TRANSPORTATION BY CAR

This is perhaps the most practical way of transferring your pet, if the distance you are moving is a day's travel or less. Overnight travel is a bit more complicated, and includes making advance reservations at motels or hotels that permit pets. If you happen to stay in a hotel, try not to leave your pet alone. A pet left alone in a hotel room can be expected to make, or suffer, accidents. Expect to pay for any damage it might do. Pets might also try to escape from a confined room when given a chance- like a housekeeper opening the door. If you intend to camp, find out whether pets are permitted in the public or private campgrounds where you expect to stop.

For dogs and cats, a carrier or portable kennel is a useful item to have on an overnight motor trip. Cat harnesses are available at many pet shops. Unless your dog or cat is already accustomed to car travel, take it on short trips to condition it to car motion and teach it travel manners. Condition your dog or cat to the restraint of a leash. A dog should be taught to sit or lie quietly in its own place, to keep its head inside the car, not to annoy the driver or passengers, or bark at passing vehicles. Most cats are frightened of car travel, but usually become accustomed to it quickly.

Some tips:

1. Keep a stake handy if you plan to camp; it might prove difficult otherwise to leash dogs or other pets.
2. Attach pet's travel identification and rabies tags firmly to its collar.
   Have your dog's nails clipped before the trip to prevent scratches and upholstery damage to the car.
   Administer a sedative or tranquilizer if veterinarian has prescribed one.
   Do not feed or water the pet just before starting.
3. Feed only once a day, preferably by evening. Try to keep to established walking and feeding routines.
   Plan stops at regular intervals to give your pet a drink and a short run.
   Take a container of fresh water along; a sudden change in drinking water may upset some pets.
4. Never let your dog or cat loose in a strange place.
5. Always attach the leash before opening the car door and detach it only after the pet is back inside and the door is closed.
6. Do not give an excited pet a chance to bolt when stopping at filling stations and restaurants.
   If you must leave pet in the car on a warm day, park in the shade, open all the windows an inch or two for cross ventilation and leave water.
7. Do not leave the pet unattended for long periods; check on it every hour or so.
8. If the day is hot, it is best not to leave pet in the car at all. Keep the car windows rolled up enough to prevent your pet from jumping or falling out.
9. Do not let your pet hang its head out of the window.
10. Too much wind and dust etc., can lead to sore eyes, inflamed ears and throat.
11. Do not allow your pet to antagonize others.
12. When exercising your pet, keep it away from manicured lawns, gardens and swimming pool areas.
13. Keep it out of restaurants, and on a short leash in public places.
14. Keep strangers, especially children, at a distance if your pet seems to be nervous.

Pet Travel Kit

1. Pet food. Make sure you pack its regular food.
2. Can opener
3. Pet's food and water dishes
4. Blanket
5. Toys
6. Paper towels or a few newspapers
7. Flea or tick repellent if you will be passing through rural or wooded areas.
8. Sedatives as prescribed by your veterinarian
9. Scooper and plastic bags to clean up after your pet.
10. Spray-type room deodorant or air freshener if you will be staying in a hotel.
11. Stake and long leash

Checklist

1. Travel identification and rabies tags attached to pet's collar?
2. Necessary health documents and pet's veterinary record?
3. Water container filled for pet? Change of water for aquarium?
4. Pet travel kit?
5. Cage or carrier fixed so it won't tip or slide around?

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