SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 15 /PRNewswire/ — Vacations with pets are increasingly popular, and many resorts are responding to this trend by welcoming four-legged guests with dog massages and puppy exercise programs. But pet owners need to make sure pets are safe on the road.
“Pet owners need to be aware that traveling with their pets requires extra planning and they should consult their veterinarian before they take off or hit the road,” explains Dr. Gregory S. Hammer, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). “Most airlines require a certificate of veterinary inspection issued within 10 days prior to travel, proof of current rabies vacations, and acclimation certificates.
“Use common sense,” he continues. “If your pet isn’t used to riding in a car, then you need to take some time to acclimate your dog to car rides before road trips. It’s also a good idea to give pets fresh flea and tick treatments, or a quick rest stop could invite unwelcome hitchhikers on your pet’s coat.”
Here are some other traveling tips:

* Consider microchipping your pet to allow for quick identification if
lost. Another solution, make a travel tag for your pet’s collar with
your hotel, cell phone, and any information that would speed the return
of your pet away from home.
* Smaller pets may be brought into an airplane cabin with you, depending
on the airline’s regulations, but check on approval and the size
restrictions for pet carriers with the airline. Pets are not allowed to
travel in airplane baggage areas when it is too hot or too cold (unless
an acclimation certificate is provided to allow exposure to low
temperatures), so check with the airline when you make reservations.
* In a car, a dog should never sit in the passenger seat in front of an
airbag and never in your lap.
* Use a harness or tether to secure your pet to a seatbelt during road
trips.

Download “Traveling With Your Pet” for more tips — and many other informative AVMA brochures — at .
The AVMA and its more than 76,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of activities dedicated to advancing the science and art of animal, human and public health. Visit the AVMA Web site at for more information.
American Veterinary Medical Association