Information on Pet Travel June 2010

Now that summer has begun and the weather is getting warmer, the traveling season is heating up as well. And with pet travel becoming more common in the US, Sprinks has come up with a list of our top 5 checklist for any mode of travel (be it car, plane, or boat) for our furry travelers.

Medications. Be sure to pick up any refills of medications your pet will need while away from home. Sprinks Regul8 is perfect for pets that have bowel problems while traveling, and Sprinks Relax will help ease feelings of discontentment in traveling pets.

Identification. Make sure your pet's ID tag is accurate and up-to-date. At minimum, your pet tag should have your pet's name and a contact phone number of the owner. Additional information such as the owner's address and emergency contact may be listed as well. As a traveling pet, you might want to add an additional ID tag with information on where you are staying so that if your pet gets away, you are easily accessible.

Food and water. Bring the food that your pet is used to while traveling. Doing so can help you avoid the dreaded "messy butt" and/or vomiting. We advise that you bring your own water for your own pet. Whatever kind of water you usually give it is fine. Drinking water from a foreign area that your pet is not accustomed to could result in an upset stomach in your pet.

Pet waste bags, or litter box and scoop. To be courteous and clean up after your pet.

Pet vaccination records...if traveling across state lines. Various states require this proof at certain interstate crossings. This generally doesn't tend to be a problem...but it is better to be on the safe side.

Also, prior to traveling with your pet, make sure they are healthy! Traveling with a sick pet is no fun for the pet or the owner. Make an appointment with your veterinarian and renew any shots that are out of date. If you plan to travel by car with your pet, it is a good idea to familiarize them with traveling in a car. A week before your departure, try taking your pet on a series of short trips so that they are able to get used to traveling by car. If you plan of taking your pet on a plane, do the same and make sure that your pet is accustomed to their carrier before the day of your trip. Doing so will make your trip much smoother.

For the extended version of our pet travel checklist, pet friendly hotels, and airline rules regarding pet travel, visit our Sprinks Travel website.