The Complete Guide to Traveling with Pets on Trains At Houston, TX

In one of our blogs, we discussed that going on vacation without our four-legged family is usually no fun. While keeping our pets close gives us peace of mind, traveling with pets can pose some challenges, especially by train.

Thankfully, many train services in the U.S permit the carriage of small pets.

Highlighted below is a complete guide to traveling with your pets via train;

• Travel Sickness.

  Before boarding a long train ride, it is advisable to practice short journeys because animals can also experience travel sickness. Ensure to keep plenty of water in hand to prevent dehydration.

• Test your pet’s Behavior

  Before embarking on a train trip, test how your pet handles being in a crate for extended periods; many train operators only allow small pets to be transported in a pet carrier.

  Travel by train may not be appropriate if you have a dog that barks nonstop while in its pet carrier because many train operators, like Amtrak, stipulate that the pet must not be disruptive.

• Health documentation.

  On local train services, it is unlikely that train staff will ask for proof of vaccinations; however, Amtrak services would request it.

  Most states in the U.S require that a pet have a current Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), which certifies that the animal is free of infectious diseases like rabies, to be transported between states.

  Although each state has regulations regarding when the certificate must be obtained before entering, the most typical window is 30 days before entry.

• Proper means of identification.

  You might want to think about having your pet microchipped for safety. The chances of finding your pet if it got lost in an unknown location would be much higher if it had a microchip. Also, ensure they are wearing a tag with your phone number.

• Pit stops.

  Ensure there are enough rest stops along your route if you’re taking a long train ride. Confirm with the train operator if any scheduled stops will last longer than a few minutes so you can give your pet enough time to relieve itself in a suitable place.

• Look for the closest vet.

  Even if the trip is a short one, it’s still a good idea to become familiar with the local vet in case your pet needs emergency care while you’re on the trip. If you are traveling through Houston, Texas, and are searching for an affordable pet clinic with the best veterinarians in Houston, TX? Do contact Safari veterinary care center, often called stem cell safari due to our infamous breakthroughs using Stem Cell Therapy.

Finally, please ensure the following under-listed items are in your pet travel bag before embarking on a train trip;

• Contact information of the local veterinarian.
• Pet carrier that is well-ventilated.
• Leash and collar.
• If the journey is cold, bring blankets or a jacket.
• Toys to chew on while inside the carrier.
• Snacks, food, and plenty of water.
• Bowls for food and drinks.
• Bags for poop.
• Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI).