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LIFE WITH YOUR PET
Taking the Family Pet Along for the Ride

More and more, pets are becoming a bigger part of the family. Few people can envision life without their pets, even if such a separation is relatively brief. While pets used to spend time at the local kennel or doggies hotel once it came time for family vacations, nowadays they are joining their families for some fun in the sun or snow.

Those looking to take their pet along for the ride come their next vacation should know it takes some planning and forethought to make Fido's first vacation a succesful one.

• Clear room for a crate: Pets can grow unruly on long car rides, so even if your pet is used to car trips and behaves without a crate, it's best to bring one along. Collapsible crates work best, because they can be folded compactly when your pet's not inside. If your pet needs to be crated at all times, make sure the leash isn't attached while your pet is in the crate. This could prove harmful, should your pet get tangled while you're driving. If you're bringing the family cat along, make sure the cat's crate is properly ventilated and the door can be locked.
  
  
• Bring some snacks along: Snacks can be man's other best friend when traveling with pets. A ball stuffed with treats or peanut butter can keep your pet occupied while you're driving, allowing you to pay attention to the road.
  
  
• Bring everything up to date: If your dog or cat gets loose around the neighborhood, chances are a neighbor will recognize him and bring him home safely. However, if a pet gets loose when traveling, all the local animal control will have to go on is the pet's tags. So make sure all tags are current, stating your name, address and cell phone number, and when your pet's last rabies vaccination was administered.
• Before you leave, bathe your pet: Much like you would prefer not to be traveling with a person with body odor, you don't want the cabin of your car to be filled with a pet's body odor either. Bathe your pet either the morning you leave or the night before, and don't take along items that might have a strong odor of animal smell, such as a bed or blanket.
  
  
• Visit the vet: Just to be safe, schedule a visit to your veterinarian before taking off on any trip. This will ensure that your pet is good to go and won't experience any unforeseen problems while on vacation.

Source: Metro Creative

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