Proper Preparation Makes Traveling with Pets a Peaceful Proposition

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As pet lovers, we often bring along the family pet on that fun road trip. Veterinarian Dr. Peter Eeg says, "A trip with a pet can be wonderful. Just prepare for your pet's travel needs as you do for the rest of your family." Here are some tips for making sure your dog or cat travels comfortably for your getaway in the family car.

Travel by car with Dogs or Cats:

• A carrier or portable kennel is useful if your pet is used to one. You can safely leave the pet in it while you are in your car or hotel room
• Have your dog's nails clipped before the trip to prevent scratching or tearing the car's upholstery
• A dog should sit or lie quietly in its own place keeping its head inside the car; never permit a dog to hang its head outside the window
• Cats often need their own space inside a car and many are better off inside a carrier where they are safe and can't get under the brake pedal
• Attach your pet's identification and rabies tags firmly to its collar
• Never leave your pet unattended in a motor vehicle, even for a minute

As you do for yourself, pack a travel kit for your pet.

• Sufficient supply of pet's regular food
• Can opener (if you use canned food)
• Pet's food and water dishes
• Water, tightly sealed (bottled or your home tap water)
• Blanket (if pet uses one for sleeping)
• Favorite toy (but nothing new)
• Favorite treats (but nothing new)
• Comb or brush
• Towel or paper towels for clean up
• Flea or tick repellent applied before you leave home (consult with your veterinarian)
• If necessary, a sedative prescribed by your veterinarian
• Scooper and plastic bags to clean up after your pet during stops
• Air freshener if you will be taking your pet into a motel or hotel room
• Purchase a seat belt restraint device for your dog or to attach to the carrier

Additional Trip Dos:

• Administer a sedative as directed only if your veterinarian has prescribed one
• Keep established walking and feeding routines
• Limit treats for snacks during the day
• Stop at regular intervals to give your pet a drink and a short run; keep your pet on a leash
• Attach the leash before leaving the car and detach after re-entering the car

Additional Trip Don'ts:

• Do not feed or water the pet just before starting on the trip
• Never let your pet run loose in a strange place
• Do not permit your pet to bother other people or animals during stops
• Do not walk your pet on manicured lawns, gardens or swimming pool areas
• Do not leave the pet alone in a motel room unless the animal is in a travel crate. You don't want your pet escaping if the maid enters the room. You also don't want to deal with any "accidents" that might occur while you're away.
• Do not let strangers, especially children, or other animals approach your pet if he is acting nervous

Last Minute Checklist:

• Are travel ID and rabies tags attached to your pet's collar?
• Are necessary health documents and your pet's veterinary record handy?
• Is your pet's travel kit packed?
• Do you have plenty of water for your pet?
• Do you have the leash, scooper, and cleaning materials?
• If needed, have you given your pet his sedative or tranquilizer?
• Is the pet or its carrier situated so that it is secure?

Dr. Eeg also reminds people to be very attentive to their pet's behavior during travel. If the animal becomes ill, be prepared to take him to a veterinarian in the city you're visiting. "Ask your veterinarian for a reference to veterinarian at your travel destination. Your pet is part of the family and will enjoy the vacation as much as you do," Eeg points out. "Just use common sense in your preparation and everyone will have a great trip."

The web site www.invisiblefence.com lists hundreds of qualified veterinarians in cities across the United States.