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It may surprise a lot of you, but many people love to travel with their pets. And I don’t mean dogs and cats… But birds too!

There are lots of reasons for this. Trying to find someone to care for your bird can be difficult. Boarding your bird is not a good idea. Many of these places are set up to handle dogs and cats, and know very little about birds. And it can be very expensive!

And let’s face it, some people love their animals so much they want to take them along!

With some proper planning and research, this can be accomplished very easily.

PAPERWORK

You need to take your bird to the vet. In many cases, you will need a health certificate to travel with your pets. You can travel around the United States without a hassle, but don’t even think about crossing the border! Every country has laws regarding importing any animal, and there are quarantine procedures (very expensive) involved. In these cases you are better off leaving them at home.

Your vet will also be examining your pet to ensure they can safely travel. In some cases, they may wish to vaccinate the bird for safety reasons, so go over your travel plans with your vet.

GOING BY PLANE?

There are lots of rules and regulations involved in transporting pets on an airplane. You must check with your air carrier prior to booking your flight to ensure that you will be able to take your bird.

In most cases, you can take the bird into the cabin with you, but expect to pay a charge for this. Most fees will be at least $50.

Your bird must be in an approved animal carrier. Many pet stores sell an airline approved pet carrier, and all you need to do is make a few minor alterations. The carrier must be no larger then 23”x13”x9”. If you are transporting a large parrot, you will have difficulty with this rule, and will have to carry it as “cargo”. There are a number of approved kennels that are more then big enough for most parrots.

Attach a perch inside the box to allow the bird to have something to stand on. It’s far better then sliding around on a slippery plastic floor slamming into walls! Also attach a food and water dish (if it’s not already on it).

Pay attention to the weather conditions. If the temperature is cold you must have something to cover the box to prevent cold drafts. In hot weather you need to find ways for your bird to cool off. Keeping a mist bottle in your bag is great, but due to recent airline rules you may not be able to carry it on. Check with your airline for what they permit. One good idea is to keep some ice cubes in the water dish. They will not splash out, and will give your bird a constant source of cold water.

Birds actually do become airsick! One suggestion is to keep some ginger root in the cage to nibble on.

Expect to have proper health certificates when you board the plane.

GOING BY TRAIN?

Forget it! Amtrack has strict rules about transporting pets.

GOING BY BOAT?

Forget it! Many do allow pets, but they must remain contained in their kennels. And since most boats require travel outside of the country, you are going to have a massive red-tape battle when you arrive. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, leave the pet at home.

AUTO TRAVEL

This is the way we prefer to transport our birds. They get to sit on your seat and just love to watch everything fly by! I remember one trip where we had three parrots all fighting for a window position….and the looks we get from people in the cars next to us!

Just be aware that having loose birds in the car is a distraction for the driver, and the police may not see the humor in it. Keep them in their kennels, but allow them time to get out and stretch.

HOTELS

There are a lot of hotels that now recognize that people do travel with their pets… Even birds. They will allow them, so call ahead and find out which ones do. But be considerate to the housekeeping staff! Bird poop and bedding do not mix! So if your bird is allowed out of its travel kennel, be sure it doesn’t make a mess or do any damage.

One other hint… If your hotel stay is going to be more then a few days, ask the housekeeper to let you do your own cleaning. They use some very strong cleaners that are dangerous to birds. Pack your own spray bottle of a safe cleaner and clean up after your birds.

EMERGENCE VETS

Be sure that you have researched where the avian vets are in the city you are traveling to. Trying to locate one at the last minute is going to cost you the life of your bird.

>>Check out my ebook at http://www.TheTameParrot.com/cb/ – I believe every parrot owner should have a copy of this. Discover more about getting the perfect bird to fit into your home in “The Easy Parrot System”

[tags]traveling with a bird, traveling bird cages, bird traveling cage[tags]