PET TRAVEL CHECKLIST

Before taking your dog on your next trip:

• Prepare your dog for a long car ride by taking him on shorter trips beforehand.
• Feed your dog lightly before beginning a trip, about one third the normal amount.
• Take fresh water for your dog to drink.
• Travel with a leash but remove it after placing your dog in a crate, as it could become entangled.
• Check with airlines, hotels and campgrounds regarding dog restrictions that may apply.
• Pack a copy of your dog's health records and rabies vaccination certificate.  Include a recent photo and physical description and consider a microchip to aid in identification.
• Add a tag to your dog's collar that includes a telephone number where you can be reached if your dog gets separated from you.
• Never sedate your dog during travel unless your veterinarian recommends it.  Some medications can trigger equilibrium, respiratory, cardiovascular or temperature regulation problems.
• Ask your veterinarian to examine your dog to make sure he is in good health.  It is especially important that your dog is protected against infectious tracheobronchitis (ITB), a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs.  Contact with other dogs carrying this disease causing bacteria could put your pet at risk.