1. Have your pet thoroughly examined by your veterinarian before hitting the road for a long trip to make sure he or she is healthy, properly vaccinated and on an appropriate flea and tick preventative.
2. The safest place for your pet while traveling in the car is in a crate or kennel. Take time to acclimate your pet to the crate in your home before you begin your trip. You can create a positive association for the crate by feeding your dog his or her meals in it. You can also try giving your pet certain special treats or stuffed toys only in the crate so that he or she goes into the crate more easily. Another safe choice is a pet-approved seat belt harness.
3. If traveling by plane, always check with your airline for rules and limitations on the size of your pet, type/ size of crate required, health certifications and any other pertinent information. Your pet will need to be examined by a veterinarian and receive a certification prior to flying. Do your research to find the right airline that meets your preferences and needs.
4. Plan ahead! Make sure your destination offers pet -friendly hotels and accommodations, as well as pet-friendly parks and attractions you can enjoy together.
5. Never leave your pet unattended in a hotel room; even a well-behaved pet can react in a new environment and become vocal, creating an unpleasant experience for others.
6. Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle, especially during extremely warm or cold weather. A car can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even on a mild sunny day, and it can get cold just as quickly in the winter months.
7. Always clean up after your pet at any location. Cleaning up is not only polite to other guests, but it can also prevent the spread of disease and ensure that the city, town or hotel you are visiting continues to welcome pets.
8. Identify 24-hour veterinary clinics where you are traveling in case of emergency.
9. Keep your dog on a leash at all times while traveling. Make sure your pet is wearing the proper tags, including his or her rabies tag and contact information tag. Don’t forget that sometimes collars slip off, so have your pet microchipped to ensure he or she can be identified and reunited with you quickly if he or she becomes lost.
10. Bring your pet's vaccination records with you. It can also be helpful to bring a current photograph and description of your pet, in case he or she gets lost.
11. Have proper identification on your pet (and its crate, if crating) while traveling.
12. Make sure to bring plenty of food for your pet as well as clean water, toys, bed, crate, bowls, and baggies for clean-up. A portable nylon water bowl that can be easily filled, rinsed out and dried will come in handy.
13. Finally, enjoy your trip! Vacationing with your pet can be a fun and rewarding experience so long as you prepare both your pet and family for the adventure ahead!
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