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Preparing Your Pet's Travel Supplies
Travel carriers
Travel carriers are useful when your pet is traveling by car;
they are mandatory when your pet is traveling by air.
Your pet's carrier
should be durable and smooth-edged with opaque sides, a grille
door, and several ventilation holes on each of the four sides.
Choose a carrier with
a secure door and door latch.
If you are traveling
by air, your carrier should have food and water dishes.
Pet carriers may be
purchased from pet-supply stores or bought directly from domestic
airlines.
Select a carrier that
has enough room to permit your animal to sit and lie down but
is not large enough to allow your pet to be tossed about during
travel.
You can make the carrier
more comfortable by lining the interior with shredded newspaper
or a towel.
It is wise to acclimate
your pet to the carrier in the months or weeks preceding your
trip.
Permit your pet to
explore the carrier.
Place your pet's food
dish inside the carrier and confine him or her to the carrier
for brief periods.
To introduce your pet
to car travel in the carrier, confine him or her in the carrier
and take short drives around the neighborhood.
If properly introduced
to car travel, most dogs and cats will quickly adjust to and even
enjoy car trips.
Careful Preparation
is the Key
When packing, don't forget your pet's food, food and water dishes,
bedding, litter and litter box, leash, collar and tags, grooming
supplies, and a first-aid kit and any necessary medications.
Always have a container
of drinking water with you.
Your pet should wear
a sturdy collar with ID tags throughout the trip.
The tags should have
both your permanent address and telephone number and an address
and telephone number where you or a contact can be reached during
your travels.
Traveling can be upsetting
to your pet's stomach.
Take along ice cubes,
which are easier on your pet than large amounts of water.
You should keep feeding
to a minimum during travel.
(Provide a light meal
for your pet two to three hours before you leave, if you are traveling
by car, or four to six hours before departure if traveling by
air.)
Allow small amounts
of water periodically in the hours before the trip.
Carry a current photograph
of your pet with you.
If your pet is lost
during a trip, a photograph will make it easier for others (airline
employees, the police, shelter workers, and others) to help you
find your pet.
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