Traveling with a pet usually involves more than putting the animal in
a car and driving off, especially if you will be driving long distances or be
away for a long time. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) offers
these tips to help you prepare for a car trip with your pet and make it go a
little smoother.

If your pet is not accustomed to the car, take it for a few short rides before
the trip. This can help keep your pet from becoming nervous or agitated, and
may lessen the effects of motion sickness. If, after a number of practice trips,
your pet continues to cry excessively or becomes sick, consult your veterinarian.

Buckling up is an important safety precaution for your pet. Many states now
require that pets be restrained while in a moving vehicle, and restraints have
several advantages. They help protect pets in case of a collision, and they
keep pets from running loose and distracting the driver. They also keep pets
from escaping the car through an open window or door. Cats and smaller dogs
are often most comfortable in pet carriers, which can be purchased in various
sizes at most pet stores. Carriers give many animals a sense of security and
familiar surroundings, and can be secured to the car seat with a seat belt or
a specially designed carrier restraint. There are also pet restraints available
that can be used without carriers, including harnesses, seat belt attachments,
pet car seats, vehicle barriers, and truck/pickup restraint systems. No matter
what kind of restraint you use, be sure that it does not permit your pet's head
to extend outside the car window. If pets ride with their heads outside the
car, particles of dirt can penetrate the eyes, ears, and nose, causing injury
or infections. Excessive amounts of cold air taken into lungs can also cause
illness.

While packing for your trip, remember to throw in a few of your pet's favorite
toys, food and water bowls, a leash, and food. You should also carry a first
aid kit for your pet, and know basic pet first aid. If your pet is on medication,
be sure to have plenty for the trip -- and then some. Dr. Walt Ingwersen, AAHA
veterinarian in Whitby, Ontario, points out that veterinarians cannot write
a prescription without a prior doctor/patient relationship. This means that
in order to get any drugs, your pet will need to be examined first by a new
doctor. This may be inconvenient if you need medication right away. Also, if
your pet is on a special therapeutic diet, bring along an extra supply in case
you can't find the food in a strange area.

Stick to your regular feeding routine while traveling, and give your pet its
main meal at the end of the day or when you've reached your destination. It
will be more convenient to feed dry food if your pet is used to it. Dispose
of unused canned food unless it can be refrigerated. Take along a plastic jug
of cold water to avoid possible stomach upset the first day, as new areas can
have minerals or bacteria in their water supply that pets need time to adjust
to. Give your pet small portions of both food and water and plan to stop every
two hours for exercise.

Remember that your veterinarian is a good source of information about what
your pet will need when traveling. Consider having your pet examined before
you leave as well, to check for any developing problems. If an emergency occurs
while you are on the road, you can call the American Animal Hospital Association
at 800/883-6301 or visit our hospital locator for the names and phone numbers
of AAHA veterinarians near you. Have your current veterinarian's phone number
handy in case of an emergency. Also, be sure to travel with a copy of your pet's
medical records, especially if the animal has a difficult medical history.

Some pets travel better while tranquilized. Tranquilizers can lessen agitation
and motion sickness in pets traveling by car. Discuss this with your veterinarian.
Your veterinarian may suggest giving your pet a tranquilizer three to four weeks
before your trip to check the dosage and adjust it if necessary.

Find hotels, motels, and campsites that accept animals and book them ahead
of time. "Vacationing with Your Pet" by Eileen Barish is a directory of pet-friendly
lodging throughout the United States and Canada. Copies can be ordered by calling
(800) 496-2665.

Learn more about the area you will be visiting. Your veterinarian can tell
you if there are any diseases like heartworm or Lyme disease and vaccinations
or medications your pet may require. A health examination following your trip
should be considered to determine if any internal parasites (roundworms, hookworms,
heartworms) or external parasites (ticks, fleas) were picked up in contaminated
exercise or wooded areas. Also, be aware of any unique laws. Some places have
restrictions on exotic animals (ferrets are not allowed in some cities), and
there are restrictive breed laws in others, such as no pit bulls allowed. Your
pet could be affected by these laws, so call ahead to the city or travel information
bureau for more information.

To avoid losing your pet during a trip, make sure your pet is wearing an i.d.
tag. To be doubly protected, consider having your pet tattooed or having a microchip
implanted. "The more methods of identification, the better chance that the owner
will be found," says Dr. Ingwersen. Microchip databases are specific to the
United States and Canada, so register your pet in both countries if you will
be driving from one to the other. Dr. Ingwersen also suggests owners register
the name and phone number of a relative who can identify the pet in case the
owner can't be reached while traveling.

It's important to carry health and rabies vaccine certificates, particularly
if you will be crossing the border into Canada, the US, or Mexico. All three
countries allow dogs and cats to enter if they meet stringent entry requirements.
Depending on the country, exotic pets may be allowed to enter, though they may
need further documentation. Call the Agriculture Department or embassy of the
country or state to which you are traveling for information on the vaccinations,
documentation, fees, or quarantine that may be required to bring your pet into
the country.

Most importantly, try to plan ahead for unusual or emergency situations. What
you don't need in the middle of a trip is one more thing to worry about. "People
get into a panic if they don't have enough medication for their pet, no appropriate
documentation for travel to other countries, or money to pay for border fees,"
says Dr. Ingwersen. "Be prepared by bringing a copy of your pet's medical records,
proper documentation and medication and knowing the laws going into the new
city or country." Preparation is the most effective way to help ensure a smooth,
enjoyable trip for you and your pet.