How to physically prepare your pet for ground pet transportation | Updated: 2023

Preparing your pet for a long-distance ground pet transportation has two aspects that a pet owner should focus on.

#1 Physical Preparation

#2 Mental Preparation

Even though these are two separate aspects, there are still some gray areas, where the two converge.

In this article, we’ll quickly go over the Physical Preparation for your pet’s long-distance ground pet transportation.

Physical Preparation:

• What to supply your pet and transporter with, for your pet:
  • Collar with Nametags (Required)
    • Make sure to include a collar that has your pet’s nametag, phone number of the owner, and any necessary license information.
  • Leash
  • Harness
    • If your pet uses or needs a harness, you’ll want to include it. If you’ve booked “Private Pet Transportation” and would like your pet to travel without a crate, you’ll be required to provide a harness. This is required so that your pet transporter can attach a safety belt to your pet’s harness, to keep them as safe as possible.
  • Food (Required)
    • Include enough of your pet’s food to last the entire transportation as well as a little extra, in case unforeseen circumstances arise and extend the total time of transportation.
  • Food/Water Bowls
    • Sending your pet’s food and water dishes may make your pet more comfortable to eat and drink. Your pet transporter will have clean dishes for your pet, in the event that you are not able to provide us with your pet’s usual dishes.
  • Bed
    • When your pet has their usual bed, it may make them feel more comfortable and relaxed during their journey. So, you may want to include that as well.
  • Blanket
    • If your pet has a special blanket that they like, it may be helpful to send that along with them too.
  • Pet Health Certificate (Required)
    • This is a USDA requirement and it is always a great idea to get a physical inspection of your pet and their health from a licensed veterinarian.
  • Microchip
    • It is not a requirement or necessary to get a microchip. However, we felt we’d include this on the list as some pet owners feel more protected with this type of id tag.

• Feeding Before Transport

One big question we get asked, all the time, is:

Should I feed my pet before they are picked up for transportation?

In its totality, the answer is different for every pet. Every pet is an individual and different from another, just like humans. This is why we have compiled some information that may help you determine if and when you should feed your pet before transportation. For that information, CLICK HERE.

• Exercise

Another question that often comes up, from pet owners, is:

Should I exercise my pet before they are picked up for transport? If so, how much?

In any circumstance, it is a good idea to exercise your pet before their transportation. The physical and emotional benefits from this will help them relax and start the transportation in a pleasing way. When your pet has a good start to their transportation, it becomes easier for them to sustain a positive attitude and outlook for the rest of their journey. Although the physical aspect of exercise is a very important, it will also positively affect your pet’s mental state just as much or possibly even more.

In any circumstance, it is a good idea to exercise your pet before their transportation. The physical and emotional benefits from this will help them relax and start the transportation in a pleasing way. When your pet has a good start to their transportation, it becomes easier for them to sustain a positive attitude and outlook for the rest of their journey. Although the physical aspect of exercise is a very important, it will also positively affect your pet’s mental state just as much or possibly even more.

As to how to exercise your pet and how much to do so, that is something you will have to be the judge for. However, if you need some ideas, we have come up with some different ways you can physically and mentally exercise your pet, before transportation. CLICK HERE for that information as well as more about exercising your pet before their long-distance ground pet transportation.

How should I mentally prepare my pet for ground transportation?