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Car
trips can be hazardous to your pet, and owners must practice safety
precautions just as they would for a child or adult passenger. A
sturdy, ventilated crate of adequate size must be provided for pets
to travel in. Having a small dog sitting on the driver’s lap,
looking out the window or letting Felix the cat sun himself in the
rear back window is not a good idea. A sudden stop or even an
accident can send your pet flying through a window. A loose pet in a
car can also escape if someone opens the door, forgetting that
animals are able to jump out before you can grab them. Special
harnesses like seatbelts are available for dogs, and a cat carrier
can always be used to transport your cat safely. Of course, make
sure the carrier is also secured to the back seat with a seatbelt.
Small dogs or cats riding in a carrier can usually travel by train
free of charge.
During
your trip, always keep fresh water available and avoid sudden
changes of diet.
Although
many people aren’t aware they can take their pet with them when
they take to the friendly skies, all they have to do is become
familiar with the major airlines’ rules and policies. General tips
include always having your pet’s leash and collar available for
walking prior to departure; have identification tags for your pet
and travel kennel; never use a muzzle on your pet during travel; and
always make advanced reservations or arrangements with the airline
when making your own reservations.
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If
your pet travels with you in the cabin or as checked luggage in the
cargo area, which will be primarily determined by size, your pet
will need to be contained in a kennel or container. Most pet supply
stores carry both soft-sided and hard-sided kennels approved for air
travel. Most airlines also sell kennels. The kennel size needed is
determined by the animal’s width, height and the length from nose
to root of tail. It’s important that your pet can stand, sit, turn
around and lie down comfortably throughout the flight.
Not
only are people traveling with their pets these days, but many
hotels are catering to the animal lovers and their pets. The
pet-friendly Soho Grand Hotel in Manhattan goes so far as offering
pet-sitting services and a day at the salon or limo service to the
airport. Special gourmet dinners can be ordered through room service
at The Sutton Place Hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia – not for
you, but for your pet, as part of a Very Important Pet program.
While not everyone may want to pamper their pet to that extreme,
many people are deciding they don’t want leave their pets home
alone.
And
even though summer is a popular time of the year to take vacations,
experts warn that animals can suffer from heatstroke from being left
in a hot car. They advise leaving at least two windows open to
provide fresh air and providing plenty of fresh water. Since dogs
have a hard time keeping cool when riding in a car, many people try
to avoid traveling during the hottest of summer months.
[Penny Zimmerman-Wills]
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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
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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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