ALL ABOUT DOGS and CATS   Resource Center for Canine & Feline Lovers
Traveling  with Pets
Remember, It’s no
fun riding in the car
when your vision
is limited to the
dashboard, seats,
door handles and
sky. Small dogs  
need elevated seats  
to enjoy the scenery.
The ASPCA offers the following tips to help you prepare for a safe
and smooth car trip:

Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of
short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car.

If possible, your pet’s travel-feeding schedule should start with a
light meal three to four hours prior to departure.

Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day,
even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a
furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather,
a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the
animal to freeze to death.

What is in your pet’s traveling kit? In addition to travel papers,
food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming
supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or
pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.

Make sure your pet wears a collar with an ID tag imprinted with
your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your
cell phone, destination phone number, and any other relevant
contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!)
collars.

Don't allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window.
This can subject him to inner ear damage and lung infections, and
he could be injured by flying objects.

Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet’s rabies
vaccination record, as some states require this proof at certain
interstate crossings. This is absolutely essential if travelling
between USA and Canada.

When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap
water from home, stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an
area he’s not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet.
Carry a gallon thermos of cold water, or bring along a two-liter
plastic bottle of water that you’ve frozen the night before.

If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in
rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at
auto product retailers.
Recommended  
Online Reading
Travel Tips  -
Takeyourpet.com

Pet Travel Tips  -
PetTravel Center.com

Travel with Pets --
Packing, Preparation
and Other Trip Tips  
(PAW - Partnership
for Animal Welfare)
Pets prone to biting or  excessive vocalizing, or who cannot follow basic obedience
commands should not travel.

Take into account the type of vacation you have planned. A fishing and hiking trip is a
delightful experience for a dog, but not at all suited for a cat.  Also consider how much
time your pet may have to stay alone, cooped up in a hotel room.  If your pet can't
actively participate in the trip, he/she will be better off staying
home with someone you trust.
Travel By Car  TIPS FOR SAFE CAR TRAVEL WITH YOUR PET
While family and good friends and neighbors are usually the best
choices for your pet, there are many excellent professional pet
sitters and boarding kennels. If your pet is ill or needs special
medical care you may want to consider leaving her in a verterinary
clinic while you are away.
NEVER LEAVE
YOUR PET
ALONE IN A
PARKED CAR!
Overheating can
kill an animal.
It only takes ten
minutes on an
85-degree day for
the inside of your
car to reach 120
degrees
Fahrenheit, even if
the windows have
been left open an
inch or two
Before you make plans to include your furry friend in your family
vacation, determine if your pet is able to or should travel. Most
dogs, and some cats, take well to travelling. Very young or
very old pets, pets who are sick, injured, or pregnant should
not travel. Always check with your veterinarian before you
decide to take him/her along.
Prepare your dog for car travel.
Although most dogs love going
for car rides, they need to be
introduced to car travel in a non-
threatening, pleasant way.

Before embarking on a vacation
with your dog,  get him used to
moving vehicles. Start by driving
him around a block or two, then  
gradually prolong the ride.

Do not make going to the vet the
only time your dog rides in the
car. Take  pleasant rides to
places like parks and beaches
and he will  look forward to a car
ride as much as he does a walk..
Whether you are taking your pet or boarding her, make sure all vaccinations are up to
date. Kennels typically require a bordatella (kennel cough) vaccine to be given at least
two weeks in advance of boarding. Even if you are taking your dog on your trip, you
may have to board her unexpectedly. Bring a copy of medical records, including rabies
certificate. Apply flea and tick preventative to your dog. Pack any medications needed,
including heartworm and other preventives.

Some areas have a higher incidence of Lyme disease-carrying ticks than others.
Especially if you're camping and hiking with your dog, get a Lyme vaccination well in
advance of your trip.

Ensure that your pet's identification is secure on its collar or leash. Include a phone
number where you can be reached while away from home, just in case you and your
pet become separated during your travels. Always keep your cell phone with you.

Bring photos of your pet in case he escapes and you need to make lost pet posters.
Store the pictures in resealable plastic bags. Also, pack a photo of family members with
the pet in case you need additional proof that the pet is yours.
Planning Your Trip/ Vacation
Breed-Specific Legislation
There is a trend in many cities, counties, states and provinces towards Breed-Specific Laws (BSL)
in which a municipality bans or restricts the freedoms of dog owners with specific breeds of dogs.
These laws vary from place to place and are affecting a greater number of dog owners every month.
People may think that these laws affect only the "Pit Bull". This is not the case. There are at least 50
breeds of dogs as well as mixed breeds that include targeted breeds in North America. The
majority of Dogs affected are Pit Bulls and similar dogs, but other breeds are affected as well.
These laws range from registration requirements and leash or muzzle requirements to extreme
laws in which the breed(s) are banned from the municipality outright. Some places may even  
confiscate a visitors dog who unknowingly enters the region with a banned breed.

Check before you go:
US Breed Specific Laws
Canada Breed Specific Laws