OK, so its time to load your pet into the car for a trip. Here are some tips to make your trips safe and enjoyable.

When traveling with your pet keep the following on hand:

• Extra leash, collar, harness
• Blanket or bed, favorite toy, food and water dishes
• Rabies certificate and copy of vaccination history
• Pet tag with emergency phone number
• Pet First Aid Kit

Before you go on your trip consider these things:

• When you make reservations at the hotels or campgrounds make sure they allow pets and check on the size of the animals they allow. Some only take small pets
• If you have a barker or growler you should consider leaving them home. They will annoy you and others and take a lot of the joy out of the trip
• Whenever you are traveling, whether by plane or automobile, check with your vet about sedatives to help your pet stay calm

When traveling by plane small dogs, cats and other animals can often ride in the passenger cabin under your seat. Larger animals have to travel in the cargo hold. Before you fly there are several questions you will need to ask:

• What is the maximum size (all 3 dimensions) kennel that you can take on board?
• When do you need to get their health certificates and certificates of acclimation? These are documents that state your pet is up to date on vaccinations and they are healthy to travel. An exam must be given within a certain number of days prior to departure. You need to find out from the airline within how many days your pets need the exam.
• What time of year will you be traveling? Planes will not transport animals in their hold if it is more than 80 degrees Fahrenheit at the airports where they will be departing or arriving or having layovers.

When you travel with your pets, they should always be restrained. For cats, small dogs and other small creatures this should be in a carrier. For large dogs a crate or harness system works best. You can also use a vehicle barrier. These keep your pets from interfering with your driving and limits how far they can be thrown during an accident. Always make sure that the carrier fits your pet. The animal should be able to stand comfortably in the carrier. If so they will be able to lie down comfortably. For larger dogs seat belts are available. These are fairly inexpensive and easy to use. Most double as walking harnesses.

If you travel by truck it is best if your pet rides in the cab. If this isn't possible make sure your carrier is securely tied down or, at least your dog is cross-tied so he can't jump out.