Tips When Traveling With Your Pet

Are you taking your dog or your cat with on your next trip? Bringing your pet with you seems fun and exciting, but remember that these animals need to be taken cared of. Here are a number of dos and don’ts to help you on your nest vacation with your pet:

DOs

1. Do plan lodging ahead of time. Many hotels and motels now are allowing visitors to check in with their animals. Ask about pet fees, which vary enormously and may or may not be refundable if you leave without damaging the room. You can also check online, there are a lot of great pet-friendly travel Web sites on the Internet.

2. Do visit your vet first before taking your pet on your travel. Be sure your pet is healthy and all vaccinations are current (be sure to have your vet’s number, just in case).

3. Do bring water and food from home to prevent tummy upsets. Keeping your pet on his usual food and water while traveling can minimize stomach upset, a change of food can cause diarrhea or constipation at the best of times.

4. Do be sure your pet has its tag on and be sure to include your phone number — or where you can be reached during your travels. Just being sure if your pet wanders off and takes its own vacation.

5. Do ask yourself, “Will my pet enjoy this trip?” If you’re not quite sure about it, you might want to have a pet sitter or leave your pet at a well-managed boarding facility.

DON’Ts

1. Don’t travel in hot weather. Traveling on Spring and fall may be better than summer if you’re driving with your pet. Keep your pets in a cool place — not in a car when the summer sun shines. Temperatures in the 70s can quickly heat a car to dangerous levels if it’s parked in the sun and that wouldn’t be cool for your pet.

2. Don’t let your pet ride loose in the car. Place your dogs and cats in crates — it’s safer for the pet and for the driver. But remember to keep the crates well ventilated.

3. Don’t forget to take breaks during a long travel, so you and your pet can stretch. While most dogs love to go for car rides, it can be stressful on them when the ride becomes too long.

4. Don’t let your pet off-leash, even if your dog is perfectly behaved all the time. Dogs can become frightened in a strange place and bolt, so be sure to secure your pet’s leash.

5. Don’t leave your pets unattended in a hotel or any lodging place. Many dogs will bark or destroy property if left alone in a strange place.