Happy Tails Alerts
New LIVE Chat!
We are excited to launch our new live chat feature on our website! Have questions about our services? Wondering what the best method of transport is for your pet? Simply click the tab on the bottom right-hand side of our webpage to message us!
Responses will be received as quickly as possible during business hours (7 am - 4 pm MST Mon - Fri). After hours, the chat feature will leave us a message and we will respond the next working day.
Featured Testimonial
"Kim at Happy Tails Travel is an absolute miracle worked. My 125 lb wolfhound more than exceeds normal size regulations, but she found me a kennel AND an airline that could fly him from Maui to Alaska - something that no other pet relocation service was able to offer."
Make sure to read the rest of Weylyn's testimonial and our others here!
Long Distance Travel for Anxious Pets
At Happy Tails Travel, we do everything in our power to reduce the stress on pets while they are in our care traveling by Ground Safe and Sound. While our customized service allows us to follow your pets’ routine as closely as possible. For some pets, the smallest change in routine or location can cause them stress. We do our best to stick to your pet’s routine including feeding, exercise, and medication. But even so, there are certain stress responses that are common among our furry passengers. Over the years, we have learned how to care for them so that they arrive at their destination happy and healthy!
Sometimes pets respond to stress by not eating or drinking during their transport. This is especially common for our feline friends. We use a variety of enticing options to try and encourage them to eat such as adding treats, pet safe human food such as chicken, or other meal toppers. We also hand feed when necessary and try to feed in smaller more frequent meals. For those that eat well but don’t want to drink very much, we add water to their food to make sure they are staying hydrated.
Some pets end up with an upset tummy due to the change in routine and location. This may lead to diarrhea, vomiting, or not wanting to eat very much. Because these can also be signs that your pet is sick, we pay close attention and keep you informed, so that we can take them to the vet if needed. Fiber filled food, a gentle hand, and a little extra attention is usually enough to clear them right up!
Another common stress response is when pets get really quiet and withdrawn. When dogs and cats are uncomfortable, it is important to go slowly and give them the space they need to build trust. We also make sure they have a cozy spot where they can retreat to where they can feel safe and secure. For example, we can place a blanket over a crate so that the pet feels safe and secure.
Even with the most stressed pets, we take the time to help make your pets’ travel experience as comfortable as possible. By the end of their journey even the most anxious pets have made a new friend! If you would like to learn more about ground transport or what method of travel is right for your pet, fill out our Pet Travel Form and one of our Pet Travel Specialists will be in touch.