| Here are some important pet travel tips that you | | | | should be able to help you evaluate if Fido or Fluffy is |
| need to know while planning a vacation with your | | | | up to it. |
| pet. | | | | Well behaved pets that are able to travel in an |
| Bringing your pet with you on your vacation is | | | | appropriate sized container may be brought with you |
| becoming easier. Lots of hotels and motels are | | | | on the plane. They will be treated as carry on |
| accommodating pet travel. | | | | luggage and will have to ride under your seat. |
| Most National Parks have strict regulations restricting | | | | Pet travel in your car is a much more straight |
| pets. Check with them ahead of time. Your pet may | | | | forward arrangement for all. Some pets can't handle |
| not be able to walk with you but you can still spend | | | | it though and it is best to make sure she is up to it |
| some happy time together. | | | | before your vacation starts. |
| Before you bring Fido or Fluffy on your trip make | | | | Take basic safety precautions like not letting the |
| sure that they are physically up to it. Take her to the | | | | animal run free in the vehicle. She could cause an |
| vet first and be sure that she is in sound health. | | | | accident. This means that she should be leashed |
| Make sure she has all her necessary vaccinations | | | | securely or travel in a pet container. |
| along with a health certificate to bring along with you | | | | Never leave your precious pet in a hot car with the |
| on your trip. | | | | windows shut. It doesn't take long for the |
| Be sure she has a collar with ID tag that contains | | | | temperature inside to reach lethal levels. |
| your name and phone number. If she gets lost | | | | Make sure you provide her with fresh water and |
| somehow, that could be the only way she gets back | | | | food. For dogs, she will greatly appreciate frequent |
| home. | | | | stops to get a quick bit of exercise. |
| A pet that is not well behaved can be a problem and | | | | When bringing your pet to a motel or hotel that |
| may not be suited to travel. She will be in strange | | | | accommodates pet travel please be sure to follow all |
| surroundings and you don't want her to scratch or | | | | their rules. A bad experience will make it more |
| bite out of fear and confusion. | | | | difficult for future pet owners. Keep her leashed and |
| If you must leave your pet home please be sure | | | | clean up after her. Do not allow her to damage |
| that she is well cared for. Professional pet sitters, | | | | property by chewing or scratching. |
| kennels, friends or family are options available to you. | | | | Be prepared for emergencies and possible problems |
| Leave explicit instructions for care and the phone | | | | due to stress. If possible, find out the name and |
| number of your vet. | | | | phone number of a local vet or animal hospital near |
| Most airlines will accommodate pet travel but they all | | | | where you will be staying. |
| have their own rules. Dogs and cats are usually ok | | | | With a little effort your vacation can be safe and fun |
| but other pets may present a problem. | | | | for both people and animals. Remember, Fido or |
| Your pet can travel either in the passenger cabin or | | | | Fluffy can't look after themselves so it is up to you |
| in the cargo hold. Pet travel in the cargo hold can be | | | | to be sure that their traveling needs are taken care |
| a little rough and ventilation is not the best. Your vet | | | | of. |