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This summer, millions of Americans will be hitting the roads to spend time with friends and family, vacationing in cities and national parks, and many will be bringing their companion animals with them. It is estimated that up to 70 percent of pet owners vacation or travel with their pets. There are hotels and places you can stay in that are pet-friendly, which make it a bit easier, but you still need to do some basic planning yourself. Is it a Good Idea to Bring My Pet? Remember that some pets are not too comfortable with traveling. So before you bring your 'best friend' with you, go through the following checklist first: • Is it safe if I bring my pet with me? Honestly evaluate your animal's health and his ability to travel. • Is my pet used to traveling? If your dog runs and hides when you open the car door, consider hiring a pet sitter and leaving him at home. • Is this trip 'pet-appropriate'? Some destinations just are not pet-friendly. After going through the questions, and you feel the trip will be good for your pet, or if the trip is a must because you are relocating, it's important to plan and minimize the risk to your 'best friend'. • Do Your Homework If your dog's only travel experience has been going to the vet, you may want to practice him on the art of traveling in a car, preferable a few weeks before you really take him on long trips. Start with short trips, such as 5 or 10 minute drives. And always remember to end the trip with a positive reward, such as a special treat or fun activity. Slowly lengthen the trips to 30 minutes or one hour. • Safety on the Road We fasten our seatbelts, so why not our pets? For your animal's safety, always restrain him when traveling. You do not need to always go with those metal travel crates, as there are other options nowadays that offer more comfort and mobility . Safety harnesses, which attach to any seatbelt, allow your animal to sit or stand comfortably, while safety gates, made either of metal or mesh, give him mobility in a restricted area. Sturdy, well ventilated crates are a must for smaller animals, such as cats, that normally don't travel as much as dogs. If you roll using one of those big RV's, you do have more freedom and flexibility, but you still need to be aware of the basics. All objects, including food and medicine, should be properly stowed, and all closet and cabinet doors should be securely closed. Use gates to block off space for smaller pets, to minimize injuries as you do sudden stops or turns. Whether you drive an RV or a regular vehicle, make sure you do regular pit stops for your pets. And always remember to put the leash on your pet before you open the vehicle's doors. • Travel Kit Always pack a separate bag for your pet. To avoid an upset stomach, take some of his favorite food, as well as a gallon of water because water characteristics change regionally. Cats can generally travel up to 10 hours without having to use a litterbox, but it never hurts to bring along a disposable litterbox for emergencies or overnight stops. You will also need to bring a pet first-aid kit and some extra towels, in case of accidents. And a favorite toy or pillow will give your animal a sense of familiarity. And last but not least, bring your pet's health certificate especially if you are traveling across state lines, as most states might sometimes ask for it.
Article Source: http://www.charlottechroniclesnc.com
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