Travel Tips for your Pet

Before embarking on that "family" camping vacation, prepare your pet and yourself with some basics to keep on hand.

Bring a copy of your pet's vaccination record and any other pertinent medical information.

Check with either a travel agent or CSAA about places you are allowed to take your pet. There are also alot of good pet-travel books that have information about hotels, parks, camp grounds, etc. You can find them at your local library or bookstore.

If traveling by vehicle, use a crate for your pet's safety and yours while driving. if you use a crate, adhere an information tag to it -- feel free to download my "Emergency Sign" -- this is a PDF file. You can fill this form out and laminate it, then attach to your pet's carrier/crate.

Protect your pets from fleas, ticks and heartworm - have your pet on a preventative program. Also check the area you're going to visit to see if any other precautions are necessary for your pet's well-being.

Keep your pet's age in mind before climbing Mt. Rushmore; if you have a senior dog along, then find activities that he will enjoy. If you have a really young dog, make sure you don't let him overdo the fun and play.

I f you choose to travel with your pets, make a conscious effort to keep their best interests in mind. Follow all DOs and DON'Ts and your pet can be excellent traveling companion. if you leave your pets at home with a professional pet sitter, maybe you can come home a day early and spend some quality time with your pet. Ane remember to send your pet a postcard and bring something home for your pet sitter too!

10. Accommodations: Read the fine print. Some hotels only allows "small pets" -- ones that weight less than 20 lbs. If you have a Rottie or GSD, they may not qualify on the scales. Also pets cannot be left alone in hotel rooms and there is an extra charge for their stay with you.

9. Plane Trips: Check in advance for airline requirements and conditions. Can you get a straight point-to-point flight or will there be a layover? Cargo holds are not heated, cooled or sound proof and can cause possible death, injury and stress on your pet. Beware of medicating pets prior to boarding - check with your vet.

8. Car Trips. Danger does exist if your pet travels with you in your vehicle. Keep in mind the danger of heatstroke, unrestrained pets can become projectiles in an accident. Pets who hang their heads out the window are in danger of insects or debris flying into the eyes and ears.

7. Identification. Trying to find a lost pet in a strange city may be impossible. Pets lost away from home are at greater risk because the strange sights, sounds and smells disorient your pet. They are at greater risk of being killed, hurt or picked up by strangers.

6. Behavior. Well trained and socialized pets tend to stay with the owners. But even the best trained pet can get stressed during long trips to unfamiliar places.

5. Food and Water. Drinking local water and changes in diet while traveling can cause stomach upset and diarrhea.

4. Dangers, Diseases & lllness. This ranges from allergies to ticks, mosquitoes, poison ivy, skunks, snake bite, poisoning and giardia.

3. Leashes & Laws. All states have leash laws that are ticketable offenses. Keep your pets leashed and obey the laws -- or keep them safe at home.

2. Emergencies & Veterinarians. Knowing pet first aid is important to your pet surviving a medical emergency. If your pet required emergency hospitalization, do you have local referrals for the area you are visiting?

1. You have a Pet Sitters International Member caring for your pet! Hire a professional pet sitter for immeasurable peace of mind while you are on vacation. A PSI member will give your pets consistent, personnel care and attention on a daily basis. And many are certified for Pet First Aid and Pet CPR -- they also have all information about your vet and local emergencies available. They not only take care of your pet(s) but keep your home safe and secure too!



		Travel Tips for your Pet Before embarking on that "family" camping vacation, prepare your pet and yourself with some basics to keep on hand. Bring a leash, extra collar and ID tags Take plenty of local water with you. Bring extra food and treats for your pet. Bring a copy of your pet's vaccination record and any other pertinent medical information. Check with either a travel agent or CSAA about places you are allowed to take your pet. There are also alot of good pet-travel books that have information about hotels, parks, camp grounds, etc. You can find them at your local library or bookstore. If traveling by vehicle, use a crate for your pet's safety and yours while driving. if you use a crate, adhere an information tag to it -- feel free to download my "Emergency Sign" -- this is a PDF file. You can fill this form out and laminate it, then attach to your pet's carrier/crate. Protect your pets from fleas, ticks and heartworm - have your pet on a preventative program. Also check the area you're going to visit to see if any other precautions are necessary for your pet's well-being. Avoid overgrown fields or grassy areas where foxtails are present. Have a Pet First Aid kit available --and know how to use it. Keep your pet's age in mind before climbing Mt. Rushmore; if you have a senior dog along, then find activities that he will enjoy. If you have a really young dog, make sure you don't let him overdo the fun and play. Have a great vacation! Top 10 Reasons NOT to Travel with Your Pets I f you choose to travel with your pets, make a conscious effort to keep their best interests in mind. Follow all DOs and DON'Ts and your pet can be excellent traveling companion. if you leave your pets at home with a professional pet sitter, maybe you can come home a day early and spend some quality time with your pet. Ane remember to send your pet a postcard and bring something home for your pet sitter too! 10. Accommodations: Read the fine print. Some hotels only allows "small pets" -- ones that weight less than 20 lbs. If you have a Rottie or GSD, they may not qualify on the scales. Also pets cannot be left alone in hotel rooms and there is an extra charge for their stay with you. 9. Plane Trips: Check in advance for airline requirements and conditions. Can you get a straight point-to-point flight or will there be a layover? Cargo holds are not heated, cooled or sound proof and can cause possible death, injury and stress on your pet. Beware of medicating pets prior to boarding - check with your vet. 8. Car Trips. Danger does exist if your pet travels with you in your vehicle. Keep in mind the danger of heatstroke, unrestrained pets can become projectiles in an accident. Pets who hang their heads out the window are in danger of insects or debris flying into the eyes and ears. 7. Identification. Trying to find a lost pet in a strange city may be impossible. Pets lost away from home are at greater risk because the strange sights, sounds and smells disorient your pet. They are at greater risk of being killed, hurt or picked up by strangers. 6. Behavior. Well trained and socialized pets tend to stay with the owners. But even the best trained pet can get stressed during long trips to unfamiliar places. 5. Food and Water. Drinking local water and changes in diet while traveling can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. 4. Dangers, Diseases & lllness. This ranges from allergies to ticks, mosquitoes, poison ivy, skunks, snake bite, poisoning and giardia. 3. Leashes & Laws. All states have leash laws that are ticketable offenses. Keep your pets leashed and obey the laws -- or keep them safe at home. 2. Emergencies & Veterinarians. Knowing pet first aid is important to your pet surviving a medical emergency. If your pet required emergency hospitalization, do you have local referrals for the area you are visiting? 1. You have a Pet Sitters International Member caring for your pet! Hire a professional pet sitter for immeasurable peace of mind while you are on vacation. A PSI member will give your pets consistent, personnel care and attention on a daily basis. And many are certified for Pet First Aid and Pet CPR -- they also have all information about your vet and local emergencies available. They not only take care of your pet(s) but keep your home safe and secure too! The "Top 10 Reasons NOT to Travel with Your Pets" was provided by Thom Somes, The Pet Safety Guy at pet Tech, La Mesa, California. ©2000 Pet Tech Inc.
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