• Consider all your options. Many times your pet will be happier if allowed to travel with you. However, you must always balance this desire with your pet's overall health and safety. Obviously if you're moving to a new area, you will need to take your pet with you and choose the safest mode of travel. But if you're thinking about taking your pet with you on vacation, consider the pet's health, age, whether your pet likes to travel, where you'll be staying, and the time of year.
• Know what to pack. If you've decided that bringing your pet is indeed the best option, you need to pack for your pet just as you pack for yourself. The essentials to pack include medications and medical records, food and bowls, a pet first aid kit, bedding, leash, collar and tags, grooming supplies, current pet photo (in case your pet gets lost), a favorite toy or two, a sturdy and well-ventilated carrier, and litter and a litter box (for cats).
• Get the pet's papers and medications in order. Before any trip, have your pet examined by your veterinarian. Get any required legal travel documents (for air travel, contact the airlines for specifics that you'll need), make sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date, and get any medications your pet might need during the trip. If you're giving your pet medication specifically for travel, such as to reduce anxiety or travel sickness symptoms, test them on your pet several days in advance to ensure that your pet doesn't suffer any adverse side effects.
• Know the rules of the road. With today's heightened airline security and long airport wait times, car travel is definitely popular. Build extra time for stops into the trip so that your pet will be able to take frequent breaks, getting out to stretch his legs and have a drink of water. But before you simply put your dog in the car and go, you need to understand some basic car safety guidelines. First, all cats should be in a crate or carrier. Dogs can be either in crate or carrier, or restrained in a special harness that attaches to the seat belt. If you use a pet barrier in the back seat or deck of your SUV, be sure it is sturdy and firmly attached so it does not collapse on your pet. Also, never allow your pet to ride in the front passenger seat (especially one that is airbag equipped), and never let your pet out of the car without proper restraint.
• Make the skies pet friendly. Although thousands of pets fly on airlines without problems, there are definitely some risks. If you decide that air travel is necessary, make your travel arrangements well in advance and ask about all regulations. If your pet is small, you may be able to carry him or her onboard with you. If your pet must travel in the luggage or cargo area, use a direct flight, travel on the same flight as your pet, don't travel when temperatures are above 85 degrees or below 45 degrees, and ask to watch your pet being loaded and unloaded.
Pets are definitely an important part of the family. In order to include them during your next trip or family vacation and make the experience enjoyable for all, be sure to take the time to plan and prepare for their travels. By knowing what to pack, what to expect and what to do each step of the way, you minimize their chance of injury and ensure that your pet has a safe and stress-free trip.
Contributed by Sherri Galle-Teske, sales and marketing director for the American Red Cross North Central Wisconsin Region. Deborah C. Mandel, pet expert for the American Red Cross also contributed to this article.