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Travel
Preparedness Tips
Cats & Dogs
(or other small mammals)
Traveling with your pet should be fun.
But any change can be stressful for you
both--especially if you don't plan ahead.
So below are some helpful hints to make that
long road trek a little more comfortable for
both of you.
 Make
up a checklist of everything you plan to
bring with you. This can include your
pet's favorite toys, grooming brushes,
blankets or bed, and food. (Be sure to
write down the specific brand you use, in
case another family member needs to go buy
extra food. The busy holiday season is
no time to be second-guessing about your
pet's dietary needs.) Also remember to
bring along your pet's vet records. In
case of an emergency, they can make the
difference between life and death for your
pet.
 Safe
Transportation
Keep your pet safe in the car. If
you choose not to cage your pet, a seatbelt harness is an
inexpensive way to keep it safe and
comfortable while traveling. And it can
double
 as a walking harness at rest stops, hotels,
and your eventual destination.
If
you do use a cage, make sure
it's large enough to allow your pet a comfortable
resting area. And don’t forget a soft bed,
because it may have to stay caged for
extended periods of time.
  When walking your pet,
always keep it harnessed and on a leash.
Animals are curious by nature, and may
want to explore their new environment. Or
they may be frightened, and want to run
away. A sturdy harness and leash will keep
them safely at your side.
Food and Water
Pet stores at your destination may not stock
the particular brand you  prefer, so always bring plenty of pet food with you.
There are many sturdy waterproof containers
available to carry your pet's food. Be
sure to stock double the amount you'll
probably need, in case it gets spilled.
Also, pets can get sick from drinking water
in an unfamiliar location. So bring along as much
fresh water as possible.
Surround your pet with familiar items. A
favorite food or water bowl will help ease
your pet’s stress and discomfort in strange
surroundings. (Spill-proof bowls are a big
hit with hotels and in-laws, because they minimize any
potential pet-related messes!)
 Toys
Whether your pet is active or lazy, enforced
confinement in
a car, strange house, or cage
will make it nervous and fidgety. And a
bored pet can become destructive. So make
sure to bring along your pet’s favorite
toys. But be smart--don’t bring “active”
toys like balls or frisbees. Nylabones and
other non-gooey chew toys work best. Stuffed
fabric chew toys are also inexpensive,
effective ways to keep your pet calm.
Treats
Many pets end up in emergency clinics
because they were fed table
scraps. DO NOT feed your pet from the
table! Many holiday foods are high in
fat, or just plain dangerous to pets.
Even though it's tempting to indulge your
pet's craving for just one sliver of ham, or
goose, or a mouth-watering smorgasbord of
leftovers, feeding your pet "people food"
can cause serious reactions ranging from
stomach aches to death. In particular, do
NOT let your pet eat any chocolate.
This can be fatal, especially to dogs.
Excitement
Holidays, gatherings with friends or family,
and opening presents can be an exciting
time. But many pets, especially older
ones, don't deal well with excitement.
The stress can be very dangerous to a pet
with health problems--and too much
excitement can make a younger pet "go wild,"
with sometimes painful consequences. A
pet who normally never bites may snap--not
out of aggression, but simply because it got
too excited. Try to keep your pet
separated from all the noise and bustle.
It won't feel left out if you simply spend
some "fun time" with it later, after
everyone else has calmed down.
 Comfort
Pamper your pet! Give it some well-deserved
TLC. A good brushing will remind your pet
that even during the holidays, it’s still
the #1 person in your life!
The holiday season can be a fun time, if you
think ahead and make sensible plans.
Drive safely, and have a wonderful holiday!
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