A little preplanning can help make travel easier on pets-and their owners.

POINTERS FOR PARENTS WITH PETS

Tips On Traveling With Your Pets

(NAPSA)—Planning and preparation are essential when traveling with family pets. That’s because some animals, like some people, function better in familiar surroundings.

A few general tips apply whether you travel by car or plane. Be sure your pet is properly identified with a current tag or microchip. Grooming (bathing, combing, trimming nails) before a trip, plus having its favorite food, toys and dishes available, will make your pet more comfortable. Have both proof of rabies vaccination and a current health certificate with you when crossing state or international borders.

Pet Travel Checklist

If you will be staying with friends along the way, be considerate. Find out in advance if the pet is welcome. The same goes for hotels, motels, parks and campgrounds. Always check whether pets are allowed or kennel facilities are available.

In addition, when traveling with a pet, there are many items to bring along, including:

• Medications. Ensure your pet is in good physical health before you travel. Pick up refills of any medications your pet will need while you are away—and find out whether or not there are any concerns about the area to which you are traveling. Internal and external parasite preventives are especially important to remember.

• Kennel or carrier. Some places ask that you kennel your pet if you are going out and leaving him in the room. The kennel is also a safe way for your pet to travel.

• Food and water. Keeping your pet on the same diet that he’s accustomed to will help to prevent digestive problems.

• Stain remover/cleaning supplies. Be courteous and clean up accidents and pet hair. A good quality lint brush or pet hair remover is always useful.

• Collar and leashes. If you are traveling to a remote area, consider bringing an extra leash— just in case one of them breaks.

• Comfortable bedding. Bring along whatever your pet is accustomed to and what smells like “home.”

• Recent photo. If your pet is lost while you are traveling, the photo will come in handy when describing him to others. Also jot down any unique identifying marks; be specific.

For additional information, including protecting your pet against internal and external parasites, visit the Web site at www.growingupwithpets.com.