What is the best thing for our pet(dog), while we go on a vacation for 30 days?

Question

We have a pet dog(9 months old shih tzu), and we will be leaving on a trip for 30 days. Is it ok to take our pet to other country(India) with us or is it better to leave our littile darling in a pet hostel.It's very difficult for us to leave her alone(she is very much attached to us as we are to her.We are worried that she would miss us and stop eating or get ill health due to the separation anxiety if we checked her into a pet hostel for 30 days), but we are more concerned about her health and safety.
During october-november time that we would be in India the weather is not hot or humid.we are planning to keep her in our house premises along with us.Any one can tell us if is it ok to take our pet to India from USA. If we take her with us we are planning to take her in the cabin.Is it ok for her if she stay's 30 days there in India???
We don't know what we can do with her when we are gone, What solution is best for her?

Answer 1

Many pets are given up at vacation time because of perceived inconvenience. Thousands of pets left with pet sitters are lost each year, when a little forethought could have prevented it. Here are some helpful hints about vacations and how to make them safe and enjoyable for your pet.
If your pet is not suited to travel, due to ill health or temperament, consider having a pet sitter come to your home, asking a family member, friend or neighbour to look after your pet or having your pet stay at a boarding facility. Take the time to explain your pet's routine and include a
list of instructions about what to do if your pet is lost. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and tag and has had all
his vaccinations


Live-In Pet Sitter

Ideally, this person is a relative or friend who knows your pet (or gets to know your pet before you leave and will be with your pet most of the time).
Before you go, leave an adequate supply of food, instructions about grooming and exercise routine, and telephone numbers where you can be reached. Phone your pet sitter a couple of times during your holiday to check on how your pet is doing.

Drop-In Neighbour

Many neighbours will agree to stop by each day to feed, water and exercise your pet. Make sure you entrust this duty to a responsible person. Some students do this for a summer job - be sure to obtain references and check them.


Boarding Kennel

A kennel can be an excellent way to ensure top-quality care but its strange surroundings can be a psychological shock to your pet.

Visit the kennel and check for the following:
Are the cages clean?
Are the cages large enough for your pet?
Is water available at all times?
Do the animals bark, seem content and come to see you when you walk through?
Do the kennel owners insist on all vaccinations?
How often will your pet receive exercise? What kind?
Is the boarding agreement complete and satisfactory?
Is there a veterinarian on-call 24 hours a day? (You may want to verify this by calling the veterinarian's office).
Taking Your Pet With You

You can enjoy a vacation with your pet regardless of the method of transportation you choose, as long as you take the time to check ahead and make the proper arrangements.

Be aware of any health risks (such as deer ticks, which carry Lyme disease) that your pet may encounter at any of your vacation stops and speak with your veterinarian about preventing or coping with these problems.
Before you leave on vacation, make sure your pet has been checked by a veterinarian. You will need updated health certificates, medical and vaccincation records. Carry heartworm medication for dogs and be sure to have your cat vaccinated against feline leukemia, as your cat may come in contact with other cats.
You will want to pack a leash, collar, harness, tags, license, medicine/first-aid kit, food, water bowl, treats, grooming tools, toys, your pet's favourite blanket or pillow and a scratching post. You should have double tags containing your home address and phone number, and the address and phone number of your destination, or that of a nearby relative, in case your pet becomes lost during the trip. You should also carry a good, recent profile photograph of your pet in case you are separated.

At the Cottage/Going Camping

Although your pet may be on holidays, he can never take a vacation from its leash, collar and identification tag.
Do not allow your pet to roam. Many companion animals become lost and confused in unfamiliar surroundings. Many die from malnutrition, stress or disease.
Encounters with wild animals, such as raccoons and porcupines, can be very unpleasant and dangerous for your pet. Such confrontations can cause injury to all the animals involved, and can be costly, as well.

Travelling By Bus

Most buses will not accept pets, but check with the bus company to confirm this.

Travelling by Car

If your pet is not accustomed to car travel, take him for a few short rides before vacation time. Your pet should have a pleasant experience, such as a hike (with your dog) or a treat, at the end of these shorter jaunts, so that he associates car travel with rewards.
Never leave your pet unattended in a car in warm weather, even with the window open. Interior car temperatures can rise dangerously high in a matter of minutes, and the heat could kill him.
Your pet should be in a carrier/crate or on a seatbelt harness (available at pet supply stores) for their own safety.
To prevent motion sickness, do not overfeed your pet while travelling, especially before departing. Do not feed your pet for a few hours before a trip. Bring along fresh cool water and a familiar water bowl.
Allow for exercise breaks during long trips. They're good for you and your pet! Try to walk your dog at his regular time.
Do not let your pet hang his head out of the car window. This practice often causes damage to an animal's eyes or ears.
Keep complete identification and a rabies tag on your cat or dog at all times, and be sure to have your pet microchipped . Carry current health and vaccination cerificates with you.
Book your hotel/motel in advance. Check to see if they accept pets (there are several publications in print that include this information). Do not leave your pet alone in a hotel/motel room without familiar toys and bedding.

Travelling by Plane

Air travel is of the most concern when taking pets on holiday.
Most airlines will take pets but not all will accept puppies. Dogs with pug-nosed faces should not travel by air. They are susceptible to breathing difficulties and heat stroke in the cargo hold.
Contact the airline well in advance to check regulations and services. Ask about other cargo on your flights and about placement of the cage.
Try to book a non-stop flight or one with the minimum number of stops or transfers, so that your pet will not be on the plane any longer than necessary. In warm weather, select an early morning or late evening flight.
Normally, pets are kept in the pressurized cargo area, but some airlines for a fee, will accept pets in the passenger cabin. Check with your airline to find out if they offer this option and any restrictions that may apply. Although it is not always possible, ask if you can supervise the loading and unloading of your pet. Be sure to advise the flight attendant that your pet is on board so that he or she can inform the captain.
Make sure the carrier is large enough to be comfortable for your pet. Bring the carrier into the house a few days before you leave to allow your pet to become used to it. Pull a shirt out of the clothes hamper and put it inside to give the carrier a comforting, familiar smell.
Quarantine conditions can be extremely stressful for companion animals. Check with the consulate or embassy of the country you will be visiting to learn about its quarantine regulations, required health certificates and the location for quarantine facility at your destination (sometimes they are located kilometeres miles away).
For foreign travel, check with the consulate or embassy of the country you will be visiting for entry requirements. England and Hawaii, among other places, impose long quarantine periods.
Your pet must be in an airline-approved carrier. Make sure your pet's shipping container is well constructed. The proper cage, available from airlines or pet supply stores, should:
Be large enough to allow your pet to stand, turn and lie down;
Have a leak-proof bottom covered with absorbent material;
Have ventilation on opposite sides, with exterior rims or knobs to prevent blocked air flow;
Be labelled " LIVE ANIMAL ", with arrows indicating upright position. Include your name, your pet's name, your address, phone number and destination.
Before leaving:
Feed your pet a light meal at least six hours before departure.
Do not tranquilize your pet without your veterinarian's approval and instruction.
Pick up your pet promptly upon arrival at your destination. It is always wise to check your pet after he has been discharged from the plane. If you notice anything amiss, report it to the airline's customer relations representative. If you feel your pet's health is in question, seek veterinary attention. Ask for the results of the veterinary examination/treatment in writing, including the date and time your pet was seen.


Travelling By Train
Each railway line has its own policy regarding travel with pets. Check with the railway before making any plans.

If you are travelling by train in Canada with your pet, you will pay a surcharge and your animal must be contained in an approved carrier or kennel. It will help your pet if his carrier contains a blanket or pad carrying a familiar scent. Your pet carrier will be boarded with the luggage in the baggage car. Not all trains on each route have a baggage car, so be sure to phone ahead.
Ask how your pet's kennel will be secured in the baggage compartment.
Your pet's health can be compromised by extreme heat or cold. The temperature outside will affect how comfortably your pet will travel. It is imperative that you ask if the baggage car is temperature-controlled and, if it is, at what temperature is it maintained. If the temperature inside the baggage car is not controlled, do not use the train as a means of travel for your pet.
It is always wise to check your pet after he has been unloaded from the train. If you notice anything amiss, report it to the railways's customer relations representative. If you feel your pet's health is in question, seek veterinary attention. Ask for the results of the veterinary examination/treatment in writing, including the date and time your pet was seen.

Answer 2

Boarding kennels (and vets) are not the best places to leave your dog, especially when it's a puppy. Like sending your kid to school, it exposes them to many other dogs and the risk of diseases like kennel cough. Most of the time, the dogs are not walked often enough and this may ruin your housebreaking and crate training.

Anywhere you go, make sure that you are allowed to inspect the facility. If they won't allow this, they may have something to hide.

It's better to find someone who will care for your dog in their own home; someone who only takes a few dogs at a time. Ask your friends for recommendations - who watches their dogs? If you don't have any friends with dogs, ask people at a dog park, pet store or obedience class.

If you have someone watch the dog at your house, be sure it's a trusted friend or relative - or you may find all of your stuff ripped off when you come back. Or at least make sure they are bonded and insured and highly recommended. Be sure you have a written contract, stating the price that you are expected to pay and who is responsible for vet bills if your dog is injured or becomes ill. Make sure you get a copy of the contract as a receipt or you may have a hard time proving you left the dog with them if it disappears.

Answer 3

The best solution would be to get a friend or family member to watch the dog either at their place or at your place. This way the dog will be in a comfortable situation with someone who'll take care of her as if she were their own. Some dogs don't take well to traveling & I wouldn't want to risk it. My wife & I have traveled frequently (though never quite as long a trip as you're making) & have tried leaving our dogs at a "pet hotel" but that didn't work as well as having my sister come to my house & stay with them. We're planning to have her do the same on our next trip -we always give her some money & bring a small gift from our trip, but she'd be glad to stay with them even if we didn't.

Answer 4

Well I think your dog would be MUCH better left in a pet hostel. I would NEVER even think of bringing my dog on an airplane trip. She will not be too bad if you leave her alone. It's really bad if your dog gets seperation anxiety when you leave or else you will have a lot of problems in your life. This will be a good experience because it will give each of you time to relax and get a break for a little bit.

Answer 5

Your dog might be put under quarantine when he returns from India. I think it is better to find a reliable pet sitter to come to your home. That way you can have a house and pet sitter all in one. Another option is to find a pet hotel that has lots of room for your dog to exercise. Bring her along when you are shopping for a pet hotel. You'll know whether she'll get along with the caretaker..........Good luck with the search!

Answer 6

Personally, I think you are asking for trouble dragging the dog around the world. Besides, there are laws, restrictions, etc. in every country you will visit. In some countries your dog would pose problems. It would be best for the dog to be left in known surroundings, like have someone house/animal sit her while you are gone. That way, she will not be lonely and be more comfortable in her own home.

Answer 7

I ship internationally on occasion, these are the regulations that apply to dogs going into India. Be warned that each airline has slightly different rules for pets being on board, you will probably be able to have her with you under you seat. But check with the airline you plan to fly with. Paragraph b. definiately applies to the US. IMPORT HEALTH REQUIREMENTS OF INDIA FOR PET ANIMALS FROM THE UNITED STATES A tourist or non-tourist passenger may be allowed clearance of one dog by furnishing the following health certificates to the Custom authorities at the time of clearance: a) The animals must be accompanied by a U.S. Origin Health Certificate issued by a veterinarian authorized by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and endorsed by a Veterinary Services (VS) veterinarian. The certificate shall contain that the dog imported is free from Aujeszky's disease, distemper, rabies, leichmaniasis and leptospirosis; and in the case of cats from rabies and distemper. b) In the case of import of dogs originating from countries where rabies infection is known to exist, a health certificate containing a record of vaccination, vaccine used, brew of vaccine, and the name of the production laboratory and to the effect that the dog was vacinated against rabies more than one month but within 12 months prior to actual embarkation with nervous tissue vaccine or within 36 months with chicken embryo vaccine, both the vaccines having previously passed satisfactory potency tests.

Answer 8

Since the dog must clear customs, I would recommend checking their web sight on rules for animals. She may need certain shots or to be quarantined upon returning. Likewise you need to find out what India requires on their side...such as proof of vaccinations, etc.

Answer 9

I would call the airlines they should have the information you are looking for. I know I couldn't leave my baby alone for that long. good luck

Answer 10

c if a friend or a relative will take her or take her with u but be very careful