Traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and the avian members of your family. With thoughtful preparation, however, you can ensure a safe trip for everyone in your traveling party.
Whether you are traveling by vehicle or by air, first on your to-do list is a travel cage or carrier for your bird. For car trips, your bird's travel cage should fit in the back seat of the vehicle, ideally with enough room for your pet to stretch, flap her wings and perch with ease.
If you are flying and your bird is traveling in the cabin with you, you'll need a soft-sided carrier that will fit under the seat in front of you and that has been approved by the airline for in-cabin use; if you can find a travel cage that will fit inside the carrier, that's great. If your bird is too large to accompany you in the cabin, she will have to travel in the cargo hold. For this you'll need a USDA-approved shipping crate.
Next, you should familiarize your bird with the cage or carrier. To associate it with a positive experience, place a favorite toy or treat in it, and praise and reward your bird each time she ventures in—but please do not leave her confined in it. And if at all possible when the big day comes, try to mimic the layout of your bird's regular cage when setting up the travel cage. Bring along the food she is most used to. (You should even bring water from home, too, or carry along bottled water.) Avoid putting heavy, swinging toys in the cage that could possibly injure your pet.
Travel by Plane
If you are traveling by plane, you will need to make a reservation and purchase a ticket for your bird. Next, you should contact your vet to arrange a pre-flight check-up and, if necessary, wing clipping. All animals traveling by plane must have a health certificate no more than ten days old. If you are flying within the United States, you'll need to check the laws of the state to where you're traveling; a permit may be required. If you are traveling outside of the continental United States, you must find out local regulations from an embassy or tourist board. And please note—if your bird is flying in the cargo hold, check with the airline about what kind of requirements your carrier must meet.
Travel by Car
Your first priority? Securing your bird's cage with a seat belt or bungee cord. And if your vehicle has an airbag on the passenger side, please keep your bird in the backseat. Should an accident cause the airbag to inflate, the impact could crush the cage. Never let your bird out of her cage while traveling, and remember to pack a spray bottle for misting your pet when traveling in hot weather. And finally, do not live your pet alone in a parked car. On a hot day, a car can quickly heat up—and during cold weather, the inside of an automobile can feel like a refrigerator.
And finally, however and wherever you travel, try to keep to your bird's eating, sleeping and playing schedule as best as you can. Bring along a fully stocked first-aid kit, as well a list of avian veterinarians who practice in locations along your route and at your final destination. And when you reach your destination, keep your bird in a calm, quiet area. Give her plenty of time to adjust to her new environment.
Bon voyage!
