dachshund dog sits in blue pet carrier at an airport

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Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Traveling With Your Pet?

We have the purrfect aptitude test to see how much you know — plus what you need to know — regarding the latest rules and recommendations for traveling by land, air and sea

Kimberly Ferrante,

AARP

En español

Published August 22, 2022

10 Questions

Quiz: How Much Do You Know About Traveling With Your Pet?

[ {
 "question" : "True or False: That fresh air blowing on your dog’s furry face is fun for Fido, so it is safe to let him stick his head out the car window.\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "True",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "False",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "While they look adorable to a passerby on the road, according to the American Kennel Club, this is a big no-no. Dogs can suffer eye injuries when they hang their heads out of a moving car.\n",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "True or False: Since cats tend to be independent animals, they should roam free around the car during a road trip.\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "True",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "False",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "According to the Humane Society, cats are not comfortable riding in cars, so keep your cat in a carrier. Don’t forget to restrain the carrier via seat belt around the front to avoid any bouncing and possible injuries to your furry friend.\n",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
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}, {
 "question" : "We want to take our support animals with us when we fly, but which animal is approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation as a service animal?\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "Cat",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Dog",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 }, {
 "answer" : "Both animals can be service animals",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "As of Dec. 2, 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation revised the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). The final rule defines a service animal as “a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability.” You might be shocked to know that they no longer consider an emotional support animal to be a service animal. Check your airline’s website to see fees and rules related to taking a pet that is not a service animal.\n",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "True or False: A hedgehog is considered an “exotic” animal and cannot travel as a pet when flying from the U.S. to another country.\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "True",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "False",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a pet is defined as “a privately-owned companion animal not intended for research or resale” and includes hedgehogs among other obvious animal groups such as cats, dogs and ferrets.\n",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
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}, {
 "question" : "Safety, convenience, comfort and mental well-being are equally important when flying with a pet. What actions are necessary when your pet is traveling in a car kennel or an airline-approved carrier?\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "Practice riding in a kennel prior to your longer trip, even if it is a short ride in the car around the neighborhood. ",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Label your mobile pet home with stickers that say “this end up” and “live animal,” if traveling by plane. ",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Plan nonstop or direct flights if possible. If your pet has to fly in a cargo hold, be sure seasonal temperatures are tolerable.",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Put familiar items in the kennel such as a blanket or towel that smells like you to ease their anxiety.",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "All of the above.",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "All of the above, and then some! The airlines’ websites have sections dedicated to pet travel. Also check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Kennel Club websites for more information on how to travel safely with your pet.\n",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "How do you keep your pet from getting motion sickness while traveling?\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "Be sure they eat and drink before the trip.",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Give them a sedative or tranquilizer.",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Make sure they get to stop and walk around every hour.",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Have them travel on an empty stomach and ensure they have plenty of water.",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "An empty stomach is key, and by offering plenty of water you ensure they stay hydrated, which also helps combat queasiness. Consult with your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet before traveling. What your vet may recommend as a sedative for road trips may be discouraged by the International Air Transport Association for plane trips: It states that the use of sedatives or tranquilizers when flying could harm animals while in flight.\n",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "What phone numbers are important to have before traveling with your pet?\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "Your cellphone number on the pet’s ID tag",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Your current veterinarian’s office number",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "A 24-hour veterinary emergency hospital at the location you’re traveling to",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "All of the above",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "All of the above. However, arguably the most important phone number to have is your own, in the form of a collar and pet ID tag. If they run off at a rest stop to chase a bunny or go exploring in the woods and get lost, you will want the person who finds them to be able to get in touch with you. Consider microchipping your pet and, if flying, be sure to put your destination address on the kennel as well as your cellphone number.\n",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "True or False: When going through security with your guide dog, you have to be screened separately.\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "True",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "False",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "At no point during the screening process will you be separated from your faithful companion. Nor will you have to remove their leash or harness, if you do not want to, however this may require some additional screening. Knowing what the process looks like can help ease any anxiety you might have while traveling with your service dog. The Guide Dog Foundation and America's VetDogs can coordinate with airports and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to provide demonstrations for you and your service dog.\n",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "True or False: All hotels are pet-friendly for a price.\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "True",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "False",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "While hotels have come a long way from even a few years ago, there are still hotels that do not allow pets or limit the number of pets or size of the animal. Do your research before you book that room, and ask about rules regarding pets. Also ask about refundable versus nonrefundable pet deposits, and be prepared to pay a fee — some hotels require pricey deposits. Kimpton Hotels, however, welcomes all animals of all sizes (“if your pet fits through the door, we'll welcome them in”) at no extra charge.\n",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
}, {
 "question" : "What major cruise line offers a pet-friendly cruise for dogs and cats?\n",
 "answers" : [ {
 "answer" : "Cunard",
 "correctAnswer" : true
 }, {
 "answer" : "Disney",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Norwegian ",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 }, {
 "answer" : "Carnival",
 "correctAnswer" : false
 } ],
 "multiSelect" : false,
 "explanation" : "Cunard's Queen Mary 2 cruise ship has 24 kennels, dedicated space for dogs and cats to play, and an owner's lounge. Also a treat: the onboard fire hydrant from New York City.\n",
 "hint" : "",
 "hintLink" : "",
 "questionImgCaption" : "",
 "questionImgCredit" : ""
} ]

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Kimberly Ferrante is an award-winning journalist based in Plano, Texas. Her work has appeared in Road Trip, Island Soul, Explore the Northshore and The Lens.