Traveling Question - Guinea Pig Cages, Care, Store, Photos of Guinea Pigs and More Forum!

**oreocookies** · #1 05-19-07, 06:10 pm

I had a quick question. I've been thinking of re-adopting a guinea pig, but I travel alot and i was wondering if Guinea Pigs could ride on a airplane, or tips for traveling in the car. My biggest question was, could i take a guinea pig on a airplane with me. If anyone could help me out on this i would be very happy, thanks a bunch. -oreo

**envisionary333** · #2 05-19-07, 07:41 pm

I am not sure whether or not you can travel on an airplane with a guinea pig, but either way I think it would be very unwise to cause so much stress by frequent trips. Guinea pigs really need a stable, reliable environment and routine to feel comfortable. Car rides can be difficult as well because it is much harder to provide daily fresh vegetables and keep the guinea pig hydrated (water bottles tend to leak due to car movement), not to mention the stress. What would you do if you needed to see a vet while on the road? I don't mean to sound rude, but I feel very strongly that a guinea pig should not be moved around constantly.
How often are you traveling? Is there anyone reliable at home that could take care of the guinea pig(s) while you are gone? Unfortunately, even if it is possible to travel with your guinea pig and might be convenient for you, it is not the best option for the health of your guinea pig. If you cannot be home to care for your pet, it is probably better not to have one.

**rabbitsncavyluv** · #3 05-20-07, 03:03 am

If you travel a lot and have already given up a guinea pig, please do not get another one.

It really depends on the airline. Most that do take pets, require that they be in the luggage area. It's too stressful for them most of the time.

**cavy-cool-crazy** · #4 05-20-07, 05:22 am

I too travel a lot (every 1-3 years moving house) and I have 5 pigs. The biggest trip by far was from SE England to Northern Ireland. It was an 8 hour car journey (with an overnight break with family halfway) plus 1 hour on the ferry and then a further hour when we got to NI. If you travel quite far any more regularly than once every year or two, I really don't advise keeping pigs. My own pigs travel well but it's a lot different to travelling with other animals, like dogs.

**wolfie** · #5 05-20-07, 09:17 am

I would be extremely wary of taking pets on an airplane. Many airlines will tell you that animals are housed in a temperature controlled climate area and not with baggage. However, you need to remember that any time the plane engines are off- so are the temperature controls. If for some reason the plane ends up sitting on the tarmac with the engines off, (I have had this happen several times), there will be no climate control. Or what about loading and unloading times- the engines are also off then. Just like a closed car, temperatures can climb rapidly, especially on pavement and particularly in warm climates.

We do take our boys on vacation with us if we are driving and if we are going to be gone a week or longer. We also have our dog with us. Depending upon where we are going the trip can be 5 to 9 hours. We make sure the boys each have there own hidey and a little run around room, plus plenty of fresh hay. We cover the cage with a towel or fleece blanket to protect them from air conditioning or wind drafts and help make them feel secure. I always carry baggies of washed, wet veggies and give them at every stop. When we arrive, the first thing I do is set up their 4 x 4 playpen for them. It's a bit of a challenge as it is work intensive and their supplies take up lots of packing space, but we love having them with us and so far they have done very well.

**seagirl96** · #6 05-20-07, 03:52 pm

Can you find someone to co-parent with you? That would be your best bet. I often go out of State for the weekend to visit my Mother, but I have one of my sons take care of piggies and my two dogs. Usually one son or the other is living at my house, so I have no worries.

**oreocookies** · #7 05-22-07, 03:29 pm

I did not give up on my last guinea pig. He died of old age (9 years old). A few months ago we started traveling a lot (up to twice a month) going to Florida, because half of my family live there. I really miss Oreo a lot and would love to re-adopt a few more. Thanks for the helpful advice. I was doubting that it would work out since it would cause a lot of stress. I do have family up here, and some close friends that would probably be willing to take care of them. But would that cause alot of stress for the guinea pigs dealing with me gone alot for a week or two? or would that not really notice? thanks

**Fay** · #8 05-22-07, 04:56 pm

I wouldn't be traveling that much with guinea pigs as they get stressed out quickly, it would cause too much stress for them. If you have someone to take care of them properly that would be great!

**seagirl96** · #9 05-23-07, 05:48 am

My guinea pigs have no problem with their sitters. I don't see a problem, especially if you have familiar people coming in. It's hard for a piggy to pine away when there are greens to eat. Make sure your sitter is cavy savvy as my son is. He has four of his own and is very fond of mine as well.

**cavyinhawaii** · #10 05-23-07, 12:22 pm

Delta allows them in the passenger area under the seat. I am not sure if you can take more than one. I have been researching for my move next year. I have heard that united also lets you have them under the seat. No airline that I know of will allow you to check a pig.

**chilipi** · #11 02-14-08, 03:21 pm

I'm using this topic to ask a related question on behalf of a friend. The choice is either 50 min flying or 24 h driving. Which would you prefer? Her concern is if the cavy can take the flying, but it seems that provided he can be taken to the cabin, this may not be such a bad idea?