The veterinarian gave advice on how to prepare the pet for the journey
More and more Russians are traveling with pets, and the number of unaccompanied pets has increased by 19% over the year. However, experts warn that improper transportation often leads to stress, injury, and even death of animals. Taisiya Ilyina, a veterinarian and expert at Valta Pet Products, told Izvestia on February 8 how to prepare a pet for the road and reduce risks.
According to her, it is worth starting by studying the rules of the carrier. On an airplane, an animal can be taken into the cabin only in a special carrier, the parameters of which are strictly regulated by the airlines. Since 2025, trains have allowed the transportation of small pets in carriers in high-comfort compartment cars without buying out the entire compartment. In electric trains and public transport, cats are transported in containers, and dogs are muzzled and on a short leash.
However, formal requirements are not sufficient for the safety of the animal. Carrying becomes a key element of the trip.
"A carrier is a pet's house for the entire journey. It must be sturdy, well—ventilated and spacious enough for the animal to stand up, turn around and lie down," Ilyina said.
She recalled tragic incidents when damaged containers or unreliable locks led to the death of animals, and advised choosing models made of molded plastic, ABS or reinforced nylon with reliable fixation.
The specialist stressed that buying a carrier immediately before departure is a mistake. Two to three weeks before the trip, it should be left open at home, put bedding and treats inside, so that the pet begins to perceive it as a safe place.
Animals at risk require special attention. For elderly pets with chronic illnesses or increased anxiety, the road can be a serious challenge. A separate category is brachycephalians, breeds with a short muzzle. They have a higher risk of overheating and complications, so travel should be planned only after consulting with a veterinarian.
In addition, before traveling a long way, the expert advised to be examined by a specialist, take with you the usual food, water, a non-spillable bowl and absorbent diapers, and avoid heavy feeding before departure. When traveling by car, it is recommended to make stops every two to three hours.
In some cases, it is better to postpone the trip. This applies to animals after surgery, during the period of exacerbation of chronic diseases or with a strong reaction to stress. In addition, the lack of effective vaccinations, primarily against rabies, may become grounds for refusal of transportation.
"If a pet is terrified of noise and unfamiliar places, it's worth seriously considering whether this trip is really necessary," the veterinarian emphasized.
On January 14, Vladimir Golubev, President of the Russian Cynological Federation, in an interview with Izvestia, dispelled the widespread myth that wool always reliably protects an animal from the cold. He named the symptoms of frostbite in the pet. At the initial stage of hypothermia, the dog begins to tremble, it tucks its paws, and the ears and pads of its paws get cold.
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