Traveling With Your Pet

There are 7 rules you must follow when you take your pet on trips with you.

Rule #1 - Make sure you have a collar and leash on your pet at all times. Animals can become excited or nervous in new situations or environments and can react unexpectedly. Even the most calm and well behaved pet can suddenly decide to dart across a busy road or jump on the kindly old man at the next gas pump. Constant control of your pet will ensure safety for them and everyone else.

Rule #2 - Always carry water, a dish and waste baggies no matter if you are driving or flying. Make sure to offer water to your animal frequently and make sure they have the opportunity to relieve themselves as well. If you're driving, most rest stops have special areas for your pet. Oh, and make sure to pick up after them when they are done.

Rule #3 - Never leave your pet in the car in extreme temperatures! I cannot stress this one enough. This is challenging when traveling in the summer especially. Heat can rise rapidly in an enclosed vehicle and pets can suffer heat related illness from being in a closed car for as little as 30 minutes. If you must stop somewhere and leave your pet in the car, follow a few simple guidelines. Make sure to park in the shade, leave all windows open at least 6 inches to allow circulation and use shade visors on windows to block sunlight. Never leave your pet in the car longer than 30 minutes, even with the above precautions. When you return, make sure to give your pet water and allow him cool off under a tree or in some shade.

Rule #4 - Take chew bones or toys. If your dog is used to his chew bones or toys, make sure to take them with you. He might decide your shoe looks pretty good if he doesn't have his own bones to chew on.

Rule #5 - Don't forget exercise! This is so important, especially for high energy dogs. They need to have an outlet for their energy after being in a car for a long time, so you need to make sure they have an opportunity to burn off steam and play. Take a long rope to tie on their collar to allow them to run in a controlled manner at rest stops or at your destination.

Rule #6 - Treats and rewards for good behavior. When traveling, it's a great time to remind your pet how to behave correctly around strangers and in different environments. Take treats along and work with him on his leash. You'll be pleased at how well he behaves when he gets treats!

Rule #7 - Take a kennel for flying and overnight stays. If you are flying it will be required, but you'll also want one in case you need to leave your pet in a hotel room or at a friends' house. The most well behaved animal can suddenly decide to do costly damage if left alone in a strange place. They don't understand that you plan to come back, so they may try to escape or just be destructive. This could cost you in damages and them in injuries. Make sure they have a safe place that they are familiar with to reassure them and protect them.

Traveling With Your Pet, 9th Edition Updated annually this comprehensive guide provides practical information about traveling with pets and features more than 13,000 AAA-RATEDr lodgings in the U.S. and Canada that accept pets. In addition, it includes more than 400 pet-friendly private campgrounds, dog parks and pet-friendly attractions, tips for disabled travelers and companion animals, a checklist for packing and advice on selecting a carrier and animal clinics in the U.S. and Canada.


Vacationing with Your Pet Most pet lovers will buy this book for the extensive listings of more than 23,000 pet-friendly accommodations in the United States and Canada. As a bonus, however, they'll be getting nearly 100 pages of terrific advice on everything from training your cat to walk on a leash to packing for your dog to determining which common plants are toxic to animals. There's even a recipe for homemade dog biscuits at the end! Filled with helpful hints guaranteed to make traveling with your pet a relaxing and positive experience for both of you, Vacationing With Your Pet is an indispensable guide for anyone planning on hitting the road in the company of a four-footed pal.

Pets on the Go: The Definitive Pet Accommodation and Vacation Guide Featuring comprehensive listings on pet-friendly accommodations, these guides allow travelers to share their vacations with their favorite canine companions. Each independent review lists contact information, number of rooms, corresponding rates, details on specific features and amenities, as well as character, ambience, cuisine (for both pets and people), and a history of each establishment. The United States guide features more than 18,000 listings of accommodations as well as rules and regulations for taking a pet into all the state and national parks in the country.

• Your pet's favorite bed and toys
• Plenty of food. Changing the food can disrupt the digestive system
• Copies of up-to-date records of all shots, especially rabies
• Collar and leash
• Identification tag
• Prescribed medications, if any
• Lots of treats
• Photos of your pet
• Your veterinarians phone number

• Stop at least every 100 miles or every 3 hours to give your pet a chance to stretch, walk, drink and of course empty his/her bladder. For your cat put a small pan of litter in the vehicle.
  
• Always have your pet on a leash when traveling, even if he/she is off-leash trained. In a strange area they may not obey as easily and can get spooked.
• Always clean up after your pet.
• Use a harness that is made to clip into the car's seat belt while traveling.
• Make sure your pet is wearing an identification tag with a phone number that is appropriate for your trip. The cell phone number that you are carrying with you is best.
• NEVER leave a pet alone in a car, especially in hot or cold climates. Extreme temperature changes can happen in minutes and can be fatal to your pet.

Many airlines will allow you to travel with your pet on the same flight. Small pets, generally less than ten pounds, can travel in an airline-approved carrier that will fit under your seat. For larger pets, the airline has accommodations in cargo. Be sure to check with your airlines regarding fees and restrictions. Often there is limited space for animals, so if you plan on traveling with your pet you should try to book as early as possible.

Pets brought for travel on airlines must be at least eight weeks old and be fully weaned. In addition, airlines will not allow pets that are uncontrollable, ill, in heat or pregnant. Pets should not be sedated for air travel. All pets for air travel will need a recent health certificate (generally within 48 hours of travel) as well as documentation of vaccinations and any medications he/she may be taking.

When traveling in cargo, it is important that the crate you choose is large enough for the pet to stand without touching the top, turn around and lay back down comfortably. The crate needs to be clearly marked as LIVE ANIMAL and should also include your name, address, and phone number (a cell phone number is best). You should also include your final destination just in case your pet is misplaced in transit. The inside of the crate must have a food and water cup attached to it and a ziplock bag with some extra food in case of any delays.

Smaller pets are easier to travel with you because you can be there to care for him/her. A soft-sided carrier bag is generally all that is needed. Check with your airlines for any size requirements.

Many hotel chains and campsites welcome our companion animals as their guests. When booking your room, ask about additional fees for having your pet stay with you as well as any rules. Try not to leave your pet alone in the room for long periods. Remember this is a strange place for him/her and he/she will be nervous if left alone.

If you are staying with friends or relatives be certain to ask their permission to bring your pet. Do not assume that just because you love Fido or Kitty so will they. Upon arrival ask your hosts where they would like you to walk your dog and always clean up after him/her. Or ask where you can put the litter box for your cat (they actually have disposable boxes now). Always be respectful of your hosts' home.

So why leave your favorite pets at home? With a little bit of planning, your companion can enjoy in all your family festivities.