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.