We all know that traveling with pets on the road is not always an easy task, here's some helpful hints that should make traveling a little easier.

The first thing you should do is visit your veterinarian. If you have a restless pet they may prescribe some sedatives or tranquilizers. State laws governing rabies control may vary, so your vet can update all vaccinations, if necessary and issue you a health certificate so to comply with all state laws.

Prepare for your Trip carefully, here's a handy checklist of things to do before your trip.

• Water and food bowls, stainless steel is best.

• Bring a supply of food, changing your dogs diet because you forgot to bring it's regular food can be a gastrointestinal disaster.

• Grooming equipment, i.e. Brushes, Comb's, Ear/Eye Cleaning Solutions, Shampoo, Spray on coat conditioner, and pet cologne is always useful.

• A bottle of water from the dog's "usual" water supply is always a handy precaution in case of stomach upset on the first day or so of the trip.

• Don't forget any medications your pet may be on, and check to see if you will need refills, get them before you leave. Don't forget the "insect repellent" and have your vet show you how to properly remove "ticks".

• Bring your leash, collar, and tie out apparatus.

• Check that your pet's ID tags have all relevant information. ( including destination Phone #, if possible.) I always put "needs medication" on ID tags, whether I'm traveling or not. This can prevent someone from keeping a pet they find, because of the health aspect. Bring some good quality photos (taken from different angles) of your pet, in case you need to show them around should your pet stray.

• Always have a "pet" first aid kit on board.

• Bring some extra towels in case of "emergencies".

• Bring your pets own bedding, blanket, what ever it usually sleeps on at home.

• Bring a small selection of your pets favorite toys.

• Don't forget to bring some treats.

• Bring your Vet's phone/pager # is case you have a medical ( non life threatening) emergency.

• If your pet is "crate trained" bring it's crate and use it. It is the safest way to transport your pet . Keep the crate out of direct sunlight while traveling. Always ensure your pet has a adequate supply of fresh drinking water.

• Never let your pet stick it's head out the window while the vehicle is in motion.

• Never let your pet run free at rest area's, use your tie out.

• NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A VEHICLE UNATTENDED IN HOT WEATHER Even in a shady area with the windows down the temperature inside the car can rise very quickly ( in minutes in some cases) and your pet can get overheated and die.

• Never leave your pet tied in a flat bed pick up unless you have a "bed liner"...your truck bed surface can get as hot as a griddle ...in minutes.

• If you are transporting your pet in an open pick up, PLEASE don't let it run loose.... Legal tethering devices are available at most good pet stores and are inexpensive. PLEASE MAKE THE INVESTMENT. Never make long trips with a pet in an open bed truck.

• If you do not have a travel crate for your pet and it is traveling in the passenger area of your vehicle, position it in the rear compartment, away from the driver, and use a harness that attaches to your rear seat belt, it's much safer for all concerned.

• Long road trips can make even the most placid pet "grumpy". Frequent stops and a little exercise can relieve some of this anxiety. If your pet seems upset or not it's usual self, keep it away from strangers, even your kids. Even the best natured, most well adjusted pets can be defensive or even "NASTY" at a time like this.

• When stopping in wilderness area's or national parks, never leave your pet unsupervised, you may use a tie out ( if the park permits animals), but even tied out your pet may become a victim of a wild animal in seconds. Check with the Park's information service before you plan a trip to a particular park area.

When staying in Hotels/Motels that accept pets.

• Always tell the Clerk you have a pet. Special rooms are sometimes designated to pet owners.

• Make sure your pet is clean and brushed well, clerks like to see this, as no one want's to spend extra time picking "Pet Hair " from the carpeting, bedding etc. I've heard of Hotels that normally accept pet's, turning down guests, just for this reason.

• If your pet is crate trained, bring your crate into the Hotel, feed your dog in the crate (not on the carpet). Ice buckets and trash bins are not feeding utensils believe me...... Hotel operators will love you for this.!!!

• Never let your pet run loose in the room in your absence, use your crate and turn on a radio or TV to keep them company. Make it just loud enough to "drown out" outside noises. In the case of Dog's this can prevent barking at strange(to them) noises, or people just passing by the room.

• Most hotels/Motels that accept pets have designated "POTTY" areas, use ONLY those areas, other Hotel guests may not appreciate little "gifts" sticking to their bare feet in the pool area.

We hope you enjoyed our travel tips page.

If you have any further information on this subject that you think is helpful, please Mail us and we will do our best to include it.

Hit the Road!!!!!!