Pet Page
For
some pet parents, a trip's no fun if the four-legged members of the
family can't come. But traveling can be highly stressful, both for you
and your animal companions. With thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a
safe and comfortable trip for everyone.
Planning a road trip?
Traveling with a pet involves more than just loading the animal in the
back seat and motoring off-especially if you will be driving long
distances or plan to be away for a long time. The ASPCA offers the
following tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth car trip:
1.
Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier.
There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers
available. Whatever you choose, make sure it's large enough for your pet
to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. And P.S., it's smart to get
your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your home before your
trip.
2. Get your pet
geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives
first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure
to always secure the crate so it won't slide or shift in the event of a
quick stop.
3. Your
pet's travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to
four hours prior to departure. Don't feed your furry friend in a moving
vehicle-even if it is a long drive.
4.
Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even
with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no
time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a
refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to
death.
5. What in your
pet's traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a
waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet
first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of
familiarity.
6. Make
sure your pet has a microchip for identification and wears a collar with
a tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel
tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other
relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!)
collars, please.
7. Don't
allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. This can
subject him to inner ear damage and lung infections, and he could be
injured by flying objects. And please keep him in the back seat in his
crate or with a harness attached to a seat buckle.
8. Traveling
across state lines? Bring along your pet's rabies vaccination record,
as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings.
While this generally isn't a problem, it's always smart to be on the
safe side.
9. When it
comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in
plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he's not used to could result
in tummy upset for your pet.
10. If
you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in
rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto
product retailers
