| First, decide if you should take your pet with you. A | | | | ago we were traveling by car and stopped at a rest |
| few scenarios and alternatives will help with your | | | | area to stretch our legs and walk the dogs. A police |
| decision. | | | | officer happened to be there and asked us if we had |
| If you are traveling by car and have little kids, I | | | | our kids updated rabies information. Yes we did and |
| would advise leaving your dog at home. Also, if you | | | | showed it to him. So you never know, just be ready. |
| are flying to your destination, it is best not to take | | | | When you make your hotel reservations before you |
| your pet. | | | | leave, ask if the hotel is pet friendly. If they are, let |
| Pet sitters are a great alternative to boarding | | | | them know you are traveling with your dog. There is |
| kennels. Call a few and set up appointments. When | | | | usually a fee for an animal in a hotel room. |
| you interview them, ask if they are bonded (show | | | | Most hotels require that a pet be supervised at all |
| proof), their fees, will they stay overnight, etc. If you | | | | times in the room and on the property. If you leave |
| hire a pet/house sitter they can water plants, | | | | your dog alone in the room, put him in the crate with |
| retrieve your mail and paper, visit many times during | | | | water and a chew. Then turn on the TV to medium |
| the day and, some, stay in your home. | | | | level with a program that has both music and voices. |
| Locate a good boarding facility and visit before you | | | | We turn on the national weather program. Also put |
| decide to leave our pet. Check out a couple before | | | | the Do Not Disturb sign on the door knob. |
| you decide. Look around. Are they clean? Are the | | | | Always clean up after your dog. There is nothing |
| animals exercised and well cared for? Is there an | | | | worse than taking a leisurely stroll at a rest stop or |
| odor? Make a list and check it off as you interview | | | | hotel and stepping in dog poo. Picking up after your |
| the owner and grounds. Your vet can also provide | | | | dog will keep pets on good terms with the travel |
| the names of good kennels in the area. | | | | world. |
| When you pack your dog's "suitcase" think essentials. | | | | If you are going camping, be sure to check out the |
| Take a blanket or bed with his scent on it, a toy and | | | | rules and regulations regarding pets in campgrounds |
| chew, his dog food and treats, bowls, plastic bags, a | | | | and national parks. |
| few bottles of water from home so there won't be | | | | NEVER leave a dog in a hot car. It is considered |
| any stomach problems on the road, and a fold down | | | | animal cruelty and against the law. Temperatures can |
| crate. | | | | rise dramatically even with the windows down and |
| Carry a copy of your dog's shot record with you. | | | | cause death. |
| You might be asked for it at any time. A few years | | | | |