Vacationing With Pet Birds
Warm summer weather means vacation time for many people, and bird owners are no exception! Because people who own birds often have such extraordinary bonds with their pets, it's no wonder that many bird owners choose to take their feathered friends with them when they go out of town. Be warned, though -- the success or failure of your vacation with your bird all depends on what you do to prepare yourself and your pet for your trip. Use the information below to make sure that all your bases are covered so that you and your bird can have a fun and relaxing vacation experience together.
If you plan on hitting the road with your bird in tow, then it's essential that you choose a travel cage for your pet that is not only safe and comfortable for your bird, but that will allow for ease of caring for your pet while you're traveling. If you plan on taking a trip by plane, the requirements for your cage can become even more stringent as your carrier will need to meet airline regulations. Be sure to take these things into consideration before packing up and leaving with your bird.
While some species of birds are more quiet than others, all birds are capable of producing vocalizations that may not be music to the ears of other weary travelers nearby. While it is becoming increasingly common for hotels to accept pets such as cats and dogs, the place you choose for your accommodations may not have a policy in place regarding birds. To make sure that your hotel stay goes as smoothly as possible, call ahead before making reservations and be sure that your pet bird will be welcome.
It's a well-known fact that birds need to be kept warm, so it's probably not the best idea to bring your bird along if you're planning a getaway to Alaska, for example. On the other hand, it may not be the best decision to take your bird along even if you are planning to visit a warmer destination. If you are taking a trip outside of the country or overseas, it would probably be best for you to make arrangements for your bird's care until you return instead of trying to take them with you. Most countries have strict regulations on crossing their borders with an animal, and meeting their requirements can be difficult if not impossible for budget-concious bird owners.
Before it's time for you and your bird to leave for your trip, make as many preparations as possible in the event that an emergency arises. Pack your bird's first aid kit in a place that will be easy for you to access if necessary, and keep your veterinarian's phone number close by. Another good idea is to research avian veterinarians that practice in the area that you plan on visiting. That way, you will have access to help that you can trust in case your bird needs to see a doctor while the two of you are out of town.
If all else fails and planning a trip with your bird proves to be too difficult for whatever reason, you can and should consider hiring a professional pet sitter to look after your feathered friend until you return. Not only will this allow your pet to stay comfortably at home and free of the stress that can come with changing environments, it may help you have a better time on vacation as you won't have to constantly worry about taking care of your pet while you're traveling. Think it through before making any rash decisions and decide what would be best for your bird and your family. In the end, you're likely to be much happier with your vacation for all your efforts!
•Choose an appropriate travel cage.
If you plan on hitting the road with your bird in tow, then it's essential that you choose a travel cage for your pet that is not only safe and comfortable for your bird, but that will allow for ease of caring for your pet while you're traveling. If you plan on taking a trip by plane, the requirements for your cage can become even more stringent as your carrier will need to meet airline regulations. Be sure to take these things into consideration before packing up and leaving with your bird.
•Make sure that your hotel knows about your bird.
While some species of birds are more quiet than others, all birds are capable of producing vocalizations that may not be music to the ears of other weary travelers nearby. While it is becoming increasingly common for hotels to accept pets such as cats and dogs, the place you choose for your accommodations may not have a policy in place regarding birds. To make sure that your hotel stay goes as smoothly as possible, call ahead before making reservations and be sure that your pet bird will be welcome.
•Choose a bird-friendly destination.
It's a well-known fact that birds need to be kept warm, so it's probably not the best idea to bring your bird along if you're planning a getaway to Alaska, for example. On the other hand, it may not be the best decision to take your bird along even if you are planning to visit a warmer destination. If you are taking a trip outside of the country or overseas, it would probably be best for you to make arrangements for your bird's care until you return instead of trying to take them with you. Most countries have strict regulations on crossing their borders with an animal, and meeting their requirements can be difficult if not impossible for budget-concious bird owners.
•Plan ahead in case of emergencies.
Before it's time for you and your bird to leave for your trip, make as many preparations as possible in the event that an emergency arises. Pack your bird's first aid kit in a place that will be easy for you to access if necessary, and keep your veterinarian's phone number close by. Another good idea is to research avian veterinarians that practice in the area that you plan on visiting. That way, you will have access to help that you can trust in case your bird needs to see a doctor while the two of you are out of town.
•Consider hiring a pet sitter.
If all else fails and planning a trip with your bird proves to be too difficult for whatever reason, you can and should consider hiring a professional pet sitter to look after your feathered friend until you return. Not only will this allow your pet to stay comfortably at home and free of the stress that can come with changing environments, it may help you have a better time on vacation as you won't have to constantly worry about taking care of your pet while you're traveling. Think it through before making any rash decisions and decide what would be best for your bird and your family. In the end, you're likely to be much happier with your vacation for all your efforts!