Traveling with your feathered friends

Although birds and parrots can and should be transported inside a cage, it is imperative that you are prepared, as this will eliminate unnecessary stress for both bird and owner. To prepare, consider the following tips: • If you need to arrange overnight accommodations, make sure the pet-only rooms are also non-smoking rooms. Smoke fumes can make your bird ill. • Comply with municipal and government regulations. If you are traveling to other provinces you may need a permit or a health certificate signed by your veterinarian within ten days prior to your departure. • Carry a portable water filter. Water filters can get rid of heavy metals and other elements boiling does not address. • Boil water from home and store it in airtight bottles. • Use commercially bottled water (remember to get your bird used to the taste of commercial water before your trip). • Pack everything you and your bird will need. You can bring all you need and still pack light as a feather. • For car travel, we recommend a travel cage that is designed to fasten securely with a seat belt, and hold up to jostling on the highway. • Do not place the cage on the front seat in case an airbag inflates. • Wherever you go, you need to take precautions not to lose your pet. • Just before and during the trip you will not want to overfeed your bird. On arrival, you will need a good supply of his regular diet. • Because you probably will not want to invest the time to shop for pet food, be sure to pack plenty. • Do not be lax and feed your bird the wrong foods just because you are “on vacation.” Your bird needs his regular daily food to be the main portion of her diet. Remember that foods full of fats and sugars – such as fast foods – are unhealthy for your avian friend. Suddenly changing food, especially during the stress of travel, could cause severe digestive problems. • Use a cooler with plenty of ice for fresh foods. • Store foods in non-breakable jars, such as plastic containers or tight-sealing plastic bags. • While traveling, take advantage of fresh-from-the-garden vegetables. Vegetables contain essential vitamins and minerals as well as fibre. • Use a cage guard or similar item to reduce seed mess from the cage onto the car floor. • Cleaning supplies: Hygiene never takes a holiday. To clean or touch up the cage, pack cage wipes. To freshen the cage bottom, bring cage catcher liners. And for your bird, do not forget a bath spray. This will help freshen up your pet and help her relax. • Like you, your bird needs a rest stop every few hours. During breaks, in addition to food and water, be sure to provide your bird a few minutes of personal attention. Observe your pet’s mood. If needed and OK’d by your veterinarian, you can offer your pet something to reduce anxiety and help control motion sickness. Because of their compact size, travel cages are not recommended for daily use on an extended trip. Upon arrival, transfer your pet to his regular cage, and/or allow him to be out on a play gym. Position the cage and gym in a quiet location, away from any windows. And continue your effort to maintain a normal pet maintenance schedule. • First aid kit: Be prepared in the event of an emergency by bringing one along. Source: SPCA, PFI and others.