Most of pet owners are so closely connected with their small friends that view them as members of their family. Animals usually feel nervous about traveling in a car. So it is not easy to travel with them. The following tips will help you and your pets feel comfortable during a far journey.

There are certain points for consideration when planning a travel with animals in a car.

Things to Plan

*    Make sure that your pet has got all necessary vaccinations. Health certificate is also necessary, so get to the vet at least ten days before you start.

*    Make sure that the place you are intending to stay at is allowed for animals.

Things to Prepare

*    Microchip is a great solution for identification purpose. Provide your pet with it if possible. The tag will also do. The tag should contain the pet’s name, your address and phone number. Get you pet before a journey ? bathe it, comb and trim nails.

*    The pet’s favorite toys and food should be kept at hand. Usually animals are more obedient when surrounded with familiar items.

*    If you are traveling abroad make sure that all the pet’s documents (health certificate, vaccination certificate) are in order.

*    Take your pet for short trips in a car to check how well it stands the driving. In this way you can prepare the animal for far journey.

*    On the departure day feed your pet with usual food, as any strange product can make the animal feel uneasy.

For comfortable traveling:

*    Put your cat in a special container where it will feel comfortable and safe.

*    When you arrive feed the animal with usual food. This should be dry food as it will be more convenient for you and your pet.

*    Make sure that the food is fresh. If it has gone bad during the traveling your pet can get ill.

*    A jag of fresh cold water should be certainly kept in the vehicle. On the road the water sources are often unavailable.

*    Make short stops every two hours and take your pet out of the car to get some exercise.

*    If you are traveling with the dog, don’t let it put its head out of the car window as dust and grit can play havoc with your dog’s eyes. You’d better close the windows or keep them slightly open if the weather is hot.

*    If you need to leave your pet in a locked car, park your vehicle in a shade. On a warm weather the temperature in a closed car can rise very quickly and the animal will feel bad.

*    The first aid kit should contain bandages, antiseptic cream and gauze squares.  Anti-diarrhea tablets may be also very necessary in a long journey (not only for your pet). In a case of emergency you should immediately call to the vet, that’s why make sure that you have his telephone number before to leave.

Keep in mind that sudden changes and long journeys in a car make animals very distressed and upset. Don’t be sharp and rude to your pet in such situations ? understanding is the key point for your and the animal’s wellbeing and comfort.

Roger Levinsen