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Preparing Your Pet's Travel Supplies

Travel carriers

Travel carriers are useful when your pet is traveling by car; they
are mandatory when your pet is traveling by air. Your pet's carrier
should be durable and smooth-edged with opaque sides, a grille door,
and several ventilation holes on each of the four sides. Choose a
carrier with a secure door and door latch. If you are traveling by
air, your carrier should have food and water dishes. Pet carriers may
be purchased from pet-supply stores or bought directly from domestic
airlines. Select a carrier that has enough room to permit your animal
to sit and lie down but is not large enough to allow your pet to be
tossed about during travel. You can make the carrier more comfortable
by lining the interior with shredded newspaper or a towel.

It is wise to acclimate your pet to the carrier in the months or
weeks preceding your trip. Permit your pet to explore the carrier.
Place your pet's food dish inside the carrier and confine him or her
to the carrier for brief periods.

To introduce your pet to car travel in the carrier, confine him or
her in the carrier and take short drives around the neighborhood. If
properly introduced to car travel, most dogs and cats will quickly
adjust to and even enjoy car trips.

Careful Preparation is the Key

When packing, don't forget your pet's food, food and water dishes,
bedding, litter and litter box, leash, collar and tags, grooming
supplies, and a first-aid kit and any necessary medications. Always
have a container of drinking water with you.

Your pet should wear a sturdy collar with ID tags throughout the
trip. The tags should have both your permanent address and telephone
number and an address and telephone number where you or a contact can
be reached during your travels.

Traveling can be upsetting to your pet's stomach. Take along ice
cubes, which are easier on your pet than large amounts of water. You
should keep feeding to a minimum during travel. (Provide a light meal
for your pet two to three hours before you leave, if you are
traveling by car, or four to six hours before departure if traveling
by air.) Allow small amounts of water periodically in the hours
before the trip.

Carry a current photograph of your pet with you. If your pet is lost
during a trip, a photograph will make it easier for others (airline
employees, the police, shelter workers, and others) to help you find
your pet.

Go to http://tinyurl.com/bpx3e for links to:
Animal-Friendly Hotel Accommodations
Traveling by Car
Traveling by Ship or Train
What You Need Before You Travel

Copyright © 2006 The Humane Society of the United States. All rights
reserved.

Posted on SHARE Yahoo group 11/5/06