You are ready to go—but before you back the mini-van out of the driveway, call your hotel to confirm your reservation and that they are expecting Fido. Nothing says bummer like a newly implemented “no pets allowed” policy since you made your reservation.

For more information go to our website at: http://agrilife.org/urbantarrantag/publications.

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