Preparing Your Pet For Vacation
Thursday, May 15, 2008
By: Alicia Wright

The key to an enjoyable time!

So you’ve taken the plunge…you’re bringing Fido or Fluffy along.  Before heading out the door, make sure you are prepared so that you are not faced with unnecessary challenges during your trip.

1. Consider scheduling a pre-trip veterinary examination.  It is always wise to know the state of your pet’s health before going on the road.  This can save you and your pet a great deal of discomfort in the event that your pet is harboring an illness.  Additionally, many forms of travel require legal documentation, which must include a health certificate.

2. When traveling, bring copies of your pet’s health certificate and medical records.  This will save you valuable time in the event that your pet faces an emergency and must visit a veterinarian while you are on vacation.

3. Pets can travel freely throughout the continental United States with the proper documentation.  Travel to Hawaii requires a 30-120 day quarantine depending on the species of pet so check prior to travel.  Travel to Alaska requires going through Canada so check the vaccination requirements applicable in the provinces you will be traveling to on your way to Alaska.

4. Foreign countries all have different vaccination and quarantine requirements.  Make sure to thoroughly investigate prior to considering a trip off of American soil with your pet.  Additionally, there are some breeds of different species of animals that are banned from certain countries.

5. The safest way to contain your pet while traveling is in their appropriately sized crate.  This is a requirement for air travel.  If your pet is not used to being in a crate, you should work to acclimate them for several weeks at minimum so that you reduce their stress.

6. Make sure to pack their normal food, travel dishes, bedding, litter and litter box, leash, collar, tags, first-aid kit with any necessary medications and any grooming supplies you think you may need while you are away.

7. Make sure to have a current photograph of your pet with you in the event that your pet is lost.  Ideally, this photograph should be an image of YOU with your pet.  This will make it easier for others to help you find your pet.

8. Travel can be upsetting to your pet’s stomach so don’t feed more than a small meal and small amounts of water before you leave.  Give small amounts of water during travel as large amounts can add to gastrointestinal stress.

9. Make sure you plan ahead for your pet friendly accommodations.  While there are a growing number of lodging opportunities that allow pets, they all have different rules and regulations.  Additionally, because of the increasing popularity of traveling with pets, they fill up quickly.  It is best to be prepared so that you can insure an enjoyable stay.


http://www.petswelcome.com/, http://www.dogfriendly.com/, http://www.petvacationhomes.com/ and http://www.petfriendlytravel.com/ are all websites that can all provide a great deal of information about pet friendly accommodations and vacation opportunities.