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There
are 58 million pets in the United States, and many of them bring
their loyal companions along with them – by car, train or even by
air. And if cruising along the interstate with Fluffy perched on the
seat next to you or jetting off to a tropical locale with Tiger may
seem like a cute, trendy thing to do, animal experts warn that
precautions should be taken before leaving town. Whether you’re
visiting Grandma in Grand Junction for a summer vacation, or jetting
away for the sandy beaches of Alabama for some sun and fun, if those
plans include bringing along a friend of the four-legged variety,
planning is essential.
Animal
experts recommend some basic steps to ensure a happy trip for both
you and your pet. First of all, make sure the animal is up to the
task of traveling – a sick, very young or old, ill or pregnant pet
might be better left at home. And if they have never traveled
before, make efforts to take short trips or a weekend trip first.
A
visit to the veterinarian is a necessity, to make sure all
vaccinations are current. Some people have their pet microchipped,
which can be done at animal hospitals, humane societies, kennels and
shelters. Scanners read the implanted chips, which aid in finding
lost pets.
Pet
experts advise checking out accommodations before leaving for your
trip if you plan on staying in a hotel. The American Automobile
Association claims nearly 10,000 lodging properties across the
country accept pets. "Traveling with Your Pet – the AAA Pet
Book" includes listings of accommodations in North America that
accept pets, and outlines tips on traveling by car or air, selecting
a travel kennel and taking an outdoor or active vacation. Pets are
welcome in almost all national and state parks/recreation areas,
provided the pets are on a leash under six feet in length.
[Note:
Check this page for Part 2 of this article on Saturday.]
Web
sites devoted to traveling with pets
www.petvacations.com
www.kindplanet.org
www.petswelcome.com
www.takeyourpet.com
www.traveldog.com
www.doggonefun.com
(To
top of second column)
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A
checklist of things to do before traveling with your pet
(source:
www.takeyourpet.com)
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Determine
your pet’s ability to travel – considering your pet’s age,
health and other factors.
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Visit
the vet and get appropriate medications or treatments for
carsickness or other traveling ailments. Ask about flea,
heartworm or tick risks in the areas you will be visiting. Make
certain all vaccinations are current, and obtain health and
rabies certificates no more than 10 days prior to your departure
date.
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Get
a pet carrier.
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Verify
that your pet’s identification tags are current.
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Groom
your pet, including removing loose hair, completing necessary
flea treatment and nail trimming.
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Be
prepared. In case your pet and you become separated while away
from home, bring a recent photograph and written description of
your pet including name, breed, sex, age, any microchip numbers,
weight and height.
Things
to bring
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A
sturdy leash
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An
extra collar
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An
old blanket
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Food
and water bowls
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Portable
water bowl or bottle
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Food
and treats
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Toys
or chew items
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Two
gallons of extra drinking water from home (If your pet is
sensitive, use distilled water.)
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Some
of the pet’s bedding
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Baby
wipes or moist towelettes to wipe off paws
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Waste
removal bags
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Required
medications, supplements and preventatives
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First
aid kit
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Tweezers
to remove foreign objects from fur or paws
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Lint
and hair remover, brush and comb
[Penny Zimmerman-Wills]
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