Majority of Pet Owners Take Pets on Vacation

Aug. 2, 2010 - PRLog -- Summer is in full swing. Families are packing up and going on vacation, and according to a new survey, a majority of them are taking their pets with them.

A member of the Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association International (IPATA), PetRelocation.com released its first annual Summer Pet Travel Survey of more than 6,000 pet owners worldwide, which found that most pet owners travel at least once a year with their pets. The majority of pet owners surveyed (61 percent) said they travel more than 50 miles (80 km.) with their pets at least once a year, with 38 percent of those pet owners stating that they travel as often as once a month with their pets.

Among the results, 57 percent said they planned on traveling with their pets this summer.

“Statistics like these show that pet travel is becoming an increasingly important part of most people’s lives, particularly as more and more people are living and working abroad,” said Kevin O’Brien, CEO and co-founder of PetRelocation.com.  “Pet transportation companies like PetRelocation.com and other members of IPATA make safe pet travel arrangements a reality for pet owners worldwide.”

If you are planning a trip with your pet this summer, read these tips before you go:

1.   Make sure your pet visits a veterinarian before you leave. They should get the appropriate shots and refills for any medication.

2.   Get an updated health certificate for your pet.

3.   If your pet is flying, you’ll want to prepare them beforehand. Reduce the quantity of food the day before but give them enough water.  Feeding them a light meal a couple hours before going to the airport will help calm them and is a legal requirement in the United States.

4.   During summer months, airlines may have restrictions on transporting pets in the cargo area due to extreme temperatures. This is for your pet’s safety! Check with your airline ahead of time and ask about their heat embargos.

5.   If you are traveling a long distance, consider hiring a professional pet shipper. They will do all the work for you and make sure your pet is safe during travel. You can find a pet shipper through the Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association International (IPATA): http://www.ipata.com/.

“Your pet is a member of your family and you want to make sure they have a safe, comfortable travel experience,” says IPATA President Sally Smith. “Whether you are flying or driving, pets need to prepare for a trip just like a person does. They need a passport, vaccinations and appropriate carriers, aka luggage.”

For full survey results, visit PetRelocation.com’s Website: http://www.petrelocation.com/summer-pet-travel-survey.

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About the Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association International (IPATA)
The Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association International, Inc. (IPATA) is a non-profit, worldwide trade association for animal handlers, pet moving providers, kennel operators, veterinarians and others who are dedicated to the care and welfare of pets and animals during transport. The organization was founded in 1979 – it began with six founding members and now has more than 325 members in 69 countries. IPATA serves its members, the pet transport industry, and the public at large. For more information, or to find a professional pet shipper, visit www.ipata.com.