Although your pet may be your best friend, traveling with him may be less than friendly. Here are some tips to make automobile travel safe, comfortable and less hectic on both of you!

TIME FOR A CHECK-UP

First on the list is the good health of your companion. If your animal has not visited the VET recently, make sure you make an appointment and get the proper paperwork including a health certificate and documentation of inoculations.

EASE THEM INTO IT If your pet has never been in a car, SHORT TRIPS help your friend to get used to the motion and feel of riding. To and from the store or picking the kids up from school are good short trips to start with. Most pets adapt quickly to riding.

SAFETY FIRST

Please see that your pet is secure and not allowed to jump around or hang out of the window. A PET CARRIER or a wire mesh crate is a safe and comfortable way to keep Rover or Fluffy from roaming around the vehicle. When choosing a pet carrier or crate, see that it is large enough for your pet to stand, lie and turn around in comfortably. Loose animals are a distraction to the driver and a danger to all parties in the vehicle.

Put your pet in the carrier or crate before traveling so your friend can get used to it's temporary housing. Line the bottom of the carrier or crate with TOWELS to absorb urine. Attach containers for food and water. If kitty is coming along, and will be riding for extended periods of time, place a small disposable litter box in the carrier.

Do not TRANQUILIZE your pet unless it is under doctor's orders. Some pets take longer than others to adjust but most will in due time. If you have a pet that is sickly or showing signs of extreme nervousness or anxiety, this is not a pet that should be traveling. Pets that are very young or old, pregnant, ill or recovering from surgery should not be traveling. Find a respected kennel or BOARDING FACILITY that will care for your pet while you are gone. It not fair to force an animal to travel when it is obvious the pet is under considerable stress. If you are in doubt as to ability of your companion to travel, consult your vet.

KEEPING THEM COMFORTABLE

Pets should be allowed to eat very lightly before the trip. ONE-THIRD of their normal amount is sufficient. Save the remainder for arrival. Your friend will be less likely to get sick along the way.

Be sure to bring enough WATER especially when traveling in summer or through warmer climates. Water can also be used to cool down your pet in hot weather should the vehicle breakdown. Try to avoid traveling in EXTREME weather conditions; travel during morning or evening in hot weather and during daylight hours in cold weather. And a pet should NEVER be left in a parked car unattended. It only takes moments for an animal to freeze or develop heatstroke.

During rest stops, dogs should be given water and exercised but should not be allowed to run loose. Even a well-trained animal could run off or bite in a STRANGE ENVIRONMENT. Your pet should wear a comfortable, flat-buckled collar and an I.D. tag with his or her name and your address and phone number on it. Always keep a LEASH handy for quick stops and emergencies. Cats, birds or other animals should remain in their carriers until you reach your destination and are safely indoors. Keeping your animal in a QUIET AREA will help him or her to adjust safely to the new environment.

ONE FINAL NOTE

Always make sure animals are welcome at your destination. Many hotels and resorts DO NOT allow pets and many that do allow animal companions require an additional deposit.

Traveling with your furry or fine-feathered friend can be a fun and rewarding experience for all involved. These are simple; yet important tips for make your trip wonderful for EVERYONE.

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