Protecting Your Pet: Traveling with Pets

WSVN -- Every year more than 10 million Americans hit the road or take to the skies on vacation with their pets.

Daniel O'Grady: "We plan our trips around our dogs. We're on extended road trips all over the country. Been as far as the West Coast."

Touchdown and Fumble Tumble have stayed at the finest hotels, gone to national parks and hit the slopes.

Monette O'Grady: "We have been to Telluride, and gotten on the Gondola and taken the ride with them."

But plan before heading out.

Smiling Pets Mobile Veterinarian Dr. Avi Adulami: "Lots of people ask questions about how they should prepare their pets for travelling."

For starters -- traveling animals should be calm, friendly and well trained.

Vaccines current. If you're flying, check airlines for weight restrictions. Small pets fit under the seat. Don't fly in the summer when it's too hot in cargo - it can be life threatening. Check rules if travelling outside the U.S.

Dr. Adulami: "There are countries that require quarantine."

Make sure you bring enough food, treats, medication if necessary. Water, their bed and a favorite toy.

Dr. Adulami: "A first-aid kit is always good to do, especially when you are driving in the car."

Travel with your dog or cat's health certificate for proof of vaccines.

Proper ID is always a must, and bring a list of animal clinics where you're visiting and your vet's number.

Dr. Adulami: "It's good that when their pet is travelling, that they have a good physical exam to see if there is anything that should be taken care of before they travel."

Wherever you go, explore potential risks to your pet - like Lyme Disease.

For long trips, keep then in a carrier, or seatbelted, and take frequent breaks.

Touchdown and Fumble Tumble can't wait for their next road trip.

Monette O'Grady: "We've been everywhere with them and it's so much fun, and it really feels like home when you're away."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Contact: mmitzel@wsvn.com

For a list of pet friendly hotels:
www.petsrwelcome.com

American animal hospital association, for a list of animal clinics across the US:
www.aahanet.org

Smiling Pets
www.smilingpetsmobilevet.com