Traveling across the country, like if you have to relocate your pet to Abu Dhabi, or even going on a summer holiday with your dog requires solid planning. Airline restrictions due to heat and ensuring your pet does not get dehydrated are a few of the many other issues the warmer months present.
The most important steps in the summer months for taking your pet are as follows:
- Navigating Airline Heat Embargoes: In the summer, there are heat embargoes for the transportation of pets, which can stem from the high risks summer heat poses to the health of certain breeds. You have to:
- Research Restrictions: Research summer embargoes on a few major airlines to ensure you know which pets are not allowed and for which months of the year or which time of the day pet travel is allowed.
- Optimal Timing: Cargo travel is permitted during the early hours of the day when the temperature is cooler. Specific chain airlines which are pet friendly have strict rules which require a temperature of less than 80 Fahrenheit at both locations for travel for snub-nosed pets.
- Planning for Ground Transportation: If long distance domestic flights are unavailable or limited around your traveling date, then the only option remaining is ground transport.
- Driving Safety & Vehicle Prep: When maneuvering long distances, it is wise to have a co-driver so that you can take a rest after a few hours and the journey doesn’t stop. Having a co-driver helps coordinate wellness breaks for the drivers. For long drives with a pet in the car, also consider a drive in the console for coordinated shift breaks. For hot, dry, arid states, ensure the car air conditioning works well, and the tires are properly inflated and balanced for hot asphalt in the undercarriage.
- Crate Shade: When it comes to your pet’s crate, it must be extremely comfortable for the pet. Try to place it in the vehicle’s shaded area to minimize direct exposure to the sun. You can throw a lightweight and light-colored sheet over the crate to minimize the sunlight from penetrating it.
- Selecting and Familiarizing Your Travel Crate: Getting the right type of travel crate is equally important. Ensuring proper ventilation throughout the crate is also important for positive pet transport, especially when it is warm.
- Optimal Crate: Select an IATA compliant crate that has good ventilation. If airline regulations and space allow, you can size up the crate to provide your pet more fresh air and to allow them to stretch.
- Early Acclimation: Purchase the crate well in advance. This will allow you to train them to use the crate by feeding them with the door open and slowly closed during meals for positive association. This will make your travel day more positive in anticipation.
- Focusing on Health, Grooming, and Hydration
If you’re looking for a smooth journey, your pet’s physical well-being must be kept in check, both during and before the trip.
- Vet Visit and Paperwork: Before traveling, make sure your pet and their paperwork is prepared and ready for the trip. If you are traveling internationally, be sure to have your pet checked by your veterinarian to avoid any hassles. It’s also wise to have a health certificate and all endorsements handy, including a USDA endorsement, well in advance of the trip.
- Grooming: Who doesn’t like a clean and tidy pet. So giving your pet a trim is fine, but do not give them a buzz cut. A furry friend’s coat acts as a natural cooling system and protects against sunburn. Keeping nails short is a good idea for easier handling during stops.
- Hydration and Food: In the days leading up to the trip, make sure your pet is well hydrated. To avoid the risk of upset tummy, do not feed them for 2 hours before departure. You can attach a water bowl to the crate and for air travel, you can freeze the water bowl/tray the night before. This also minimizes spillage and water will melt slowly during the trip, which provides a longer-lasting supply.
- Exhaust them: Extension to the previous point, lengthening distance walks the night before a trip and the morning of, will help dull your pet for the trip. Playing with your pet for longer periods of time will also help.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Airport and the Role of Professionals
Certainly, the first challenges are arranging the necessary travel documentation and preparing your pet for the journey. However, to successfully move a pet in the summer—especially to the Arabian Gulf region—one must plan for the challenges of post-arrival integration.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi hold such extreme summer temperatures, which occasionally hit and stay above $40^\circ\text{C}$ ($104^\circ\text{F}$). In the summer, your pet’s welfare will depend on your devotion to your plan of action. Safeguarding your pet from the summer heat after landing will require your utmost devotion. Limit walks and exercise to the cool hours of the morning and evening, as the hot asphalt will heat up paw pads and heat stroke will occur.
Because of the complicated rules pertaining to the entire region such as the strict breed rules in Saudi Arabia, the microchip, rabies titer test, and specific vaccination rules for the UAE, the error margin is negligible. For this reason, it is essential to have pet relocators, not only for booking the flight, but to ensure all paperwork is properly ordered and signed.
