Heart 4 Animals

The following are some vacation tips to ensure that your animals will enjoy the trip:

* Outfit your companion animal with clear identification—legible tags on collars/harnesses and microchips (a must!) can help other people identify animals who accidentally get separated from their families.
* Tips for traveling with your animal friendsTake a clear, recent photograph of your companion animal with you so that you can show it to people or use it on posters in case he or she gets lost or stolen.
* Never leave your companion animal alone in the car—or anywhere else unattended. Animals can suffer and die within minutes when they’re left inside parked cars, even on mildly warm days.
* Carry water for rest stops. No-spill travel bowls are available in pet-supply stores and online. (Remember: Never shop at PetSmart, PETCO, or any other stores that sell live animals!).
* To prevent sickness, feed dogs early so that they don’t eat in the few hours before departure. For dogs prone to carsickness, consult your veterinarian for remedies or try ginger capsules, which are available at health-food stores. You’ll also want to be sure to stop frequently to walk your dog while on the road.
* Cats can turn into escape artists on the road, so—at all times while in the car—keep them in sturdy, well-ventilated carriers that are big enough to contain a small litter pan and still allow them to stand up, stretch, and turn around comfortably. Line the carrier with a soft towel or a baby blanket, and secure the carrier to the seat with a seatbelt or a bungee cord.
* Never open a car window or door—not even a crack—when your cat or dog is unrestrained. Countless dogs and cats have been lost at tollbooths and rest stops this way.
* If you are flying, only take your animals with you if they can fly in the cabin with you (in a carrier that can be placed under the seat). It’s dangerous and frightening for animals to fly in the cargo hold—no matter what assurances airlines may give. Many animals have escaped from their carriers and gotten lost or died from heat exhaustion when temperature controls failed or flights were delayed on the tarmac.

By taking just a few simple precautions like those mentioned above, you’ll be helping to ensure a safe and fun vacation for both you and the animals who are such an important part of your life.

Source: People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals

P.S. You can find more travel tips in Ms Newkirk’s book 250 Ways to Make Your Cat Adore You. You’ll also find a world of resources—including tips on spotting and reporting potential cruelty to animals and updates on PETA’s vital work for cats, dogs, and other animals—at HelpingAnimals.com..