Though flying with a hedgehog may seem unusual, it can be necessary if you have one and need to travel. Whether you’re relocating to a new city, going on a vacation, or attending an important event, you may need to bring your beloved hedgehog along for the journey. Flying with hedgehogs requires careful planning and consideration to ensure their safety, well-being, and adherence to airline regulations. And that’s why we’ll be going through everything you need to know about flying with a hedgehog in this blog post. We will guide you through the process of flying with a hedgehog, addressing various aspects to help you plan and execute a smooth journey.
Research the Hedgehog Reception Situation of Your Intended Trip Stop
You will need to go the extra mile to learn all the rules and regulations relating to the ownership of hedgehogs in the location you want to travel to. This is because hedgehogs are exotic animals that can be kept as pets in only a few places worldwide. While some countries won’t let you bring your hedgehogs across their borders, others may demand you quarantine your pet for a period that can continue for several months. Hedgehog owners should be aware that quarantine periods in some countries may last up to six months, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the regulations before travelling. If your destination accepts hedgehogs, you can bring them along. If not, you just have to find a pet sitter or, at least, somewhere and someone you can leave your hedgehog with till you get back.
Researching Your Airline’s Animal Travel Policies
It’s important for you to always check the airline regulations before booking your flight. You don’t want to book your flight and later find out you can’t take your hedgehog with you. Different airlines have different rules regarding travelling with pets. So take your time to specifically check the rules and regulations relating to hedgehogs. Though most airlines do not actually allow hedgehogs to fly in their planes, some do and might make exceptions in some special cases, for example, when the hedgehog is an emotional support animal. While some airlines may permit the transportation of hedgehogs in the cabin, others may restrict them to cargo holds or have specific guidelines for their transport. Knowing this sort of information before you get on the flight will allow you to prepare accordingly.
You can easily find these rules on the airline’s official website, or better yet; you can contact their customer service directly if you want to ask some questions or if you find the information on their website limited.
Health Checkups, Vaccinations And Documents
Airline regulations often require specific documentation when travelling with pets, including hedgehogs. Commonly required documents may include health certificates issued by a veterinarian, proof of vaccinations, and permits if travelling internationally. It’s important to know the precise documentation requirements of the airline you choose and any additional requirements imposed by the destination country or state.
You must ensure your hedgehog is healthy enough to fly before taking it with you. Since hedgehogs cannot communicate verbally, a qualified veterinarian is required to examine your pet and issue a health certificate stipulating that your pet is fit to travel and not exhibiting any symptoms of a sickness that could be transmitted to other animals or people. For a health certificate to be provided, a few immunizations must be current. Your vet can also advise a follow-up inspection when you get home to ensure your pet didn’t contract any illnesses or parasites during the trip.
In addition to a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, certain airlines now need an acclimation certificate for passengers. Only a veterinarian who has received federal accreditation may complete and sign either of these certificates. You must look for a nearby accredited veterinarian if your pet’s veterinarian is not federally accredited. Since it’s one of the safety requirements placed on airlines willing to transport hedgehogs, most airlines won’t consent to fly your hedgehog without a health certificate.
All countries that accept hedgehogs will require a veterinary health certificate before you can bring your hedgehog across the border. However, the forms required may vary. Because of this, it’s important to contact your destination country’s embassy to obtain copies of all the necessary veterinary paperwork you require that is specific to that location.
In some countries, pet owners can apply for passports for their pets. These passports resemble human passports and enable pet owners to travel freely inside the nation with their pets.
Seek Out Lodging Options That Welcome Pets
Dedicate some time to researching and confirming the policies of the chosen hotel or apartment you want to stay at. Besides merely extending a warm invitation to hedgehog guests, establishments may have specific guidelines and prerequisites for accommodating such unique companions. Being well-versed in these stipulations can safeguard against any unexpected inconveniences that might arise during your stay.
It’s worth mentioning that along with a pet-friendly attitude, certain lodgings might apply supplementary fees or adhere to stringent rules surrounding pet stays. To ensure complete transparency and a smooth experience, delving into the finer details of these conditions proves to be a prudent step. This proactive approach not only aids in budget planning but also guarantees a harmonious stay, free from any potential misunderstandings.
Packing Hedgehog Essentials
Proper packing is crucial to ensure your hedgehog’s comfort and safety during the flight. You need to pack the essentials, such as food, water, a small dish, a cosy blanket or bedding, and any necessary medications. It’s also a good idea to pack some familiar items, like their favourite toys or a piece of clothing with your scent, to help provide a sense of familiarity and security for your hedgehog during the journey.
Travel Carrier or Bag
You need a travel carrier when transporting a hedgehog. All airlines that permit the transport of hedgehogs will also demand that they be kept in a travel carrier so they can’t get out and potentially disturb the peace. When deciding which travel carrier to pick, you should choose one that is neither too small nor too huge for a flight. The travel carrier should also be well-ventilated and have no large openings to prevent it from getting stuck on something.
For maximum efficiency, the travel carrier should be wide enough to put all your hedgehog’s usual accessories in so they can feel right at home. This step is crucial in longer trips that last more than a day. You don’t necessarily have to bring all your hedgehog accessories for the trip, though, except it’s a really long one. Just make sure you take their wheel and whatever they sleep in along for the ride.
Bedding
It is essential that you have some bedding in your travel bag to assist in absorbing spills. Newspapers, old fleece blankets, and layers of paper towels all work well if you don’t want to buy bedding. Hedgehogs tend to also poo and pee when they get stressed or travel sick. This means that you should always go with some extra bedding, wipes, and blankets in case this happens so you can switch out the dirty bedding and avoid your hedgehog getting smeared by poop and pee.
Food And Water
You’ll want to get a sufficient supply of food and water for your hedgehog to sustain them during the trip. So get surplus food that will last your hedgehog during the trip and back. Also, some hedgehogs might get stomach upset from sudden water changes, just like with food. So bring as much water for your hedgehog as you can.
Heating and Thermometer
Before you travel to a new location, it’s best to know the weather and the average temperature of that particular location. You should also bring the thermometer you use to keep track of the temperature in your hedgehogs’ cage back home. Get a thermometer that shows the high and low temperatures for 24 hours if you don’t already have one. Hedgehogs may hibernate when they get too cold, which is harmful to their health. So be sure to take a heating blanket, hand warmer, or heat pad to help with this problem.
Cost Of Travelling With A Hedgehog On A Plane
The exact cost you’ll pay to travel with your hedgehog on a plane depends on the particular airline, the country you’re flying from, the country you’re flying to, and the size of your hedgehog. However, the average cost is between $50 and $150 to transport your hedgehog on a plane.
Conclusion
Flying with a hedgehog can be a feasible option for pet owners, but it requires thorough planning and consideration to ensure the safety and well-being of your beloved pet. Before embarking on your journey, research everything you need to know beforehand and take all the hedgehog essential accessories you’ll need.
