Should Your Pet Travel?

Before you make reservations, determine if your pet is able to travel. Most animals can and do make the most of the experience, but a small percentage simply are not cut out for traveling. Illness, physical condition and temperament are important factors, as is your pet's ability to adjust to such stresses as changes to his environment and routine. When in doubt, check with your veterinarian. If you feel your pet isn't up to the trip, it's better for everyone if he stays home.

Rule 1: Pets who are very young, very old, pregnant, sick, injured, prone to biting or excessive vocalizing, or who cannot follow basic obedience commands should not travel.

Even if Spot ant Snowball are seasoned travelers, take into account the type of vacation and activities you have planned. No pet is going to be happy (or safe) cooped up in a car or hotel room. Likewise, the family dog may love camping ant hiking, hut the family cat may not. Putting a little thought toward your animal's needs and safety will pay off| in a more enjoyable vacation for everyone.

Rule 2: If your pet can't actively participate in the trip, she should stay home.

Most of the information on this website pertains to cats ant dogs. If you own a girl, hamster, pig, ferret, lizard or other exotic creature, remember that unusual animals are not always accepted as readily as more conventional pets, Always specify the type of pet you have when making arrangements.
Also check states' animal policies. Hawaii imposes 120 day or 5-days-or-less quarantines for all imported dogs, cats and other carnivores to prevent the importation of rabies. Guide dogs and other service animals are exempt from the quarantine provided they have a standard health certificate; a current rabies vaccination with documentation of the product name, lot number and lot expiration date; and an electronic identification microchip implanted and operational. Upon arrival, guide logs still must be examined for external parasites and undergo serum antibody testing and a microchip scan. For additional details, 0btain the Hawaii Rabies Quarantine Information Brochure from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, Anima Quarantine Station, 99-951 Halawa Valley St., Aiea, HI 926701-5602; phone (808) 483-7151, fax (808) 483-7161. The Web Site address is www.hawiiag.org/hdoa/ai_aqs_info.htm.

North Carolina has stringent restrictions regarding pets in lodgings. Make certain you understand an accommodations specific policies before making reservations.

Rule 3: Be specific when making travel plans that include your pet. Nobody wants unpleasant surprises on vacation.

If Spot and Snowball stay behind, leave them in good hands while you're gone. Family, friends and neighbors make good sitters (provided they're willing) especially if they know your pet and can care for him In your home. Provide detailed instructions for feeding, exercise and medication, as well as phone numbers for your destination, your veterinarian and your local animal emergency clinic.

Professional pet sitters offer a range of services, from feeding and walking your pet (while to full-time house sitting while you are gone. Interview several candidates, ant always check credentials and references. For additional information, contact the National Association of Professional Pet sitter or Pet Sitters International.

Kennels board many animals simultaneously and generally are run by professionals who will provide food ant exercise according to your instructions. Pets usually are kept in a run (dogs) or cage (cats and small dogs) and may not get the same level of human interaction as at home, Veterinary clinics also board pets and may be the best choice if yours is sick, injured or needs special medical care. For further information on how to select a kennel, contact the American Boarding Kennels Association.

Veterinarians, fellow pet owners and professional associations are a good source of referrals for sitters and kennels.

Rule 4: Never leave your pet with some- one you don't trust.