If you plan to travel extensively with your bird, it's best to begin while he's young so he can adjust to traveling human-style. Start with short local trips so he can become comfortable with his travel cage. This will also allow you to evaluate his response to traveling.
Travel Problems and Solutions
Transportation options are generally limited to a car and the airlines. Amtrak and most interstate bus carriers do not accept animal passengers with the exception of service dogs like 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. If you travel by air, make sure to check with the airline for pet policies when making your reservations.
Travel could cause motion sickness. Withhold food and water for no more than two hours before departure.
You'll need to find accommodations where your bird is welcome. Confirm in advance the establishment accepts animals. If staying with friends or relatives, make sure your bird is welcome and can be housed comfortably.
In case you need medical attention on the road, have your veterinarian recommend a colleague at your destination. You can also contact the American Animal Hospital Association, the Association of Avian Veterinarians or the Veterinary Information Network.
Being around other animals can result in injury from a bite or scratch. Don't let your bird out of his cage in the presence of another animal. Never leave him unattended in an open area, whether he is inside his cage or not.
Make sure your bird has a leg band and/or a microchip for identification. To avoid your bird getting lost, keep him in his cage while in transit. His cage should have identification information, including his name, your name, address and telephone number at home and at your destination.
Thieves who make their livelihood trading animals could steal your bird. Do not leave your bird unattended while away from home.
Hotel Safety and Convenience Tips
Make sure to inspect your hotel room before letting your bird out of his carrier. Take any necessary "bird-proofing" actions. You will also want to ask the staff if and when the room was sprayed with insecticide. If recently sprayed or if it is a "smoking allowed room," request another room. Do not expose your bird to insecticides or other harmful chemicals/smells. Check for bird hiding places, and take the steps to block access to places where your bird could become trapped.
Also beware of toilets with blue toilet bowl cleaner. Keep the lid closed so your bird can't drink the water if he's out of his cage. Make sure all windows and doors, including closet doors and drawers, are closed before you let him out to explore. If your bird is the kind that screams or screeches when in an unfamiliar place or if left alone, you should probably keep him in his cage, covered.
It's also a good idea to place the "Do Not Disturb" sign outside your door so an unsuspecting maid doesn't come in and inadvertently startle or let your bird out the door. When leaving a hotel, be sure to clean up all the scattered debris, seeds, etc. and do a thorough toy and trash check to make sure you've left nothing behind.
If Your Bird Gets Lost
Your bird's cage should be labeled with his name, your name, home address and telephone number, plus the address and telephone number at your destination. An "emergency kit" with additional information is also highly recommended.
Assemble an envelope containing:
- Medical records and necessary health certificate for crossing state lines or in case of an emergency
- Your ownership papers or other documentation, such as veterinary records, to prove the bird belongs to you
- A current photograph of your bird
- Your contact information
- The name and phone number of your bird's veterinarian
If you will be staying more than a few days or if your bird has an ongoing medical problem, you should secure the phone number of a referred veterinarian at your destination. For referral to a veterinarian, you can contact the American Animal Hospital Association, the Association of Avian Veterinarians, the Veterinary Information Network or check with your veterinarian at home.
In case your bird gets lost, make flyers using a current photograph and post them in the vicinity where your bird was last seen. You might even consider making up a few flyers with your name, addresses, phone numbers and data about the bird and his photo before you leave home.
Contact animal control agencies, humane societies and veterinary clinics in the local and surrounding areas. Provide descriptions and photographs and check with them daily. Seeking help from radio stations can also be helpful in locating a lost pet. Leave telephone numbers and addresses with all of these contacts for both where you are staying and your home (in case you have to leave before you find your bird).