Traveling Pets
Traveling with your pet can be a wonderful experience if done right. If you are not prepared it can turn into a total nightmare. No one wants to leave their pet at home when they go away, but sometimes it's best for everyone involved. You and your pet may be happier in the long run.
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1. Start your trip with a healthy pet.Check in with your veterinarian at least one week before you begin your trip to be sure your pet is healthy and all vaccinations are current. Your vet can also alert you to any special problems that may exist in the area you are planning to visit. 2. Be sure to pack all the paperwork.Be sure to have a current health certificate, license and proof of all vaccinations. Bring along your vet's phone number-it's a lot easier (and cheaper) to call your vet with a non-emergency concern than to try to find a local one who doesn't know your dogs.
3. Have your pet wear identification at all times.Your pet's I.D. tags should include your name, address, and phone number, and if you are staying somewhere for a while, add a local phone number where you can be reached in case you are separated from your pooch. Pack a recent photo of your dog too, just in case. 4. Make sure your dog is travel-worthy.Not all dogs are natural-born travelers. It's best to get your dog accustomed to riding in a car at a very young age, but even older canines can adapt. Take them on short trips (10-15 minutes) to the store or to a park for a game of fetch. Make it fun and part of your usual routine. Gradually lengthen the drives so your dog is in the car for a few hours. Try very hard to avoid having your puppy's first car adventure be a trip to the vet! 5. Keep your dog cool and comfortable.If you are traveling by car, always keep a car window open so your pet has fresh air and when you park, try to find a nice patch of shade and don't leave your dog in the car unattended for long periods of time. 6. Plan ahead for all accommodations.This is especially important during peak travel times when motels, hotels, and campgrounds fill up quickly. Many accommodations do not accept pets and some that do have only a limited number of rooms available to pet owners. If you are planning to fly with your dog, you should make reservations at least 3 months prior to your journey since many airlines limit the number of pets flying on each plane (both in the cabin and in the hold).
7. Make sure your dog is well-trained before taking her/him on the road.Please be sure your dog has learned the basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and quiet before you embark on a trip of any length. This is necessary for your dog's safety and for your own sanity. Traveling pets are usually a little nervous to start with, so having a dog that listens sure makes it easier. 8. Keep your dog leashed whenever possible.Many places require this anyway, but keeping your pet on a leash is the best way to prevent runaway dogs. In fact, even before you get your dog out of the car, it's best put him on a leash so he doesn't leap out of the vehicle ahead of you and dash off to investigate some tantalizing aroma.
9. Clean up after your dog-please!No one actually likes this task but it is necessary. The more people pick up after their dogs, the more welcome all dogs will in public places. Tip: Always travel with a 4-1 mix of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle to remove traces of any indoor accidents or lingering doggy smell. 10. Try to create a traveling environment that is as close to home" as possible.This means trying to feed your dog the same food at the same time you feed her at home. Also if you pet sleeps in a crate at home, bring it along. If he doesn't have a crate, bring an old blanket or large towel to create a designated pet area in your sleeping quarters.
Car sick pets.Occasionally riding in the car can upset your pet's stomach. Take along ice cubes, which are easier on your pet than large amounts of water. It is recommended that you keep feeding to a minimum during travel. A light meal for your pet two to three hours before you leave is advised. If you are flying in a plane, a light meal four to six hours before departure is recommended. Allow small amounts of water periodically in the hours before the trip. 
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