Traveling With Your Pet

THE BASICS

• Take along the food and water that your pet is used to.
• Bring the food and water bowls that your pet uses regularly.
• Bring some type of "place mat" to place under the bowls in case of spillage.  We don't want to give hotel and motel owners a bad impression.
• For the same reason, it is important to bring along throws to cover motel and hotel furniture.
• Please take your pet's favorite toys.  You might get a big kick out of the new scenery, but it's usually not enough of a draw to keep us really entertained.
• Remember our grooming needs.  Bring our brushes and whatever else we are used to.  We like to look our best, too, you know.
• Don't forget our bedding.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

• If you will be traveling in a colder climate, bring along a sweater for your pet, if he or she happens to be a short-hair breed.
• You should take a first aid kit for your family but also keep in mind that your pet needs one, too.  Talk with your vet about specific contents that might apply to your pet and how and when to use them.  Some items to consider taking are
• gauze pads, rolled bandages, veterinary wrap, soaker pads,
• disinfectant wash,
• moldable splint,
• needle and thread (ouch!),
• cover an injured paw,
• emetics (to induce vomiting),
• vaccination and health records.
• Of course, you would want to include any medications your pet is taking, including monthly heart worm and flea meds if you will be away from home at the time your pet usually receives them.
• Your vet might know of a ready-made pet first aid kit on the market.  Ask.
• As when traveling with human children, it's a great idea to bring along plenty of towels and clean-up supplies, but ALSO don't forget the doggie bags for removal of your pet's feces (that's a big word for poop).
• And, I need not remind you about a leash for any type of 4-legged pet: cat, dog, ferret, rabbit,  or the like.
• If you're traveling in hot weather, plenty of bottled water is a must; don't allow your pet to drink water that you wouldn't drink yourself.  We are all apt to get sick from dirty water.
• Make sure your pet doesn't get overheated; do not ever, ever, ever leave your pet in a car, unattended.  Temperature rises quickly in a closed vehicle, which can result in heat prostration and death.
• Be mindful of the effects of hot pavement on our paws.  We're not wearing shoes, you know.
• If you plan to travel in the great outdoors, call ahead.  Talk to a ranger or park manager about any plants or animal life that might be a danger to your pet.
• Groom your pet every night to check for ticks and other parasites.  Burrs, seeds, spores can get into our eyes and between our toes and cause big trouble.
• I don't have to tell you about the big danger of ticks, but I think I will anyway.   Ticks suck!!!  They carry diseases which can be passed on to your family and that cause long-term disability and can even be fatal. Think about it.

FINALLY (but don't think for a minute this is all there is to it)

• Always plan ahead when traveling with your pet.  Don't take for granted that you'll be able to find a resting place for the night that will welcome your pet as much as it welcomes you.  Here are some phone numbers you can call for reservations at hotels and motels that probably allow pets.

• Remember to check into any border regulations if you will be traveling outside of the good old U S of A.  Here are some phone numbers to call if you are planning to travel out of the country, into Canada.

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