Have Ferret, May Travel

In This Chapter

•  Preparing to take your fuzzy on vacation
•  Reviewing your travel alternatives
•  Exploring alternatives to taking fuzzy with you

Some people think a vacation gives them time away from the kids and pets. Others wouldn’t dare leave their loved ones behind — human or ferret. For me, lugging my many fuzzbutts to my dream destination just doesn’t seem feasible or relaxing. It’s difficult enough taking a spouse along for the trip! (Of course, you can always decide to leave your spouse behind and take off with your fuzzies.)

This chapter deals specifically with the sensitive subject of travel decisions. Do you travel with your ferret or leave him behind in someone else’s care? You should take certain things into consideration when making this decision; much of it depends on where you’re going and for how long. The decision you make is personal, of course; but whatever you choose, this chapter has you covered.

Fuzzy Is Going on Vacation!

If you decide that your fuzzy deserves a vacation too, or if you just can’t bear to leave him behind, you need to do some pre-trip investigating and preparing. Depending on how you want to travel and where you’re traveling to, taking your ferret may be a somewhat simple task, or it may be a major ordeal. No matter what, the health and safety of your ferret should be your utmost concern.

Remember

Traveling, even comfortably, is very stressful on your fuzzy. If your ferret accompanies you in your travels, the trip should be as relaxing as possible for both of you. This means giving your fuzzy ample playtime and attention as usual — if not more. It also means providing a comfortable cage to live in while away from home. Don’t keep him in a tiny carrier. After all, if the trip won’t be a vacation for your ferret, too, you should leave him behind where he can at least have familiar surroundings (see the later section “Leaving Your Furball in Good Hands”). Also, provide plenty of favorite toys to keep him amused and preoccupied when he isn’t sleeping. As an extra bonus for keeping him busy, he won’t be dooking, “Are we there yet? Are we there yet?”

Checking ahead

Before you leave on your trip, you need to make sure that your fuzzy is welcome at your destination — especially if you’ll be staying in a hotel. Sneaking a ferret into a ferret-free hotel may mean an extra charge for you or an expulsion, leaving you nowhere to go. Be smart. Likewise, don’t show up on your Aunt Mary’s doorstep with ferret in hand without getting permission first. A call from your car a mile from her house isn’t what I have in mind, either. Being considerate of other people helps ensure that your ferret will be treated well on his vacation.

Remember

If you’ll be staying at a hotel that allows ferrets (and other pets, for that matter), you may be required to pay a little extra for your room or put down a refundable deposit to cover possible damage. Hey, there’s a reason why it’s becoming more and more difficult to find pet-friendly hotels! Most hotels are afraid of the mess that some pets leave behind. Keep your hotel pet-friendly by cleaning up after your ferret before you leave. (See the following section for tips on what you need to bring to ensure a clean and healthy trip.)

Warning!

Many people forget (or don’t know) that their beloved fuzzies aren’t welcome in all cities and states. If your destination is a ferret-free zone (see Chapter Ferrets and the Law: Licensing and Other Issues for info on these places), leave your fuzzy behind. If you’ll be passing through a ferret-free zone on the way to your destination, consider what may happen if you get pulled over for a traffic violation, get in a car accident, or if your ferret suddenly requires medical treatment. Although the odds of being discovered on a simple journey through a ferret-free zone are remote, check the ferret laws of the towns you’ll be passing through just to be sure. The penalty can vary from a simple warning to the confiscation of your beloved pet. It’s up to you to chance it or drive a different route. No matter the situation, though, keep a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination on hand.

Packing the necessities

Traveling with your ferret will be relatively easy, as long as you pack the necessary items to make his journey (and yours) comfortable. Whether you’ll be going across the state line or heading to the other side of the country, you need the following basic items:

• Your ferret’s first-aid kit (see Chapter Setting Up Your Ferret’s Health Plan: Vets and First-Aid Kits for a list of what should go in this kit)

Remember

Be sure to include an appropriate supply of medication that your ferret may need.

• Proof of current rabies vaccination and a current health certificate issued by your veterinarian
• A lasting supply of ferret food and a water bottle (see Chapter Filling Your Ferret’s Belly for more on feeding your fuzzy)
• A pet carrier or travel cage to keep your ferret safe

Tip

The bigger the travel cage, the better — especially if you’re going on a long trip. If you must travel with a small carrier, bring along a decent-sized cage for the duration of the vacation. Don’t keep your ferret cooped up.

• A harness and leash
• A litter box and litter
• Fluffy, snoozy bedding (don’t forget to pack a change of bedding, too)
• Cleaning supplies to clean up after your ferret; wet wipes, plastic bags, and so on (see Chapter Cleaning Time: Not All Ferret Fun and Games)
• Toys, toys, toys

Warning!

Don’t give your ferret any sedatives or tranquilizers of any sort while traveling. If you think your ferret must have a sedative, leave him at home or take one yourself and continue on with your travel plans!

On the Road or Flying High

We’ve come a long way since the horse and buggy! Getting to where you need to be has become much easier, whether you travel by plane, train, or automobile. Heck, you can even travel by ship, too! In this section, I talk about the most frequently used means of transportation — the scenic road trip and the zippy plane ride — so that you can make sure your ferret is comfortable and safe during his travels.

Road trip!

If you have the time (or if the thought of taking to the friendly skies makes you poof), you may decide to partake in a scenic road trip. Or perhaps the trip isn’t long enough to warrant hopping on a plane. Although a road trip can be fun, you need to prepare for many things when driving with your ferret.

Road trip do’s

When you decide to travel with your ferret (or children for that matter), you make a commitment to tend to his physical and emotional needs throughout the trip. This can be quite demanding. The following list presents some things you must do while on the road with your ferret:

• Do keep your ferret in his carrier or cage to prevent accidents when you’re driving.
• Do make frequent rest stops and take the time to harness/leash your ferret for brisk walks. Also, resist the urge to let strangers handle your already stressed-out and excited fuzzy during stops. Stress is one of the conditions that can lead to unpredictable ferret behavior.
• Do keep a copy of your ferret’s rabies vaccination certificate and medical records.
• Do offer your ferret water frequently during trips. A hanging water bottle or bowl in the carrier will continually drip or spill from the jostling.
• Do keep your car cool and well-ventilated.
• Do remember to medicate your ferret, if necessary, at scheduled times.

Tip

If you’re crazy enough to take a long, hot, summer road trip in a vehicle without air conditioning, bring along a cooler with several two-liter plastic bottles of frozen water. Keep one of the frozen bottles wrapped in a towel and in your pet’s travel carrier to keep him cool.

Warning!

Ferrets are master escape artists. Take into consideration that your ferret may be able to get out of his cage or carrier in your vehicle. Also, a child or spouse may let him out without anyone knowing — a particularly scary situation if you drive with the windows down. And before slamming that car door shut, be sure your ferret is safe in his carrier where he belongs. In a car door versus ferret situation, the car door always wins.

Road trip don’ts

Driving with your ferret can be a challenge, and sometimes pets are the last thing on your mind. It’s important to recognize the dangers associated with traveling with your ferret and be diligent in tending to his needs. You can prevent most accidents by using common sense or learning from others.

The following list presents some no no’s for road trips with your fuzzy:

• Don’t leave your ferret in the vehicle unattended when the temperature is extreme.
• Don’t leave him in the vehicle overnight while you snooze comfortably in a motel.
• Don’t leave your ferret in his carrier with his harness or collar on.
• Don’t pack your ferret in the trunk. Besides being cruel, this treatment can kill him if the temperature is unstable or carbon monoxide leaks in.
• Don’t fasten your caged ferret with the rest of your luggage on top of your vehicle. (You’d think common sense would prevail here . . .)
• Don’t travel with a very sick, old, or pregnant ferret. The stress of traveling may jeopardize the already stressed fuzzy’s health.

Taking to the friendly skies

Some extra requirements and considerations go along with traveling by air with your fuzzy. In addition to packing the necessary goods (see the earlier section “Packing the necessities”), you need to work on a couple pre-flight tasks:

• Check with the airline to find out about any specific rules and regulations regarding traveling with pets. Since 9/11, traveling with animals has become more restricted. Every airline is different. Most no longer allow in-cabin pets, for instance. Although each airline has its own set of rules about flying with pets, you can be sure of the following typical requirements (be sure to follow all rules, including any that I may not cover here):
• You must make a prior reservation for your pet. Be sure to confirm the arrangement a couple days before takeoff. (Note: Airlines issue an additional charge for in-cabin travel — that is, the under-the-seat method — as opposed to cargo.)

Tip

I advise pet owners to always try to take their pets with them in the cabin whenever possible. If you must fly your ferret via cargo, check with different airlines to see whether you can check in your ferret at the ticket counter; if not, you may have to make an additional stop at the cargo terminal. Try to choose an airline that allows checking at the ticket counter so you decrease the odds of your ferret being sent on a different flight.

• Your vet must issue a health certificate no more than ten days before takeoff. The certificate indicates that your ferret is current on vaccinations and is healthy and fit for travel. (Keep proof of his current rabies vaccination on hand, too.)
• You must provide an airline-approved carrier. If traveling in-cabin, your fuzzy’s carrier must be small enough to fit beneath a seat. Also, your pet must remain in the carrier while on board. (Always call the airline to clarify what its definition of an “airline-approved” carrier is.)

Remember

For health reasons, USDA regulations stipulate that airlines can’t transport most animals via cargo during extreme hot or cold conditions. If you must transport your ferret through cargo, be sure to take the expected temperature into consideration.

• Prepare your fuzzy’s carrier for the airline regulations. Most airlines have guidelines to make sure that your pet’s carrier is properly labeled for identification. At minimum, you should do the following:
• Attach a label to the carrier that clearly lists your name, address, and phone number, along with the same information for an alternate contact from home.
• Attach another carrier label that states “LIVE ANIMALS,” with an up arrow for any directionally challenged cargo handlers. Many airlines will supply these stickers if you ask for them.
• Include information about your final destination — such as city/state, hotel name, and phone number — in case you need to be contacted about your lost pet.

You also should make some food available to your ferret during flight, and his carrier should contain comfortable bedding — fuzzy snoozy stuff.

Remember

Some airlines require that multiple pets travel in separate carriers. Three ferrets may require three carriers, which means more money for traveling. Incabin traveling isn’t possible with three carriers, unless you have two other family members traveling.

Tip

Always book nonstop flights whenever possible when traveling with a fuzzy — especially if your ferret won’t be traveling in-cabin with you. A change of planes is an added stress, and you run the risk of losing your furball in the shuffle between flights. Nonstop flights also are shorter, thus minimizing the length of an already wearisome situation. If your fuzzy must change planes, find out what precautions the airline will take to ensure a safe and timely transfer.

Going international

Unless you plan to travel abroad for a very long period of time, I suggest you leave fuzzy at home. I’ve heard of many international trips that went smoothly, but also of several that were nightmares for everyone involved. Traveling abroad with a ferret — whether you’re moving permanently or vacationing — can go quite smoothly, though, if you follow the guidelines of the airline (see the preceding section) and destination country. With regard to the latter, be sure to research the following:

• Does the destination country have a quarantine requirement?
• Does your fuzzy’s health certificate need to be translated into the appro-priate language?
• Does the destination country require that you obtain an import license?
• Do you need to mail or fax the proper paperwork prior to you leaving the country? (Always keep copies on you.)
• What’s required to get through customs with your pet? (Usually, the proper documents get you right through.)

Tip

Most international flights have layovers before passengers continue on to their planned destinations. Almost all airlines allow passengers to visit their pets during layovers — if they’ve made prior arrangements. During this time, check on how your fuzzy is doing, and give him water, food, or any necessary medication.

Leaving Your Furball in Good Hands

You’ve decided to leave your fuzzy at home, in the care of capable handlers? Aaaaah, now this is a vacation! As much as I love fuzzies, I just have to get away from time to time, with no one to take care of but myself. Don’t get me wrong, I always buckle with anxiety over finding the right person to watch my babies or the right place to take them to. And, of course, while I’m supposed to be relaxing on vacation, I’m wondering how all my kids are managing without me. Usually, when I get home, I must face the reality that some other people can play Fuzzy Mom just as well as I do. It’s quite an ego smasher.

The following sections outline your two best options for ferret care in your stead: sitters and boarding centers. Here you find out how to make sure that you leave your fuzzy in good hands so you can relax (or get your business done, as the case may be).

Remember

No matter who takes care of your ferret while you’re gone, make sure that you educate him or her on ferret basics — especially those considerations unique to your fuzzy. For example, you should provide the following information:

• The phone number where you can be reached and the name of the people you’ll be staying with
• An emergency phone number (or two) of someone close to home, such as a friend or relative
• Your veterinarian’s phone number and address, as well as the emergency clinic’s phone number and address
• A copy of your fuzzy’s medical records in case he needs to go somewhere for an emergency
• A copy of your ferret’s rabies vaccination certificate or tag
• An adequate supply of necessary medication, as well as exact instructions on how to medicate your ferret

Be sure to demonstrate the procedure (especially dosing) before you leave.

• A written description of your ferret and his personality (attach photos next to each description if you have multiple ferrets to be extra helpful), including any necessary do’s and don’ts
• An adequate supply of food, along with precise written and demonstrated instructions on feeding (especially if you use a varied diet or you have a ferret that requires assisted feedings)
• Detailed instructions on how to clean up after your ferret, supervise safe playtime, and watch for signs of illness or injury
• A copy of Ferrets For Dummies, 2nd Edition!

When you leave your ferret in the hands of others, risk is involved. Nothing is foolproof. All you can really do is prepare your ferret’s temporary caretaker as best you can. The more you educate, the better off everyone will be. More often than not, you’ll arrive home to a happy, healthy ferret that’s just darn glad to see you.

Let the interviews begin: Finding the perfect pet sitter

Many people scoff at the idea of paying strangers to come to their homes to visit with and care for their ferrets while they’re away. But more and more people are choosing this option as reliable pet sitters gain experience and good reputations. Often, pet sitters come highly recommended by previous clients, veterinarians, friends, or neighbors. And pet sitters aren’t just for vacationers anymore. Many people who work long hours choose pet sitters to assist in the routine care of their fuzzies.

If at all possible, pick a pet sitter who comes highly recommended by someone you trust. Request and carefully check the sitter’s references. This person will have a key to your house and access to your belongings, not to mention the responsibility of the complete care of your fuzzy. Trustworthiness, reliability, and honesty are all musts.

Here are a few of the many questions you may consider asking a potential pet sitter:

• How long have you been pet sitting?
• Do you belong to an association?
• Do you charge per day? Per ferret? Per visit?
• Have you ever worked with ferrets? How long? How many clients?
• What do you know about ferrets? Do you like them?
• Who’s your current veterinarian?
• What’s your procedure in case of an emergency?
• Do you have a backup sitter in case of an emergency?
• How often do you come to the house?
• What do you do if the client runs out of food/supplies?
• Do you medicate ferrets? Are you knowledgeable/experienced in medicating?

Tip

Depending on how much you’re willing to spend, your pet sitter can make a daily visit or stop by several times throughout the day. The sitter may clean daily, every other day, or however often you request. The arrangements usually are based on a fee schedule. Discuss your options with the pet sitter before you leave, and get everything in writing.

You may choose a trusted neighbor or friend to be your pet sitter. With all the animals at my home/shelter, it takes several people to come in on a daily basis to help with upkeep when I go away. I feel like I’m leaving a 100-page manual behind, but I always feel better if I know the people who will be coming into my home. Keep in mind: A paid pet sitter usually does a good job because his or her reputation relies on it; a friend usually does a good job because a friendship depends on it. On the other hand, having friends watch your pets can be tricky and awkward if you’re not happy with the job they did. Each situation is different. Go with the option that makes you feel most comfortable and works best for your ferret.

Remember

Many pet sitters are more familiar with dogs, cats, and birds. It’s up to you in some cases to educate the pet sitter on how to properly care for fuzzies. A good pet sitter should be willing to stop over once or twice before you leave to get acquainted with your fuzzbutt and his routine.

Away to camp: Boarding your ferret

If you can’t find a reliable person to care for your fuzzy in your own home, you should board him while you’re away. You have several boarding options:

• Some veterinarians board pets for a fee.
• Some ferret shelters will watch your ferret temporarily for a fee if you promise to pick him up within a designated period of time.
• A friend may agree to board a fuzzy houseguest temporarily.
• Some professional boarding facilities house animals other than dogs and cats.

If you choose an unfamiliar person or place to watch your fuzzy, get references and check them out. Visit the home, shelter, clinic, or boarding facility to evaluate its overall condition. Don’t leave your ferret there unless you’re completely comfortable and have checked the cages for safety and security.

Make sure you provide emergency numbers, explicit instructions, and so on before you leave. Also, you may face a few more hurdles if you board your ferret while you’re gone:

• You may have to transport the ferret’s condo to the home or facility.
• You’ll have to provide your ferret’s food because his diet is likely to be unique.
• You may be required to provide proof of current vaccinations or a health certificate.

Tip

If the person or boarding facility doesn’t require proof of current vaccinations or a health certificate, I’d avoid that person or facility altogether. If the person or place doesn’t ask you for proof of your pet’s health, it probably doesn’t ask other boarders for proof, either.

• You may have to take the time to educate the caretaker on ferretproofing and care so that he or she can go the extra mile while you’re away. Many facilities aren’t properly prepared to allow your ferret his daily freedom and exercise. Same goes for the homes of friends — unless you take the time to educate them.

Warning!

If you send your ferret to a boarding facility, shelter, or animal clinic, you run the risk of your fuzzy catching a disease or an illness from another animal. A friend’s home isn’t always safe, either — especially if the home contains other ferrets or animals. Make sure that your ferret is up to date on his shots (see Chapter Setting Up Your Ferret’s Health Plan: Vets and First-Aid Kits).

by Kim Schilling