Martha Stewart Living Website Shares Some Good advice on Traveling with Pets

There are some good tips in this post. I particularly the idea of carrying a photo of your pet with you when you travel, in case you become separated. That's a really good idea that I will follow in the future. I would carry a couple of prints as well as a few shots on your camera phone. From the article:

By Kristina Grish

Pet travel requires a bit of planning, but for some pet owners, a vacation feels incomplete without a four-legged friend. Preparing for a pet's trip means more than packing her toothbrush, however. Here's how to guarantee great memories.

Before You Go
Ask yourself if your pet is up to the journey. "Most cats are happier at home with a sitter," says Louise Murray, director of medicine at Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital, in New York City. For any pet, the next-best thing to staying home is feeling safe. Greg Kleva, trainer and host of "It's a Dog's Life," on Martha Stewart Living Radio, recommends familiarizing your pet with her carrier, since most transportation requires one. Leave it out and open for a few weeks before you depart.

Just before travel, cut your pet's nails, so they won't catch in the carrier. Make sure she wears her regular identification tag, plus a travel one with contacts at your destination. Since dangling tags can catch in the carrier grate, secure them to your pet's collar with tape. Label the carrier, too.

For pet-friendly accommodations and attractions, consult "Traveling With Your Pet: the AAA PetBook." Kleva also likes the websites.

Fly High
If you're flying with a small pet, choose an airline that will let her ride in the cabin, under the seat. If your pet is too large, consider driving or leaving her at home. "Cargo is unsafe and uncomfortable, plus frightening for the pet," Murray says. Think of it as a last resort.

Even for in-cabin travel, it's best to exercise your dog for at least 15 minutes before boarding to quell her anxiety (avoid sedatives, which can slow breathing, especially for dogs prone to respiratory issues). Since she'll be confined awhile without breaks, don't feed her for four to six hours before departure. (Do freeze water in the tray inside the crate, so she'll stay hydrated.)

If you need to fly but don't want to risk cargo, Pet Airways flies animals in their main cabin. Or you can hire a transport service such as TJR Pet Express to drive your pet to your vacation spot.

For the rest of the article, click on the link.
From Martha Stewart Living, July 2010

via marthastewart.com

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