Pets can safely accompany their owners on vacations, as long as certain precautions are taken.
Keep cats leashed for their own protection. A harness usually works better than a collar.
Veterinarian Linda Wolf provides tips for traveling with pets.
When traveling with family pets, the biggest thing to keep in mind is the safety of the animal. Make sure they remain in one spot to keep them from moving around in the vehicle.
Barriers are available to keep pets in the cargo areas of station wagons and sports-utility vehicles. Other ways to keep the pet contained is to fasten it in a harness or put it in a portable kennel.
A kennel is very effective, especially if the pet stays in the kennel frequently at home.
Traveling supplies include food, water, any medications the pet is taking, a can opener, toys, leash and a collar.
Always make sure pets have identification on them at all times. The tags should have an address and a phone number on them. If a pet spends a lot of time with you on the road, put the license number of your vehicle on the tag as well.
When traveling on airlines, call in advance to find out their rules concerning pets. There are many regulations you may need to know about before traveling.
Buy a specialized carrier for use on airplanes. Freeze some water in a plastic container and put it in the carrier with the pet. It will be able to lick the moisture from condensation off the container.
Be sure that their temperature is kept low. They can't be left for very long in a car, and they must have adequate ventilation.
Practice good etiquette when staying at hotels. Bring an extra sheet if the pet is used to sleeping on the bed. If traveling with a cat, make sure the litter box is kept in the bathroom.
Always keep a pet on a leash at rest stops for its safety as well as fellow travelers. Though they may be well-behaved, dogs can spook easily and become unpredictable.
Check with the management of hotels, resorts and campgrounds before leaving a pet unattended. If they allow it, leave toys around for the pet to play with and leave a radio or television on so that it has a sense of companionship.
Put the food and water dishes in the bathroom or on a tiled or hardwood floor. Animals aren't always that neat and tidy when they eat.
Fish must be transported quickly, and they need extra oxygen for the trip.
