Is your pet comfortable and happy when traveling? Some animals, like many people, only like familiar surroundings. A car-sick, unhappy animal can make a trip miserable.  Ill or physically impaired dogs and cats cannot withstand the rigors of travel.  If your pet is not in good health, leave it with a relative or a good boarding kennel.  The Animal Care Center's Kennel and Cattery is always available to care for your pets while you are out of town.

Before you travel, find out in advance if your pet is welcome at the hotels, motels, parks, and campgrounds where you will be staying. Don't permit the animal to sleep on beds, chairs, or bedspreads. If the animal must be left alone in the room, place a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door and inform the maid or front desk.

Be sure your pet wears a collar with complete identification and a license tag.  Even better, consider "microchipping" your pet to allow animal shelters across the country to identify you as your pet's owner, even if it loses its collar and tags.  Bring rabies vaccination certificate if you will cross state or international borders.  Be prepared to present a health certificate, especially if you travel to Canada or Mexico.  And be sure to bring your pet's favorite food, toy(s), and dishes.
 
Tips For Travel By Car
If your pet is not accustomed to the car, take it for a few short rides before the trip.  You'll help your pet become accustomed to the sensation of movement, and learn whether or not your pet is prone to motion sickness.  If your pet has difficulty with car travel, call our office to talk about treatment options. 

Cats and small dogs can safely ride in a carrying case.  Dog seat belts are also available at most specialty pet supply stores and by catalog.  These restraints not only protect your pet from being injured in an accident or during a rapid stop, they also can prevent you from getting into an accident due to a rambunctious pet.  Don't forget that, like children, pets are safest in the back seat of your car.  Tempting as it may be to allow your pet to travel in the front passenger seat, doing so exposes your pet to the risk of hitting the windshield in an accident, or being hit and killed by a deployed airbag.

When traveling, stick to your regular feeding routine unless our veterinarians advise otherwise.  Give the main meal at the end of the day or when you've reached your destination.  It will be more convenient to feed dry food if the pet is used to it.  Dispose of unused canned food unless it can be refrigerated.  Take along a plastic jug of cold water to avoid possible stomach upset the first day.  Give small portions of both food and water and plan to stop every two hours for exercise.  And remember to include a leash in your travel kit.  Grooming (bathing, combing, nail trim) before the trip will make the animal more comfortable, and may make your pet a more welcome guest at your destination.

For Travel By Air
You can minimize the chances of an unpleasant or unsafe experience by following a few guidelines.  Regulations state that dogs and cats must be at least 8 weeks old and weaned at least 5 days before flying.  Current health and rabies vaccination certificates will be required.

Contact the airline well in advance to check regulations and services and to make reservations for your pet.  Try to book a direct, midweek flight or one with a minimum of stops.  During warmer periods reduce risk of dangerous overheating by choosing early morning or late evening flights.

Arrive at the airport early, exercise your pet, place it in a crate yourself, and pick up your animal promptly upon arrival.  Make sure that the locking mechanism on your crate is reliable and secure.  Don't take leashed animals on escalators.  The proper cage, available from most airlines or pet shops, should have the following features:

Consult our veterinarians for specific feeding instructions and special issues of concern for your individual pet.  Age and size of the pet, time and distance of the flight, health, and regular dietary routine must be considered.

For Travel By Bus or Train
Most states prohibit animals on buses, and recent rules now prohibit animals on trains.  Exceptions are generally made for seeing-eye dogs accompanying blind persons.  Inquire in advance with local carriers.
 
When Camping With Pets
When camping, be cautious around skunks, porcupines, snakes, and other creatures can bite or injure your pet.  Keep your animal in sight and on a leash.  Be considerate of other campers, and be cautious around their pets.  As always, keep a first aid kit available.  Think ahead about possible hazards (for example, if taking your dog on a fishing trip be prepared with wire-cutters, in case the dog steps on a fishing hook, a common hazard along lakesides).
 
For Post-Trip Examination
When you return home, check your pet carefully to be sure that it has not picked up any parasites in contaminated exercise or wooded areas.