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Travel Tips For You and Your Dog
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Traveling With Your Pet
So, you're planning a vacation. Everything is ready to go - but what do you do with
your pet? Boarding kennels and pet sitters are good alternatives, but when you enjoy
the company of your pet do you really need to leave them behind? Before including
your pet in your vacation plans, be sure that the trip is appropriate for their age, health
and personality.

Considerations

Is your pet adaptable and would they enjoy a change in scenery?
Do they have health problems that may cause a problem away from home?
Do they enjoy being in the car for several hours?
Would they be included in your vacation activities, or would they spend many hours in
a hotel room while you are out sightseeing?
If your are not sure of the answers to any one of these questions, talk to your
veterinarian about the alternatives.

Preparation
Before you go, ensure that all vaccinations are current. For some destinations, proof of
rabies vaccination and health certificates are required. Such things as heartworm tests
with preventive medication, flea prevention, Lyme disease vaccination, or Bordetella
vaccination may also be a requirement depending on your destination.

Make sure that you have an adequate supply of any medication that your pet may
require while you are away - ensure that it is clearly labeled and contained. Remember,
DO NOT store your pet's medication in the glove compartment of your car. The
temperatures that this compartment reach can destroy the effectiveness of the
medication.

Make sure your pet is wearing their collar, complete with rabies tag and licensing
information in case you get separated. Also include an ID tag with your information as
well as an emergency contact. After all, you will not be at home to answer the call. A
microchip is a great means of identification, with the pet's and the owner's information
available with a simple phone call. Be sure to keep this information current and
complete.

Do Your Homework
It is important that your pet will be accepted at all your destinations. When calling
ahead for reservations at your airline, hotel, motel, or campground, verify their policies
about pets. Inquire about exercise areas and don't forget to make use of your pooper
scooper. Walk your dog away from the flower beds and other public areas where you
may annoy other guests.

Try not to leave your pet alone in your room. They can easily hurt themselves or cause
damage in the room. It is also possible that they may start crying, which will disturb the
other guests. Be sure to advise the maid that your pet is in the room in order to avoid
breaks for freedom.

If you are shipping your pet by air or rail, place them in a sturdy carry box or cage.
Many airlines have specific cage requirements - it is best to call your travel agent well
in advance. Avoid using cardboard cartons because they can break open or be
crushed by other luggage. You should also inquire about the weather - many pets
suffer from exposure to cold on station platforms, in baggage cars, in vehicles and
through airline baggage handling. Attach emergency handling instructions for feeding
or protection if your pet is going to be out of your care and dependent on others. Make
sure owner or address tags cannot be lost.

Travelling with your pet can be an exciting and eventful time. By properly planning you
can make your vacation enjoyable for all.
Summer Travel Tips

With the weather warming up (intermittently) many vacations are being planned. If you
are scheduling a get-away, there are many considerations before packing up Fido for
the trip. Is your pet adaptable and healthy? Does your pet enjoy time in the car? Will
your trip allow you to spend time with your pet or will he be left in the hotel or in your
vehicle? Weigh out the pros and cons and if you decide to leave your pet at home - do
not feel guilty. There are many wonderful alternatives for just this situation. If friends
and family are not able to accommodate, pet sitters are available for house/pet sitting
or pet visits while you are away. Boarding kennels are another option as well. Either
way, it is best to call in advance for availability. Your veterinarian and other pet owners
are both good sources for recommendations.

Consult your veterinarian to ensure that your pet is current on immunization - kennel
cough vaccination is generally required by boarding facilities. Proof of vaccination and
an ample supply of any prescription medication should be obtained prior to travel. If
Fido is travelling with you, additional immunization may be needed for the area you will
be visiting. There may be other health precautions to consider, eg. ticks and possibly
Lyme Disease or other tick-borne diseases. Travel to certain countries (not the US)
requires a health certificate from your veterinarian. Others even quarantine animals. It
is best to check with your travel agent or appropriate embassy.

So how will you be reaching your destination? If you are travelling by car, please be
sure that travel will be safe for you and your pet. A carrier is ideal for small pets, seat
belt harnesses are available for larger pets or gates for SUVs and vans. Remember
that temperatures in your car can become extremely high even with windows ajar (I
toasted a loaf of bread a few weeks ago on my back dash by mistake - let's be more
careful with your beloved pet). If you are travelling by plane - make sure you have an
airline-approved carrier. Some airlines allow smaller pets to accompany you, larger
pets travel in the cargo area. Especially for pets travelling in cargo, properly label the
carrier, including emergency contact numbers in case you become separated during
travel.

If you are staying with friends and family, be certain your pet will be a welcome visitor.
Consider your pet's personality (reaction to other pets and children) and the possibility
of allergies to pets. If you are hotelling or camping, plan ahead and be sure your pet is
allowed. Many places now accept pets, but may have limited spaces available. A
deposit may be required as well.

Be sure to take along your pet's usual food (this is not a good time to risk a diet
change) and lots of water. Familiar objects (dishes, toys) can help to greatly reduce
travel stress.

Identification tags are very important in case of accidental separation. Tags with home
numbers are of little value while you are on vacation. A microchip is ideal.

Wishing you safe and happy travels!!
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