Most of your ferret's life will most likely be spent either in his cage or in a room you have ferret-proofed. There will be times when out of desire or necessity you will want to travel with your furry friend. This can be a good experience if you plan carefully and bring the right gear along to make his temporary home safe and comfortable.
Local trips in the car
Traveling with your ferret on short car trips is reasonably easy. It is important that your furry friend stays in a travel carrier and is not allowed to roam freely in the car. It is just too easy for him to get under foot and possibly cause an automobile accident or escape through an undetected opening. As always, make sure that he is not too hot and has sufficient food and water. You can hang a water bottle in the carrier but put a bowl under it to catch wayward water.
Longer car trips
Plan your trip so you can stop and give your ferret a break from being cooped up in his carrier. This would be a good time to use a specially designed ferret harness. Know the laws related to ferrets in each town you travel through. Having your ferret in a harness and on a leash, you can keep him under control while giving him some freedom to stretch his legs and expend some of his pent-up energy. If you are traveling in hot weather, make sure your car's air conditioner is working properly so your ferret does not get overheated.
Trains, buses and planes
The key to commercial transportation is to phone ahead and check the regulations and company policies. Be sure to conform to whatever the transportation company requires. After having a conversation with the airline, bus or train company, have them send you an email confirming your conversation and what they will allow. Carry a copy of that correspondence with you when you travel to avoid misunderstandings. Consider carefully whether or not you are alright with your ferret traveling in a luggage compartment.
Where you stay when you arrive
Hotels, motels and campgrounds vary in their attitude toward traveling pets. Some cities allow ferrets, others don't. Call ahead to make sure it is legal for your ferret to stay with you. Failure to do so could result in fines, confiscation and even the euthanizing of your pet. Also, be very careful that your ferret does not bite anyone. There is a lot of misunderstanding about ferrets and a complaint to the authorities regarding a bite could be legally complex and expensive.
What to bring on your trip
Start with a pet carrier that is large enough so that the litter box, food and sleeping areas can be separate. Think light and compact. If your ferret is on a special diet or takes medication be sure you have an ample supply for the trip. Documentation to assure authorities that your ferret is healthy is an absolute must. A health certificate signed by a veterinarian within the last 10 days is a start. Carry a copy of your ferret's medical records to show that his vaccinations are up to date as well.
You and your ferret can make wonderful travel companions. If you hold up your end of the bargain and plan carefully, your ferret will hold up his end and see the trip as a fun adventure.
No comments:
Post a Comment