TRAVELING WITH PETS

Dont't forget - your pets are always welcome at the Comfort Suites at Laurel Lakes hotel!

Take us for a veterinary check-up and obtain a health certificate and documentation of inoculations. If your best friend has never been in a car, take him or her on short trips as conditioning for the journey. Remember, traveling can be very stressful on us.

Your friends should be secure during the trip and not allowed to jump around or hang out of the window (although we do like it when the wind whips through our hair!). For this reason, a crate or carrier is recommended.

A strong, wire-mesh crate, while not permitted for air travel, is preferable for car trips because it provides more ventilation. The crate must be large enough for us to stand, turn around and lie down in comfortably.It's not the funnest way to travel but I don't mind it that much.

Line the bottom of the crate with towels to absorb urine. It sounds gross but sometimes we do have accidents. Attach bowls for food and water. If a cat is going to be kept in the crate for a long time, place a small, disposable litter box in it.

Get your pet accustomed to the crate prior to the journey.

We should wear a flat-buckled collar and an I.D. tag with our name and your address and telephone number on it. For additional protection, consider microchipping or tattooing the animal. I got this great tatto that says "I'm my own Master!"

Try to avoid traveling in extreme weather conditions. If you must travel in hot weather, try to do so in the evening or early morning.

Bring a couple of jugs of cold water. The water can be used to cool us down.We should be given water and exercise during rest stops, but dont let us run loose at rest areas. No matter how well trained we are, this is a new experience and an accident could happen. Cats, birds and all other pets should remain in their carriers until safely indoors once your destination for the day is reached.

Under no circumstances leave us in a parked car. It takes only minutes for us to develop heatstroke or freeze. If you are planning to stay in a hotel, make arrangements prior to starting your trip.

When you arrive at your destination, keep us in a calm, quiet area and give us plenty of time to adjust to the new environment. Turn on the tv and get us some treats!

Tranquilization is not recommended. Stay tuned for future travels, hints and maybe even some pictures of me and my vacations!