FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2008
Contact: Chris Davis
Phone: 584-2999
e-mail: chrisd@knoxarc.org
Pets On The Go – Five Tips For Traveling With
Your Pet
With more and more motels becoming
pet-friendly, it's evident that bringing the family pet along on trips is
gaining popularity. Those who do opt to travel with their pet reveal that
their biggest fear of doing so is that their pet will get sick, hurt, or lost
during the trip. When you're hundreds of miles away from your veterinarian,
searching an unfamiliar town for pet care help can be daunting. But with careful
planning and preparation, you can minimize your fears and make traveling with
your pet an enjoyable experience. Use the following guidelines to help plan your
next trip with your favorite four-legged friend.
1. Consider all your options.
Many times your pet will be happier if allowed to travel with you. If you're
thinking about taking your pet with you on vacation, consider the pet's health,
whether your pet likes to travel, where you'll be staying, and time of year.
Always do what's best for your pet. And if you decide not to bring your animal
companion with you, investigate local kennels and pet-sitting services (may have
requirements for vaccinations), and talk to friends, family, and neighbors about
possibly watching your pet while you're away.
2. Know what to pack.
If you've decided that bringing your pet is indeed the best option, you need to
pack for your pet, just as you pack for yourself. The essentials to pack
include: medications and medical records, food and bowls, a pet first aid kit,
bedding, leash, collar and tags, current pet photo (in case your pet gets lost),
a favorite toy or two, a sturdy and well-ventilated carrier, litter and a litter
box (for cats). To make things easier for yourself, have one bag or small
suitcase just for your pet's supplies.
3. Get the pet's papers and medications in
order.
Before any trip, have your pet examined by your veterinarian. Get any required
legal travel documents (for air travel, contact the airlines for specifics that
you'll need), make sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date, and get any
medications your pet might need during the trip. If you're giving your pet
medication specifically for travel, such as to reduce anxiety or travel sickness
symptoms, test them on your pet several days in advance to ensure that your pet
doesn't suffer any adverse side effects.
4. Know the rules of the road.
Build extra time for stops into the trip so that your pet will be able to take
frequent breaks, getting out to stretch his legs and have a drink of water. All
cats should be in a crate or carrier. Dogs can be either in crate or carrier, or
restrained in a special harness that attaches to the seat belt. Also, never
allow your pet to ride in the front passenger seat (especially one that is
airbag-equipped), and never let your pet out of the car without proper
restraint. And although most dogs love to ride with their head out the window,
don't allow it; they could get hurt from flying debris. Finally, never leave
your pet alone in a parked car. He or she will be vulnerable to heat distress or
theft.
5. Make the skies pet-friendly.
If you decide that air travel is necessary, make your travel arrangements well
in advance and ask about all regulations, including any quarantine requirements
at your destination. If your pet must travel in the luggage or cargo area, use a
direct flight, travel on the same flight as your pet, don't travel when
temperatures are above 85 degrees Fahrenheit or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and
ask to watch your pet being loaded and unloaded.
For additional information on Pet First Aid
Training, visit
www.knoxarc.org.
