How to travel with a pet within or from Nigeria

Traveling with a pet can be a tedious experience even if it is handled well. Traveling to a different country for an extended period or returning to Nigeria after an extended stay abroad with a pet can be a stressful experience especially for your pet. When traveling with a pet, there are certain policies and precautions that you must be aware of to make your trip hassle free and also ensure that the conditions are optimum for both you and your pet. This post highlights some nuggets on how to travel with a pet without hassles in Nigeria.

In Nigeria, a lot more people travel via road than those who fly. This is good for you because reports from the Humane Society and other agencies show that traveling via airplane may actually be more dangerous for pets than traveling via road.

Traveling by road with your pet in Nigeria

The following are some of the arrangements you can make while travelling with a pet via road:

Transporting your pet in a crate

Transporting your pet in a crate should not only be reserved for flying. Even when traveling by road with your pet, you should also ensure that your pet is safely ensconced in a crate for the entire trip.

Your pet should always be in the back seat

The back seats of cars are more suitable for children and pets. When travelling with your pet, ensure that the crate containing your pet is kept in the back of the car. I know you would like to keep watch on your pet as you drive, but you should also be concerned for their safety. If you should be involved in an accident, the airbag could hurt or injure your pet in the front seat, even if it is in a crate.

Travel with a buddy

Since you would be really concerned about how your pet is doing every step of the way, it is usually advisable to travel with a buddy or relative. This relative could alternate driving and catering spells with you so one of you is always with your pet. This way your pet does not feel alone during the trip.

Have plenty of rest stops

You may be able to go about 5 hours without needing to stretch your legs, ease yourself or breathe air not filtered from your car air conditioners or whipping past your car at 80kmph, but your pet may not. As a result you should stop often on your trip.

Do not allow your pet stick their head out the window

As a responsible pet owner you probably know about this, but in case you do not, allowing your pet to stick their head out the window may look cute but your pet is at risk of swallowing different debris and particles. Also, cold from the rushing wind could affect your pet leading to sickness which would not make you or your pet happy.

Don’t leave your pet alone in the car

Sure a quick trip to the john on your way may take only minutes, but leaving your pet alone in the car for those minutes is really dangerous according to the Humane Society. Several hazards like heat, oxygen deprivation or simple old loneliness can be really bad for your pet.

Traveling by air

So, maybe you have considered the options and dangers posed for your pet traveling via airplane but do not have an alternative choice, you should take care to observe the following to make sure your pet has a safe trip to your destination.

Fly direct

Flying direct is not only shorter, but also requires less delay in switching your pet, less risk of your pet getting stranded at the airport or even misplaced.

Get a crate for your pet

It could be a softbed crate or a hard crate, but when travelling with your pet, a crate is the best bet you have to get your pet safely and in relative comfort to your destination.

Find out if your pet can stay in the cabin

Most of the pet related incidents that occur on flights are usually due to excessive heat, excessive cold or oxygen deprivation, and these situations mainly occur in the cargo hold. Brachycephalic animals with recessed faces like the Pekingese dogs, bulldogs, Persian cats etc usually have a recessed nasal cavity that which hampers their breathing in cargo holds. If the airline would allow you to carry your pets in a crate in the cabin – usually for an additional fee, ensure you do.

So, there are the ways in which you can travel with your pet in Nigeria.