Travel Recommendations If You Want to Bring Your Pet

This summer season, millions of Americans will be hitting the roads to spend time with friends and family, 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?
This means you have to make the call if your pet is fit enough to travel.

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

• Will this trip be appropriate for my pet
Some destinations just are not pet-friendly.

If, after answering these questions, you feel that the trip is in your pet's best interest, or if it is necessary because you are moving, taking the proper precautions can minimize the risk to your 'best friend'.

• Preparation
If your dog's only travel experience has been going to the vet, you may want to practice him on the art of traveling in a car, preferable a few weeks before you really take him on long trips. 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.

• Road Safety
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. If you do need crates for example, for the smaller animals such as your cats, make sure they are well ventilated.

If you roll using one of those big RV's, you do have more freedom and flexibility, but you still need to be aware of the basics. Make sure all items, such as food or medicine, are properly stowed and secured inside your RV. To avoid injury to loose animals during sudden stops and turns, block off small areas with baby gates. No matter what type of vehicle you drive, you will need to stop every few hours for a pet pit stop. Also make sure your pets have their leash as you open your vehicle's doors when you go for these pit stops.

• Bring a Pet Travel Kit
Always pack a separate bag for your pet. To avoid an upset stomach, take some of his favorite food, as well as a gallon of water because water characteristics change regionally. Cats can generally travel up to 10 hours without having to use a litterbox, but it never hurts to bring along a disposable litterbox for emergencies or overnight stops. A pet first-aid kit is a must, in case of accidents. And a favorite toy or pillow will give your animal a sense of familiarity. Keep a current health certificate for your pet handy during interstate travel, because many states require one.

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