(NAPSA)—Before setting off on the family’s summer trip, don’t forget a toothbrush, sunblock, traveler’s cheques and...Fluffy. More and more people are adding four-legged friends to their summer vacation checklists. In fact, according to a survey sponsored by The Iams Company, more than one-third of Americans who own pets (36 percent) take their to make surethe hotel’s pet policy has not changed since you made the reservations. Two if by car: Travel tips for you and yourpet Traveling by car can be a bonding experience for pets and their owners, so long as proper preparation is complete. Dr. Carey offers these tips for roadtrips with pets: cats or dogs on vacation with them. “It’s not surprising to find Americans traveling with their pets more often,” says Dr. Dan Carey, a veterinarian with The Iams Company. “Pets are considered to be family members in many cases.” Taking furry companions on vacation, however, means special planning for pet parents. Before you leave “Pet travel requires some advance planning,” says Dr. Carey. He has this advice for pet owners: Proper ID. Make sure your pet has current identification such as a rabies tag, license tag, microchip or personalized ID. Before you leave, consider enrolling your pet with a pet protection and registration service like AWOLPET.com to aid in locating and returning him should he get lost. Current paperwork. Be sure to carry a certificate from your pet’s veterinarian, signed within 10 days of the trip, verifying upto-date immunization records and the general health of the pet. Safe transport. Purchase a travel carrier several weeksbefore your departure. Put your pet in it periodically before your trip so has Sica a ees ia, lier she can acclimate to it gradually. Your pet’s “traveling room”will keep her safe during roadtrips, as well as provide a familiar place to retreat while she adjusts to your new destination. “With a little planning and preparation on your part, you can help your pet experience less anxiety during your travels,” says Dr. Carey. Pet-friendly accommodations The same Jamssurvey revealed 44 percent of dog owners had taken their pet with them on vacation, compared with 31 percent of cat owners. Either way, these pet owners may need to find hotels that accept four-legged guests. Calling the hotel directly is the simplest approach. However, there are many pet resources on the market as well, including Eileen Barish’s book Vacationing With Your Pet: Pet-friendly lodging in the United States & Canada, which lists the hotels (by state) that accept pets as guests. When you do find a hotel that welcomes your pet, be sure to check for any restrictions and/or fees. It’s also a good idea to call the hotel just prior to your arrival * Keep your pet in a crate to minimize the effects of sharp turns or screeching brakes. Also, be sure to keep luggage and other items properly stowed to avoid dangerousshifts. For short trips, feed your pet after you arrive. Long trip? Feed your pet two hours prior to departure. Stick to your pet’s regular diet of nutritious, premium food and try to maintain a consistent feeding schedule. When you stop for food or rest, give your dog a chance to walk around on a leash as well. Keep fresh air flowing, but avoid allowing your dog to ride with his head out the window. It can lead to injuries from foreign objects or other problems. Be sure to pack appropriately for your pet. Include food, water, feeding dishes, leash, toys, paper towels and plastic bags for waste disposal. “Pets can make great travel buddies,” says Dr. Carey. “But pet parents should go through this checklist each time they travel to ensure a fun experience forall two- and four-legged vacationers!” To learn more about general pet care and nutrition, call the Iams Consumer Care Center at 1-800-863-4267 or visit Iams on the Web at www.iamsco.com.
