Taking your dog or cat with you may add enjoyment to your trip.  It is important to keep your pet's health and safety in mind when traveling, so check with your veterinarian well in advance of your departure date.  If you are flying, notify the airline at least two weeks before you travel.  Familiarize yourself with the airlines pet requirements so that you can avoid any last minute complications.  Here are some tips for travel with your pet:

ยง                     Make sure that your pet is current on all vaccinations.  Some destinations require specific vaccinations.  Your veterinarian can help you find out which vaccinations are necessary.

ยง                     Have your dog checked for heart worms and institute heart worm preventative medication if you are traveling to a heart worm endemic area.

ยง                      Obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian before traveling.  Health certificates are valid for thirty days for ground travel and ten days for air travel.  It may be necessary to visit a veterinarian at your destination for a health certificate for your return trip.  Your veterinarian would be happy to recommend a veterinarian at most US destinations.

ยง                     Travel with your pet in a kennel.  Kennels which satisfy airline requirements are convenient and inexpensive.  Traveling in a kennel is safer for your pet and for you.

ยง                     Familiarize your pet with the kennel and car travel before you travel.  Begin with short trips.

ยง                     Remember that your pet needs breaks as much as you do.

ยง                     Make sure that your pet has identification tags attached to a snug fitting collar or harness.

    Special tips for airline travel:

ยง                     Take direct flights and avoid connections and layovers.  This eliminates missed baggage connections and the chance that your pet will be left in extreme weather.

ยง                     Remember that health certificates are only good for ten days when traveling via the airlines.

ยง                     Airlines may allow a pet to travel within an approved carrier in the luggage storage area beneath the seat in the cabin.  Be sure to notify the airline that your pet will be traveling with you as restrictions often apply.  Obviously, only small pets qualify for this type of travel.

ยง                     Do not feed your pet six hours before the flight.  Allow your pet to drink water up until the time of the flight.  Give your pet fresh water as soon as you arrive at your destination.

ยง                     Airlines have specific kennel requirements.  Check with the airline to ensure that your kennel meets their requirements.  Kennels must have a water receptacle attached to the door that can be filled without opening the cage.  The kennel must have specific feeding and identification labels permanently attached.

ยง                     Baggage limitations apply to pets.  Check your tickets for limitations.  Remember to speak with an airline representative well before you travel.

ยง                     Be aware that air travel may pose a risk for certain breeds of dogs and for pets with pre-existing medical problems.  Be sure to discuss your travel plans with your veterinarian.

    Other useful advice:

ยง                     Arrange ahead of time for lodging that allows pets.

ยง                     Make sure that your pet wears a collar with attached identification tags at all times.

ยง                     If you leave your pet unattended in lodging rooms, make sure that there is no opportunity for escape.

ยง                     Leave your pet in its kennel or in the bathroom.  Notify the house keeping staff that your pet is in the room.  Use the do not disturb sign.

ยง                     If your pet gets lost, notify the local animal control authorities as soon as possible.

    Tips for international travelers:

ยง                     Many countries have very stringent animal import requirements including extended quarantines.  Familiarize yourself with these requirements well before you travel.

ยง                     Most countries require that a copy of your pets health certificate be forwarded to them by the US federal veterinarian.

ยง                     Health certificates are only valid from point to point.  If you plan to travel to more than one foreign country, be aware that a new health certificate is necessary for each leg of your journey.  This necessitates that you visit a veterinarian at each destination as it is not possiblefor your veterinarian at home to write the numerous health certificates required for each leg of your trip.

Remember, advanced planning is vital to make your trip an enjoyable experience for both you and your pet.  Make arrangements for your pet well in advance, especially if you are traveling by air or to foreign countries.  Your veterinarian is a good source for information and advice.