Tips For Pet-Friendly Travel

Thursday, March 1, 2001

Pet Institute Offers Tips For Pet-Friendly Travel (NAPSA)—More and more Americans are taking an additional family member on trips— their pet. According to a recent State of the American Pet Survey, conducted by the Purina Pet Institute, almost one-third of pet owners (31 percent) have taken their pet on vacation. Although dogs travel more often with their owners (45 percent), 16 percent of cat owners have also been accompanied by their pets. Traveling with a pet does require special considerations. To ensure a safe and comfortable trip, the Purina Pet Institute offers a few pet-friendly pointers: Before the Trip * Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date. * Be sure your pet wears an identification tag. * Take pictures of your pet and write a description to bring along, in case your pet gets lost. * If mosquito season begins earlier or ends later in your destination, be sure to administer heartworm medication. * Don’t feed your pet for at least three hours before leaving on yourtrip. * Exercise your pet before you depart. * Pack your pet’s water and food bowls, grooming equipment, food, health and rabiescertificates and any heartworm or other medicine he may need. When traveling, ask about policies regarding pets. * Make sure your pet is accustomed to riding in your car. Begin with short rides and increase the length of each ride before the big trip. On the Road * For safety reasons, place your pet in a carrier. Don’t put the carrier on the sunny side of the car. If a carrier is not feasible for your dog, use a restraining harness. * Provide fresh drinking water and snacks. * If the drive is eight hours or longer, give your cat the opportunity to use a litter pan three or four times or stop to walk your dog. * Do not leave your pet alone in a closed car on a hot day. * Always put your dog ona leash (and harness and leash for a cat) before letting him out of the car. If you walk your pet on the highway at night, both of you should wearreflective strips. * Feed your pet shortly after you arrive at your destination or when you stop for the day. In the Air * Try to avoid peak travel periods. * When making reservations ask about policies regarding pets. Someairlines let cats and small dogs travel with their ownerif the carrier fits under the passenger seat. * Provide your pet with some exercise before leaving for the airport. * Put a cushion or blanket on the crate floor. Make sure your pet has access to water in his crate. * Pick up your pet promptly at the endof theflight. * If traveling overseas, ask about quarantines. Your Destination * When making hotel reservations, ask about their policies regarding pets. Once at your destination, observe all regulations regarding pets. * Confine your pet to a carrier or restricted space when leaving him alone. * Be considerate of others. Your consideration will help keep pets welcome guests and allow all pet owners the opportunity to continue to bring their entire family on vacation.