• Make sure your pet is a socialized, friendly animal that gets along with strangers.
• Take your pet on short trips close to home so she won't think every trip is to the veterinarian's office.
• Include your pet's name and your name, address and phone number on identification tags.
• Pack a pet bag of necessities, including plastic bags and paper towels for clean-up, food, bowls and your pet's favorite toys to make her feel at home.
• Buy a well-ventilated pet carrier that is big enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in. Let her sniff and explore it before making a trip.
For more pet-friendly accommodations and tips, check out these bimonthly newsletters and books:
• DOGGONE NEWSLETTER (561-569-8434, $24)
• THE FURRY TRAVELER NEWSLETTER (301-495-4823, $25)
• ON THE ROAD AGAIN WITH MAN'S BEST FRIEND (Frommers)
• DOG LOVER'S COMPANION (Foghorn Press)
• VACATIONING WITH YOUR PET! (Pet-Friendly Publications)
• PETS-R-PERMITTED (Annenberg)
For tip sheets and brochures on how to travel safely with your pet, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Education Department
424 East 92nd Street New York, NY 10128
The Air Transport Association
1301 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W., Suite 1100
Washington, D.C. 20004
Or send $1.50 and a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L Street N.W.
Washington D.C. 20037
Candyce H. Stapen is the author of GREAT FAMILY VACATIONS NORTHEAST, GREAT FAMILY VACATIONS WEST and SKI VACATIONS WITH KIDS.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Originally published in June 1999.
