Wanna GOooo?

Taking Your Pet On A Trip

Gretchen Heuring | ElderThink

Years ago, when our children were small, our beautiful St. Bernard disappeared. We looked everywhere for her for hours. It wasn't like her to leave the children as it was her personal mission to guard them at all times. We finally found her sitting in the front seat of the car. She had managed to climb in through a window and she was ready to go at any moment.

Some pets really love to travel, especially in the car. Others just tolerate traveling because we ask them to. If you are planning a long trip with your pet, it might be a good idea to step back and ask yourself if your animal should really go along. If you decide to to take him with you, then here are some important suggestions:

1. Be sure vaccinations are up to date and you will need current health and rabies certificates if you are traveling by air. Check with your airline for requirements. It's a good idea to have the certificates along even if you are traveling by car.

2. You and your pet could get seperated, so be sure the information on his collar is current. I recommend adding your cell phone number.

3. You've probably heard this before, but the carrier for your pet must allow him to stand, turn around, and lie down. We had a special crate made for our St. Bernard. The airlines gave us specifications and recommended a couple of crate builders. She really liked that wooden crate and it became her dog house. If you put an old blanket or tarp under the crate in your car it will make cleanup a lot easier.

4. Groom your pet and clip nails if necessary before you leave. Also, get flea treatment to protect him from what other animals might be carrying.

5. Bring food, treats, water and a bowl. It's really a nuisance to try to give your pet a drink from a water bottle.

6. Take along recent photo and written description of your pet just in case he gets lost. It can happen. Consider a microchip too.

Have a wonderful trip with your friend and companion!