| Pets have special needs when they travel, so | | | | journey and know it is very anxious then you |
| planning ahead is essential. This advice can | | | | may be able to speak to your vet about having |
| help you make sure your pet is prepared to | | | | a tranquilizer prescribed.Packing for your |
| travel long distances locally.Taking your pet | | | | pets holidayBefore leaving home you need to |
| on a holidayYour pet should be wearing a | | | | pack some practical things like a water dish, |
| collar with its name and your contact number | | | | feed dish, plastic bags, a lead and your pets |
| on it. In Australia we use the microchip | | | | favorite blanket or perhaps a favorite toy to |
| system, which is highly effective and | | | | make the journey a lot more comfortable. If |
| recommended. Recently laws have changed and | | | | you pet requires any medication remember to |
| it is illegal to have unchipped animals. If | | | | carry this. If your move is permanent you can |
| your dog is returned to the rspca or to the | | | | arrange to get a copy of your pets records |
| local vet, they can scan the microchip and | | | | from your vet so that you can give these to |
| find your contact details. This is really | | | | the vet in your new area.Search for pet |
| important as your pet may become | | | | friendly accommodationIf you are going on a |
| disorientated or panic and run away or get | | | | long journey use the internet to search for |
| lost.Car SicknessIn particular if your pet is | | | | pet friendly hotels or camping along the way. |
| a kitten or a puppy they won't have traveled | | | | This is also a good reason to have your pets |
| in a car before so its a good idea to get | | | | health documentation with you, as |
| them used to the feeling. To do this take | | | | campgrounds, hotels or kennels will need to |
| them for short rides. Use this experience to | | | | see these before they allow your pet to |
| familiarize them with where they sit in the | | | | stay.Traveling to another country Get a |
| car. If your dog or cat is particularly | | | | current health certificate from your vetMake |
| anxious in the car bring there bed or basket | | | | sure your pet has all current vaccines, and |
| so that they can settle down in there own | | | | up to date flea and heartworm preventionCheck |
| space in the car. Some people prefer to use | | | | airline pet policies- most require a special |
| carriers for there pets especially on long | | | | pet ticket. Some airlines will also give |
| drives, put something of your pets inside the | | | | instructions where to deliver your pet as |
| carrier to reinforce that traveling is a | | | | they may not check in with your regular |
| postive experience. Sometimes using a small | | | | luggage.Find out what the quarantine policy |
| treat to get them comfortable in the carrier | | | | is for every country/state you will be |
| can be helpful.Don't feed your pet right | | | | traveling throughSites which provide |
| before leaving. Feed the night before as this | | | | information specifically on quarantine rules. |
| will mean your pets stomach is settled. If | | | | USA, Canada, Mexico |
| you travel with your pet regularly and they | | | | |
| have persistent carsickness your vet might | | | | UK, Europe |
| prescribe motion sickness medication. To | | | | |
| combat motion sickness and travel fatigue in | | | | Australia, New Zealand |
| your pet remember to give them frequent stops | | | | |
| at parks so they can walk around go to the | | | | UK, EuropeCopyright 2006 Paul NelsonPaul |
| toilet. At these stops it is better to walk | | | | Nelson loves to write articles for Animal |
| your pet on a lead as they might be | | | | lovers, and real Issues facing day to day |
| disorientated and run off.If you are | | | | issues. |
| intending to take your pet on a long plane | | | | |