Dummies Guide When Traveling with Your Pet

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     As summer comes, most Americans embark on their annual travel routine to visit friends and family, and a lot of them will be bringing not just the kids but also their pets. It is estimated that up to 70 percent of pet owners vacation or travel with their pets. And while pet-friendly hotels and a wide range of supplies make traveling with pets easier, it still requires planning.

Should I Bring My Pet?
Remember that some pets are not too comfortable with traveling. So before you bring your 'best friend' with you, go through the following checklist first:

?Is traveling safe for my pet?
Honestly evaluate your animal's health and his ability to travel.

?Is my pet used to traveling?
If your dog runs and hides when you open the car door, consider hiring a pet sitter and leaving him at home.

?Is this trip 'pet-appropriate'?
For some destinations, you can tell right away that it's not good for your pets.

After going through the questions, and you feel the trip will be good for your pet, or if the trip is a must because you are relocating, it's important to plan and minimize the risk to your 'best friend'.

?Preparation
If your pet's only experience in a car has been a trip to the vet, you will want to acclimate him to riding in the car a few weeks before your trip. Start with short trips, such as 5 or 10 minute drives. When you get home from these short trips, don't forget to give him a treat , then start lengthening the next trips.

?Safety on the Road
We fasten our seatbelts, so why not our pets? It's a must for you to restrain your pet as you travel. A variety of restraints are available that offer added mobility and provide an option to the traditional metal travel crate. Safety harnesses, which attach to any seatbelt, allow your animal to sit or stand comfortably, while safety gates, made either of metal or mesh, give him mobility in a restricted area. If you do need crates for example, for the smaller animals such as your cats, make sure they are well ventilated.

RV's offer pet-owners more freedom and interaction with their animals, but it's still important to pet-proof these rolling homes. Make sure all items, such as food or medicine, are properly stowed and secured inside your RV. Use gates to block off space for smaller pets, to minimize injuries as you do sudden stops or turns. Whether you drive an RV or a regular vehicle, make sure you do regular pit stops for your pets. And always remember to put the leash on your pet before you open the vehicle's doors.

?Bring a Pet Travel Kit
Don't forget to pack a separate bag for your animal. Make sure you bring his favorite food to avoid upset stomachs, and to bring some water too since the water in other places may not suit him at all . For cats, it's a good idea to bring a disposable litter box. It should come in handy for those emergencies or overnight stops. You will also need to bring a pet first-aid kit and some extra towels, in case of accidents. And a favorite toy or pillow will give your animal a sense of familiarity. Keep a current health certificate for your pet handy during interstate travel, because many states require one.