The 5 Commandments of Pet Travel

1. Know Thy Pet

Is your animal companion nervous around strangers? Does he or she suffer from motion sickness or anxiety? Is your cat or dog well behaved? How do they handle new environments? These are just some of the questions you need to answer honestly before embarking on an adventure with your four-legged friend.

Many cats are much happier staying in their own home with a family member, friend or pet sitter. If opting for someone who cannot stay over, it is best if that person comes at least twice a day to tend to your kitty.

That way food and water will always be fresh and litter box habits can be properly monitored. Even some of the best brands of pet doors offer features that can help maintain litter box habits.

Dogs are a bit more flexible. Many love the attention they receive at pet resorts or in-home care at a pet sitter's house.

2. Obey Pet Travel Requirements of the Country Or Countries You Are Visiting

Pet immigration rules differ. Some countries require specific vaccinations and most require proof that your pet is parasite free. Failure to adhere to these very strict guidelines can result in your pet being quarantined! For information on pet health and travel policies around the world, visit PetTravelCenter.com or PetTravel.com and click on the 'Pet Passports' link.

3. Understand How Airport Security Works

Be aware that while going through security, you will be required to take your pet out of their carrier as it must go through the x-ray machine. Your pet will walk through the scanner with you. You also have the option to be taken to a private room, where you and your pet will be patted down.

4. Be Prepared For Emergencies

Whether traveling to the next state or oversees, it is important to take the time to research veterinarians and animal hospitals in the region. The last thing you want to be doing if your pet has a health emergency at 3:00 a.m. is trying to find a vet who is open! A great resource is VetWorld.com. You may also contact the American Embassy in the country you are visiting.

5. Have Appropriate 'Tools'

·      If your airline requires a specific sized carrier, be sure to have that size! Not all airplanes have the same under seat space.

·      Make sure your pet is wearing identification. Just your name, email and cell phone number.

·      If your pet tends to pee during car or airplane travel, be sure the carrier is lined with a puppy training pad. This makes clean up fast and easy for you and much less stressful for your furry baby.

·      Pack food and water in airtight, leak-proof packaging.

·      Did you remember to bring along poop bags for when you land or stop at rest stops?

·      If traveling with your cat by car, remember to keep a disposable litter box on the floor. When you stop for a bathroom break, remember to give one to kitty, too.

Jodi Ziskin, our Traveling with Pets Editor, is a Holistic Wellness Consultant for Animal Companions, specializing in nutrition and proactive health. She is a Certified Pet Nutrition Consultant who also holds a Master of Science degree in Holistic Nutrition. Through her company Holistic Jodi, LLC, Jodi makes house calls throughout South Florida, helping cats, dogs, birds and rabbits be as healthy and happy as possible.

She and her husband Zach live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with their two cats, Obi and Emma.

Please feel free to contact Jodi at holisticjodi[at]gmail.com or visit http://www.healthypetcoach.com/