Tips for Summer Road Trips with Your Pet

Despite rising gas prices, millions of Americans will be traveling by car this summer. If you're planning to bring your pet with you on a road trip, just be sure to make car travel safe and comfortable for your fur-ball, say the pet care experts at Best Friends Pet Hotel (bestfriendspetcare.com).

The first rule is always that your pet's safety and comfort come first. While many dogs enjoy a car ride around town, some pets simply cannot tolerate longer car trips. Others associate car rides with unpleasant destinations. If your pet exhibits signs of stress in the car or carsickness, it will be kinder to leave him in a quality boarding facility for his own comfort. Before you travel, make sure you:

1. Check with your vet about health issues for your destination. Will additional vaccinations be required? Also, investigate local pet laws where you are traveling. Some states and municipalities are enacting laws requiring that pets be restrained in vehicles.

2. Book accommodations early. If your hotel won't accept pets, check for nearby boarding facilities. Be sure to make boarding reservations in advance, or there might not be room at the Pet Hotel.

3. Prepare two sets of identification tags - one for your destination, and one for home. If your pet gets lost or separated from you during the trip, you want someone who finds him to be able to contact you right away, and know why your pet is there - not after you arrive home.

Once your road trip is underway, don't forget your pet's needs:

1. Buckle up - Hundreds of pets are injured or even killed each year because they had free run of the vehicle. An unrestrained pet can be distracting enough to the driver to cause an accident. Pets should be harnessed or placed in a carrier in the rear seat or cargo area.

2. Stop for stretch breaks. Stop about every two hours to give your pet a chance to get out and stretch.

3. Offer plenty of water. Always carry fresh water and offer it frequently in small sips so your pet won't become dehydrated. Also, feed your dog his regular meal at his regular time, but offer a little less. He's less active in the car, and feeding him a little less will make him less likely to become nauseated.

4. Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. The temperature in a car can spike suddenly, putting your pet at risk for heat stroke or even worse. Also, your dog could get stolen from the car, or bite a passerby.

5. Never let your dog ride in the back of an open truck, or stick her head out an open window.If you decide that a road trip is simply not right for your pet, be sure to make a reservation at a reputable boarding kennel. Good boarding facilities fill up quickly during the peak summer vacation season.

To choose the best accommodations for your family pets:

- Always visit the location you are considering during normal business hours. Ask for a tour. You should not need an appointment to do this.

- Use your senses to evaluate the facility. Are the quarters large enough for your pet to move about? How does the staff interact with their pet guests?

- Ask questions. Is there exercise or play time available? Will they feed special diets and give medication if required? What is their policy if a pet becomes injured or ill?

- And most importantly, never feel silly asking questions or asking for references. A good pet hotel will readily provide names and phone numbers of satisfied customers.When planning your summer travel, make sure your fur-ball's needs and safety are included in the planning process. There's nothing like making great summer memories with your entire family as you explore and enjoy the summer season.

Submitted by Best Friends Pet Hotel (bestfriendspetcare.com)