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Happy Tails for Pet Travelers
Purina Pet Institute Offers Tips for Pet-Friendly Travel
As the summer months arrive and vacation plans get underway, more and more Americans are taking an additional family member on trips... their pet. According to statistics from a 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 hit the road more often with their owners (45 percent) 16 percent of cat owners have also been accompanied by their pet. Although America continues to become more "pet friendly," traveling with a pet in tow requires some special considerations. To ensure a comfortable and safe trip for our feline friends and canine companions, the Purina Pet Institute offers "pet friendly" travel tips: BEFORE YOUR TRIP: -- Make sure your pet's vaccinations are up-to-date. -- Be certain your pet is wearing an identification tag giving his name, your name and home address and telephone number including the area code. -- Take pictures of your pet and write a description of his colorings, weight, body size and distinguishing marks. Bring these photos with you -- this information will help if your pet gets lost. -- If the mosquito season begins earlier or ends later in the area you will be visiting, make sure to administer heartworm medication. -- Refrain from feeding your pet for at least three hours before leaving on your trip. -- Provide your pet with some exercise before you start to drive. -- Pack your pet's water and food bowls, grooming equipment, food, health and rabies certificates and any heartworm or other medicine he may need. -- Make sure your pet is accustomed to riding in your car. Begin with short rides each day and gradually increase the length of each ride before the big trip. -- If your pet is unable to adjust to short rides, a responsible sitter or a boarding kennel or cattery is preferable. Make reservations in advance. ON THE ROAD -- For safety reasons, place your pet in a carrier. If a carrier is not feasible for your dog, use a restraining harness. Never put a carrier on the sunny side of the car. -- Provide fresh drinking water and snacks for your dog or cat throughout the trip. -- If the drive is eight hours or longer, give your cat the opportunity to use a litter pan three or four times or stop so your dog can eliminate. -- Do not leave your pet alone in a closed car on a hot day. -- Always put your dog on a 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 wear reflective strips. -- Feed your pet shortly after you arrive at your destination or when you have stopped for the day. IN THE AIR -- Try to avoid peak travel periods when delays and stopovers are longer. -- When making airline reservations for your pet, always check to determine their policies regarding pets. Some airlines allow cats and small dogs to travel with their owner if the carrier fits under the passenger seat. Airlines may also have specific regulations regarding pet travel in cargo. -- On the day of the flight, 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 during the flight. -- Pick your pet up promptly at the end of the flight. -- If traveling overseas, ask your travel agent or the consul of the country you plan to visit about quarantines. YOUR DESTINATION -- When making hotel reservations make sure you understand their policies regarding pets. -- Once at your destination, observe all regulations regarding pets. -- Confine your pet in 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. SOURCE: Ralston Purina Company; Purina Pet Institute; St. Louis, Missouri
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