Travel Tip #1

The ASPCA recommends that pet owners do not fly their pets on commercial airlines, unless they are small enough to fit in the cabin. If that isn't an option make sure Fluffy or Fido is secure in baggage. Write the words "Live Animal" on top of crates and on one side. Use arrows to indicate the upright position of the crate. Book a direct flight whenever possible. This will limit the chances that pets get lost in cargo.

Travel Tip #2

If you need to leave your dog in a kennel make sure to get recommendations and visit the kennel before you take your dog. Make sure it's clean and the animals look cared for. Talk to the employees to gauge how much they know about the animals. Also, book as far in advance as possible because good kennels fill up early during the holidays and summertime when people travel the most frequently.

Travel Tip #3

When traveling by car, make sure to keep the air conditioning on when it's hot and never leave the animal unsupervised. If you have to leave your pet alone, park in a shaded area and keep the windows down. Five minutes of direct sunlight can heighten temperatures to above 100 degrees. At that temperature, they could suffer heat stroke or brain damage. Short-snouted dogs like bulldogs and pugs are particularly susceptible to overheating.

Travel Tip #4

Pets, like humans, get anxious when they fly but experts recommend not sedating them. When tranquilizers are administered, an animal's equilibrium is altered and they cannot balance. During periods of turbulence, drugs prevent them from maintaining balance so they can't brace themselves and prevent injury.

Travel Tip #5

Cats, by nature, like to climb all over the place. When driving, put them in an enclosure to protect them. Be careful when you reach your destination and open the door. Unrestrained cats sometimes jump out and run away. Cardboard carriers aren't recommended. They don't hold up well and aren't very secure.