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Pre Planning
Before you go ask yourself if your cat
or dog will be comfortable and safe, it may be an option
to just stay at home. Some pets get motion sickness and
that will ruin everyone's trip. In such cases, it is
probably wiser to leave your pet with a friend or other
family member or even hire a "pet sitter." If that is
not a possibility you might consider boarding him or her
at a clean, well established kennel.
If you decide to take your pet, you
must take as much care with the preparation of your
pet's trip as your own. If you plan on traveling by
plane, train, bus, or boat, check ahead to make sure the
pet is welcome and that suitable accommodations are met.
If you are staying at hotels, campgrounds you must check
to see of animals are allowed. If you are staying with
friends or family, make sure your pet is invited too.
Traveling by Plane
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Contact the airline well in advance,
each has its own regulations, and reservations for
your pet will be necessary.
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Ask about the airline's rules for pet
crates and carriers.
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Try to book a direct flight, or one
with minimal stops.
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The airline may allow pets in the
passenger cabin, if the crate is small enough to fit
under the seat in front of you. If your pet must
travel in a cargo hold, be at the airport early,
place him in his travel crate yourself and pick him
up promptly when you land.
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Establish that your pet will be in a
pressurized area of the plane-cargo holds can get
very hot or cold without environmental controls.
Traveling by Car
A few short rides before a trip will
help to prepare your pet for a longer trip. Your cat
would probably be more comfortable in a carrier.
Pets should never be allowed to put
head out window when riding in a car. Dirt particles can
cause injury or infections and cold air taken into the
lungs can lead to illness.
Give the main meal at the end of the
day. dry food is most convenient, but if your pet needs
canned food dispose of any unused portions if they
cannot be refrigerated.
Plan snacks, exercise and frequent
rest stops about every two hours if you're on a long
drive.
Do not leave your pet in a parked car
for prolonged periods of time. I you must leave your pet
in a parked car, lock all the doors and open windows
enough to provide good ventilation without allowing
enough room to jump out or get head caught. REMEMBER, on
hot days the temperature in a parked car can rise to
dangerous levels in just minutes and your pet could die
of heat stroke.
Traveling by bus, train or boat
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Not all bus lines allow pets to
travel, so call ahead.
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Amtrak does not permit pets to travel
in passenger cars, but they may travel in cages as
checked luggage.
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Some cruise ships do welcome pets.
Check with cruise line or ask your travel agent.
Always Remember to:
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Your pet is always wearing a collar with complete identification
and a license tag. Micro-chipping with AVID is a way to
ensure you will retrieve your pet should he or she be lost.
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If
a carrier or crate is required for transportation, be sure it is
strong, and large enough for them to stand up and turn around,
has a place for food and water and is well ventilated, has a
leak proof bottom and closes securely.
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Pack his or her favorite food, toys, dishes, take along a cooler
of water and a leash.
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Have your pet examined and pre-vaccinated.
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Contact the consulate or embassy of your destination or ask the
travel agent for advice of you are planning a trip abroad with
your pet, as health and vaccination regulations vary greatly in
other countries.
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