November 2000 Newsletter
Whether it's homecoming at the alma mater or a holiday weekend at grandmother's house, fall is the season for weekend car trips. Many travelers want to bring the family pet, but wonder whether they will enjoy the road with Buddy or Fluffy in the back seat.
Pet experts say that there are three essential components to successful travel with a dog or cat: first, know your pet; second, consider your destination; and third, take the time to prepare.
Know Your Pet You should always begin by considering your pet's personality and flexibility.
"Travel can be very stressful for pets," notes Dr. Larry Nieman, a veterinarian with more than 25 years in practice. "While dogs, in particular, enjoy getting out of the house, many pets simply do not do well on long car trips."
If your pet gets car sick on short jaunts around town, don't subject him or her to a weekend-long drive. On the other hand, if your pet can't wait to go for a ride in the car, he may be a great candidate for joining you on that weekend get-away.
Consider your Destination It's best to leave your pet behind if you plan to visit sites that are not pet-friendly. "It's just not fair to keep your pet cooped up in the car or a strange hotel room," notes Dr. Nieman. "Frankly, he'll be much happier in a quality boarding kennel with a regular schedule and plenty of human contact."
You should also leave your pet behind if you are traveling to a different area of the country, especially in the woods or countryside, where you might expose your pets to new diseases because of parasites that are not common to your home region. Dr. Neiman recommends checking with your veterinarian for advice if you aren't sure about risks to your pet.
Plan Ahead If your pet is a good traveler and your destination is pet-friendly, it's time to start planning. Steps for successful travel with a pet include:
Book Lodging Early. While more hotels and motels are opening rooms to travelers with pets, those accommodations fill up quickly so book early. Be sure to check on any restrictions, especially if you have a large or very active dog. If your hotel won't accept pets, check for nearby kennels that will board your pet overnight.
Prepare Identification Tags. Be sure your pet has identification - for your destination, as well as for home. If he gets lost or separated from you during the trip, you want someone who finds him to be able to contact you right away - not after you arrive home.
Use Safety Restraints. Never let an animal ride loose on the seat or floor. Many accidents occur when a pet suddenly jumps onto the driver. Most cats and small dogs do well in a standard carrier. For larger pets, there are special canine safety harnesses, which attach to seat belts. Or, if you drive a station wagon, van or S.U.V., you can install a gate that gives your pet his own space in the back of the vehicle.
Plan for Stretch Breaks. Once on the road, plan to stop about every two hours to give your pet a chance to stretch. Be sure to include a leash in your travel kit so your pet won't get separated from you in unfamiliar territory. Offer Plenty of Water. Always carry fresh water and offer it to your pet frequently so he won't become dehydrated. For travel, dry food is generally more convenient and safer than canned, but if your pet prefers canned food, dispose of any unused portion unless it can be refrigerated immediately.
Don't Leave Pets in the Car. Never leave your pet alone in a parked car for more than a few minutes at a time. Even in autumn, temperatures can change suddenly, putting your pet at risk for heat stroke or hypothermia.
For more advice on travel with pets and suggestions on pet-friendly destinations, try websites such as www.petswelcome.com or www.dogfriendly.com. If you decide your pet would be happier staying behind, be sure to book with your kennel early. Good boarding kennels fill up quickly during the peak fall travel season.
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