A Dummies Guide to Traveling with Your Pet

This summer season, millions of Americans will be hitting the roads to spend time with friends and relatives, vacationing in cities and national parks, and many will be bringing their companion animals with them. It is estimated that up to 70 percent of pet owners vacation or travel with their pets. There are hotels and places you can stay in that are pet-friendly, which make it a bit easier, but you still need to do some basic planning yourself.

Should I Bring My Pet?
While it's tempting to want to bring your pet with you, some animals aren't suited to travel. So before you bring your 'best friend' with you, go through the following checklist first:

• Is it safe if I bring my pet with me?
Honestly evaluate your animal's health and his ability to travel.

• Is my pet used to traveling?
If your dog runs and hides when you open the car door, consider hiring a pet sitter and leaving him at home.

• Is this trip 'pet-appropriate'?
For some destinations, you can tell right away that it's not good for your pets.

After going through the questions, and you feel the trip will be good for your pet, or if the trip is a must because you are relocating, it's important to plan and minimize the risk to your 'best friend'.

• Preparation
If your pet's only experience in a car has been a trip to the vet, you will want to acclimate him to riding in the car a few weeks before your trip. You can start by taking him on short trips first, for example, when you shop for groceries and when you do your errands. And always remember to end the trip with a positive reward, such as a special treat or fun activity. Slowly lengthen the trips to 30 minutes or one hour.

• Safety on the Road
If you travel with your kids, you always fasten their seatbelts. Do the same for your pets. For your animal's safety, always restrain him when traveling. A variety of restraints are available that offer added mobility and provide an option to the traditional metal travel crate. Think safety harnesses that can attach to any seatbelt, or even safety gates that will allow your pet some mobility in their own space, as you travel. Sturdy, well ventilated crates are a must for smaller animals, such as cats, that normally don't travel as much as dogs.

RV's offer pet-owners more freedom and interaction with their animals, but it's still important to pet-proof these rolling homes. All objects, including food and medicine, should be properly stowed, and all closet and cabinet doors should be securely closed. Use gates to block off space for smaller pets, to minimize injuries as you do sudden stops or turns. Whether you drive an RV or a regular vehicle, make sure you do regular pit stops for your pets. And always remember to put the leash on your pet before you open the vehicle's doors.

• Bring a Pet Travel Kit
Don't forget to pack a separate bag for your animal. Make sure you bring his favorite food to avoid upset stomachs, and to bring some water too since the water in other places may not suit him at all . For cats, it's a good idea to bring a disposable litter box. It should come in handy for those emergencies or overnight stops. A pet first-aid kit is a must, in case of accidents. Also bring a favorite toy or object that you feel will make your pet more relaxed as he travels to new surroundings. Keep a current health certificate for your pet handy during interstate travel, because many states require one.

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