Many of our furry friends, at least the dog variety, often like to travel with us when we go on a trip, whether by car, plane or other means of transportation.  The key to a successful trip with your pet is planning in advance for the animal.

Regardless of how you travel, you should consider whether the animal would be more comfortable at home with a pet sitter or under the watchful eye of your veterinarian’s kennel care.  This is often the case with older pets or young pets.

If you choose to have your pet accompany you, anticipate where the animal will stay.  Check with the hotel or friend’s home where you will be staying.  Make sure pets are accepted.  A portable kennel with blanket and a favorite toy may be appreciated by your pet and those you are staying with.

Well before you leave, be sure your pet is properly identified with a current identification tag and rabies tag, and, if possible, a microchip.  A bath or groom will also make your pet feel more comfortable and keep any close quarters you share cleaner.  Definitely take your pet’s regular food and favorite toy.  Do not change diets while traveling; this will only add to your pet’s stress and enhance the chance for diarrhea.  A jug of water from home is a good idea. The objective being to limit change to the intestinal tract.  Finally, if you are traveling by air or across state lines, be sure to contact your veterinarian and get copies of your pet’s current shot records and a health certificate.  You should bring this paperwork with you.  You may be asked to prove your animal is current on vaccinations and healthy.  The health certificate must be dated within 10 days of the date of travel.  You can also check the web site maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture which has links to the latest regulations promulgated by each state for the interstate movement of animals.

In addition to my above suggestions, if your trip is by car and if the animal is not accustomed to that means of travel, you should consider a “test” drive or two with you and your pet to acclimate it to the sensation.  A cage or carrier that they can move around in is also a good idea.  It offers a secure place for them and is safer for all.  The animal will not be able to interfere with your driving.  Do not allow the animal to ride with its head out the window.  Dirt particles can cause serious eye, ear or nose problems.    Rest stops every few hours are beneficial for all passengers, whether two-legged or four; however, be sure your pet is on its leash when you take it out.  Finally, do not allow your pet to stay in a locked vehicle.  It can succumb to the heat and die in just a few minutes.  Even if it is not very warm outside and you have the windows partially open, a car in the sun will quickly heat up to lethal temperatures.  Obviously, extremely cold temperatures can have the same results.

Before you travel by air with your pet you should consider that according to the Airline Transportation Association more than 5,000 animals are killed, injured or lost each year on commercial flights.  Contact the intended air carrier and find out the conditions your pet will be subjected to.  If possible, have the animal travel with you in the passenger compartment.  The airline will also explain its requirements for the transportation of  your friend.

Make sure the pet carrier is well marked with name, address, telephone numbers (especially cell phone) and final destination.  Travel on the same flight as your pet and ask if you can watch the animal being loaded and unloaded into and from the cargo hold.  On board, notify the captain and at least one of the flight attendants that your pet is traveling in the cargo hold of the plane.  Use direct flights and do not fly your pet in hot or cold weather.

The information provided in this article has been gratefully researched from the web sites for the American Veterinary Medical Association and the SPCA of Texas.