Family vacation time is right around the corner. Many of you are wondering what to do with your 4-legged "children". Do you board them in a kennel, hire a "fur sitter", or better yet, take them along? Before you decide, here are some suggestions about traveling with your pets.

Boarding your pet is the least expensive way to go, but perhaps the least desirable for your pet. All good boarding facilities (including your veterinarian's office) require that the animals be current on their annual vaccines (including the Kennel Cough vaccine). This is highly recommended as all animals experience some stress due to being away from home. As a result, they are more likely to come down with an illness during this time. In addition, it only takes one infectious animal in a kennel to start a micro-epidemic and before you know it, disease spreads through the kennel.

Please be aware that it is not unusual for your pet to return home with some diarrhea. This may be caused from diet change or even the stress itself. The diarrhea should resolve within a few days; however, if it persists, or vomiting develops, you should consult your veterinarian. The cost of boarding, depending upon the extra "frills and fluff", is approximately $18 per day for a medium-sized dog and $10 per day for a cat.

The "fur sitter" is a great way to go for multi-pet households. Most sitters will come two times a day for feeding and walking. The extra advantage is they are seen entering your house and can make your house seem "lived in" while you are gone. If you are lucky, some fur sitters will even spend a little time "loving" your pets while they are there. The problem, as with other forms of "child care", is that good ones can be hard to find. The best, as always, are in great demand.
The fur sitter can charge $25 or more per day depending on the number of animals, times of day you want them to come over, and even more if you are lucky enough to find one that will stay overnight
(approximately $50 per day).

When using a "fur sitter" be sure to make arrangements as soon as you know you will be going away. Also, make sure that "all the bases are covered", especially if you will be hard to reach while you are away. Leave explicit instructions as to "what to do if your pet becomes ill while away". Many veterinarians are reluctant to treat a pet without the owner's authorization. A letter written to your veterinarian giving authorization as well as an emergency contact number is extremely helpful, and appreciated.

Many people elect to take their 4-legged loved ones with them while traveling. Always call ahead to verify if your hotel will accept pets. A listing of such hotels is available through AAA and several other sources. BUT before knowing where to house you and your furry friends, the first thing we have to do is to get you there safe and sound via planes, trains, and automobiles!

Travel by trains and commercial buses is not permitted. This leaves your car and airplanes. Your car is usually no big deal, unless your pet gets motion sickness. If your pet is susceptible, benedryl (without any other additives such as Tylenol) given approximately one hour before travel can help. Make sure to allow time for several potty breaks, and don't forget the leash! As for our feline friends, most cats feel more secure riding in a pet carrier that is large enough to accommodate a small litter box. A container of fresh water and food is another good idea. You never know what will happen if your car should break down in the boonies.

Travel by plane requires some planning. First and foremost, when making your flight reservations, you must also make a reservation for your pet(s). Each airline has their own regulations and policies that are as varied as their frequent flyer rules! You can count on restrictions on the number of animals permitted, the times of day you can travel, as well as the acceptable dimensions of your crate. For example, if you plan to have your pet fly in the cabin with you, space is extremely limited AND the crate must fit under the seat in front of you. If your pet must go in the cargo area, be sure to have a direct flight, and be prepared for temperature restrictions (especially in Florida, where it gets too hot). The crate must be USDA approved for shipping, must be marked "LIVE ANIMAL" and have identification, including: name, address, and telephone number of the destination. Don't count on one phone call to do it. Get the information, then RECONFIRM the exact requirements before departure. Make sure to take down the names of the person(s) you spoke with. This will help you win arguments at the gate.

Airline travel requires that you obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian. The certificate can only be issued within 10 days prior to travel (and please, for your Vet's sake, hopefully not the hour before departure). The certificate is good for 30 days from the date of issuance. Your pet must be examined by an accredited veterinarian, found to be healthy and free of contagious disease, up to date on its rabies vaccine (proof is required), and must be at least 8 weeks old.

Frozen water (in a clean plastic bottle) in the cage is a good idea, as it will give your pet something cool to lick as it melts during the hot weather. I strongly discourage the use of tranquilizers when traveling by plane. If your pet gets into trouble, no one, including you, will be able to help it. If your pet is the nervous type, benedryl (no additives) may be given to help take the edge off. I recommend that Bulldogs, Boxers, and other "flat faced breeds" which usually have breathing problems to begin with, not fly cargo if at all possible. If traveling to another country, be aware that quarantines exist and are enforced rigidly (for example: 6 months in the UK, longer than your average vacation). Please call that country's consulate to verify what quarantine may be needed. It is also a good idea to take the number of your veterinarian and names of any medications your pet is on with you.

No matter your destination, length of stay, or method of transportation, please remember to always make some timely arrangements for your 4-legged friends, and have a safe and stressless trip.