How to safely transport small mammals

July 7, 2020

For the limited scenarios in which you might take small furries on a trip, it’s important to ensure they’re as comfortable as possible.

To tie in with our summer travel theme Caroline and the nurses have compiled a tick list that will minimise stress and maximise the chances of a successful trip for you and the little guys.

Get our Small Furry travel tick list

1. Get a suitable crate or pet carrier

Your furry pal is going to need a place to rest, hide and if they feel like it, to play. Get a properly rated pet carrier and make sure it’s big enough for them to move around in, but small enough so they don’t get thrown around. It’s got to be chew proof and you need to get them used to it by letting them play around in it, on a regular basis.

2. Plan ahead

Most journeys with small mammals will be short, but before you travel, just have a little think about the trip. Do you have enough food and water to keep your pet happy? Can you plan the trip for a cooler, quieter time of the day? How will you clean up any mess that your pet makes? Taking a few minutes to think about how you’ll handle the basics will make the whole experience less stressful.

3. Stick together

If your pet has a pal, then make sure you take them both on the journey. They will naturally lend each other support.

4. Sedation

Long story short – avoid sedation. A little preparation will yield much more positive results than a relatively intrusive approach such as drugging your pet.

5. Bus, Trains and Cars

If you’re travelling in your own vehicle then, apart from applying the tips above, you simply need to ensure the pet carrier is properly secured into a back seat.

If you’re planning on using public transport, first check their rules of carriage, then do a few quick practice runs at quiet times. Finally, make sure you travel when it’s cool.

There you go, for the very few times you’ll be moving your small friend, you now have all you need to make the journey stress free for everyone.

If you need any pet specific advice you can always call us on 01621 828381 and we can talk through your pet’s specific needs.