Traveling with Pets

For many folks, pets are considered part of the family and just like human family members pets experience different levels of stress to new environments and are sensitive to new sights, sounds and smells and their level of care must be taken into consideration. If you should plan to travel with your pets instead having they stay home and be cared for by a sitter please consider these great tips courtesy of Bay County, Michigan’s government website and the following resources below for safe and happy pet friendly travel:

* Consider a pre-travel vet visit.
* Attach a pet ID tag, with your name, address, and telephone to the pet's collar.
* Consider adding a temporary ID tag to the collar, including where you're currently staying.
* Microchips, tattoos and pet registries are also available.
* Get all current vaccinations and shots, and secure a rabies tag to the pet's collar.
* Consider a Lyme disease vaccination.
* Keep current records of your pet's vital records and vet's contact methods accessible.
* Bring medications and prescriptions along on your trip.
* Consider the use of a crate for short term and travel restraint.
* Pack a pet first aid kit. Obtain a vet telephone number for the areas that you to visit.
* Plan to bring plenty of water for your pet, along with their regular food, water and food bowls and treats. Keep your pet on their regular schedule.
* Bring extra pet collars, leashes, chew toys, and pet brushes.
* Check with your destination whether pets are permitted. Pets are prohibited from some parks and campgrounds.
* Carefully consider your pet when you're selecting a campsite. Selecting a site with adequate tree shade is always helpful.
* Read the park and understand the rules. As a pet owner, you have an obligation to act responsibly in caring for your pet.
* Maintain control of you pet at all times. Use the pet leash at all times. Do not leave a pet unattended.
* Respect for other campers and the wildlife includes ensuring that your dog doesn't bark.
* Closely monitor your pet around other people, children and pets.
* Always pick up immediately after your pet. Use ziplock bags to pick up after them and properly dispose of it in appropriate trash containers.
* Give your pet time to adjust to their surroundings. Give them adequate water and rest breaks.
* Watch that your pet doesn't get tangled around tent poles, or stakes, tables, trees.
* Make sure that your pet gets regular exercise. Also consider the effect of activity and energy levels on your pet.
* Be aware of how the weather may affect your pet – heat, cold, rain, etc.
* Carefully consider where you place your pet's food, as this food may attract insects and wildlife.
* Consider your pets sleeping arrangements.
* Be courteous of others as you walk your pet. Keep your pet calm and controlled.
* Be aware that your pet may be exposed to ticks, fleas, and other insects. Use proper repellents, and flea/tick collars when possible.

Dog Friendly.com Travel Guides - http://www.dogfriendly.com/
Pet Friendly.com Travel Guide - www.pettravel.com/
Pet Friendly Travel.com - www.petfriendlytravel.com/
Pet Friendly Travel Directory - http://www.petvr.com
Pets on the Go - www.petsonthego.com/
Pets Welcome - www.petswelcome.com/
San Diego Dog - http://www.sandiegodog.com
San Diego Dogs - http://www.thesandiegodog.com/aboutus.html

If you should decide to have the pets stay home, please consider the myriad of pet care options available to you, do your research wisely, trust your instincts, make sure you hire someone trustworthy and reliable (if they can prove background checks, insurance, bonding, etc, the better), and consider not only what works best for you but what’s best for your pets. For Pet Sitters, Private in Home Boarders, Kennels, Boarding Facilities and House Sitters:
Classifieds For Your Pets - http://www.classifiedsforyourpets.com
Kudzu – http://sandiego.kudzu.com
Pet Sit USA - http://www.petsits.com
Pet Sitters Associates, LLC - http://www.petsitllc.com
Pet Sitters Biz - http://www.pet-sitters.biz
Pet Sitters International: http://www.petsit.com
PetCare Directory (PetCare Link Partners) - http://www.ready-pet-go.com
Professional United Pet Sitters: http://www.petsits.com
Yelp – http://www.yelp.com