Tips On Traveling With Your Pets (NAPSA)—Planning and pre- paration are essential when traveling with family pets. That’s because some animals, like some people, function better in familiar surroundings. A few general tips apply whether you travel by car or plane. Be sure yourpet is properly identified with a current tag or microchip. Grooming (bathing, combing, trimming nails) before a trip, plus having its favorite food, toys and dishes available, will make your pet more comfortable. Have both proof of rabies vaccination and a current health certificate with you whencrossing state or international borders. Pet Travel Checklist If you will be staying with friends along the way, be considerate. Find out in advanceif the pet is welcome. The same goes for hotels, motels, parks and camp- grounds. Always check whether pets are allowed or kennel facilities are available. In addition, when traveling with a pet, there are many items to bring along, including: Medications. Ensure yourpet is in good physical health before you travel. Pick up refills of any medications your pet will need while you are away—andfind out whether or not there are any concerns about the area to which you are traveling. Internal and external parasite preventives are espe- cially important to remember. e Kennel or carrier. Some places ask that you kennel your pet if you are going out and leaving him in the room. The kennelis also a safe way for yourpetto travel. ee A little preplanning can help make travel easier on pets—and their owners. Food and water. Keeping your pet on the samediet that he’s accustomed to will help to prevent digestive problems. e Stain remover/cleaning supplies. Be courteous and clean up accidents and pet hair. A goodquality lint brush or pet hair removeris always useful. e Collar and leashes. If you are traveling to a remote area, con- sider bringing an extra leash— just in case one of them breaks. Comfortable bedding. Bring along whatever your pet is accustomed to and what smells like “home.” Recent photo. If your pet is lost while you are traveling, the photo will come in handy when describing him to others. Also jot down any unique identifying marks; be specific. For additional information, including protecting your pet against internal and external par- asites, visit the Web site at www.growingupwithpets.com.
