Taking Your Pets on Vacation

Traveling with pets is a growing trend. It is not something that should be taken too lightly, but is something that can be done with minimal setbacks if the proper steps to ensure every furry friend’s safety and health are taken. Pets going on vacation is an increasingly common affair, as many pet owners have decided that their furry friend deserves a summer vacation as much as they do, and shouldn't be left behind in a kennel while they are off lounging on a beach or taking in the mountain air. nnAnother reason that people are traveling more and more with their animals is, that it is economical. The hotel fee may be cheaper than the total bill at the kennel. Keep in mind that traveling with pets does have expenses, as you have to pay for its separate airline ticket and hotel stay. With crates, air and hotel surcharges, toys, extra food, unexpected vet bills away from home, and more, traveling with your pet can add up. So all that is something to think about and to weight the pros and the cons, best advise is just to know what is involved.nnA long flight or a lonely hotel room should not be the place your pet becomes acquainted with a traveling crate. Buy your crate well before traveling, and work with your pet until they are familiar and comfortable in the crate. If your pet is not accustomed to traveling in the car, take some short trips, gradually increasing his time to get him used to longer rides. Pets love your scent. Put a t-shirt you have slept in recently in their crate and they will be very happy and content.nnMany vets cautioned against to use any tranquilizers or sedatives prior to an animal traveling by plane, but if still necessary, papers stating that the pet has been given such medications should be secured to the crate before flying. Get a current health certificate from your veterinarian before traveling.n nYou never know the quality of the drinking water when you are traveling so it’s a good idea to take a container of water from your home that your pets are accustomed to, or use bottled water. Be sure and have I.D tags for your pet with your cell phone as the contact number.nn Traveling with pets is an art, a pet owner needs to practice in order to perfect it, it is becoming as commonplace as traveling with children. Traveling with pets is one experience you will definitely enjoy but of course, you must see to it that all preparations are done ahead of time to make traveling a breeze. nnn