Traveling with Your Pet: A Quick Checklist for Pet Owners  

In the rush and excitement before leaving for a trip, it's
so easy to forget something. And when you're a pet owner,
it's even more of a challenge -- not only are you packing
for yourself, but you're packing for your pet, too!

[It doesn't help when Fido runs around wildly with
excitement, poking his nose into piles of clothing...
while Fluffy daintily picks her way through each and
every suitcase!]

Here's a quick list of things to prepare for your pet
before you leave:

* Medications. Before you leave, consult with your vet.
Pick up refills of any medications your pet will need
while you are away ... and find out whether or not
there are any health concerns about the area to which
you are traveling -- for example, fleas and ticks are
common concerns which can be alleviated with certain
medications. Talk to your vet.

* Kennel or carrier. Some places ask that you kennel your
pet if you are going out and leaving him in the room.
The kennel is also a safe way for your pet to travel;
please don't let your dog ride loose in the back of a
pickup truck; he could fall out and suffer serious
injuries. If your pet is prone to jumping out of the
car unexpectedly (ie. while at a rest stop, or when
the doors are opened), the kennel will keep him safe.

* Food and water bowls.

* Food (and maybe even water)! Keeping your pet on the
same diet that he's accustomed to will help to prevent
an upset stomach. If your pet has a sensitive stomach,
you may also want to bring water. Don't forget to
bring along a few treats!

* Stain remover/cleaning supplies... just in case!
Please be courteous and clean up as much pet hair,
etc. as you can. Vacation rentals do not have to
allow pets; a few minutes spent cleaning can help
to ensure that our four-legged friends continue to
be welcomed.

* Plastic bags for picking up after your pooch. If you're
traveling with your kitty, bring his or her litter box
and litter.

* Grooming tools - including a comb and/or brush, nail
clippers, pet shampoo, and anything else your pet needs.
Your active pet may end up needing a bit of a 'touch-up'
after a happy day hard at play!

* Extra towels - for wiping those muddy paws and wet or
dirty bodies!

* Collar and leash(es). If you are travelling to a remote
area, consider bringing an extra leash - just in case
one of them breaks.

* Bedding. Many vacation rentals ask that pets stay off
the beds or furniture, so your pet will appreciate a
comfortable pet bed or blanket.

* Identification. Be sure to record the license numbers,
tattoo numbers, and microchip numbers of your pets and
bring this list with you.

* Vaccination records and other documents. If you are
travelling from another one country to another, be sure
to check what types of vaccinations your pet will need.
Bring an up-to-date record with you. Also check whether
or not there are any special requirements for either
traveling into the country, or returning to your own.

* Recent photo. Unfortunately, . If your pet is lost
while you are traveling, the photo will prove to be a
handy tool when describing him to others.

* First aid kit. Accidents happen. You can purchase an
animal first aid kit from the Humane Society of Canada
at http://www.humanesociety.com/ .

___________

This pet travel checklist was developed by http://PetFriendly.ca,
Canada's Internet guide to pet-friendly travel! Visit us
for cottages, cabins, B&Bs, hotels, and other vacation
rentals that the *whole* family can enjoy!
http://petfriendly.ca/