Traveling with Your Ferret

If a ferret has weaseled his way into your heart, you may want to take him traveling with you. Since some road trips like those to the veterinarian will be inevitable, early travel training can come in handy. A travel-wise ferret is essential if you plan to take him on any extended vacations.

For some ferrets, travel will always be traumatic. Ferrets who don't function well in unfamiliar surroundings, are ill or physically impaired, or female ferrets who are pregnant or nursing, should probably stay home. Having a trusted friend or relative come into your home to check on him is best. If that's not possible, you can arrange to have him stay in a clean, well-run boarding facility.

Answer the following questions before deciding to take your ferret on a trip:

*What are the regulations and restrictions that apply in transit and at your destination? (Ferrets are still illegal in some states.)

*How will you transport your pet?

*What are your travel options?

*Where will your pet stay once you arrive?

*What do you do if your ferret gets sick or hurt while you're traveling?

Cats, dogs and most other warm-blooded animals transported via commercial transportation are protected by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), which is enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). If you plan to use commercial transportation such as an airline, you will be required to conform to provisions specified by the USDA. This helps ensure the safety of your pet, but it also restricts your transportation options and requires that you prepare your pet for travel. If your travel plans will take you out of the continental United States, quarantine regulations and restrictions will also apply. This includes travel to Hawaii.

Travel Essentials

The most important item for a traveling ferret is a quality carrier. It should be as comfortable and sturdy as possible. Give as much consideration to choosing your ferret's carrier as you would a child's car seat.

Travel with your pet requires you to consider the following:

*How will he be transported and what supplies does he need?

*How will you provide food and water?

*How can you provide litter box access?

When you're packing, include any medications and tranquilizers (if necessary), and carry all vaccinations and other health certificates as required.

Transportation Options

Transportation options are generally limited to car and airlines. The only animals allowed on Amtrak and interstate bus lines are service animals such as seeing-eye dogs. Some local train and bus carriers may allow small animals in carriers and cages, but this varies among individual carriers. If you must travel by train or bus, you will need to make different arrangements to transport your pet, such as shipment via air cargo.

Accommodations

Some motels limit the number of rooms for travelers with pets, and some require pets to be housed in a separate facility. Your lodging plans will have to be made in advance and your mobility will be restricted by "No Pet" regulations in many public and private areas.

It is possible to find hotels and motels throughout the United States and Canada that will accommodate pets, but even if a facility is listed as accepting pets, you should phone ahead for reservations and to discuss their conditions.

If you will be staying with friends or relatives, you must consider whether or not your ferret will be welcome. Are there any members of the host family with allergies? Are there other pets in the host household and, if so, how will your ferret get along with them? Separate facilities for your ferret may be necessary.

Veterinary Care on the Road

Carry your ferret's medical history with you. Be sure to include any pertinent medical history information in an emergency kit along with health certificates and identification information.