News
Pet Friendly Travel - TO TRAVEL OR NOT TO TRAVEL
Published: Jul 17, 2003 - 12:29 AM
MANHATTAN -- The holidays are just around the corner, and many pet owners are thinking about traveling to grandma's house to taste her famous pumpkin pie. However, many pet owners wonder what should be done with the pets while the owners are away? Should the pet travel with the owner or should the pet stay at home?
Dr. Kathy Gaughan, assistant professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kansas State University, says that the owner should consider a number of factors when making this decision.
"As a pet owner, you should ask yourself if the pet would be better off at home alone or traveling to a strange place," Gaughan said. "To decide this, pet owners must look at the individual pet. If the pet is used to traveling and is healthy, traveling with the pet may be a great idea. If, however, the pet has health problems or has never traveled before, pet owners may want to leave the pets at home."
The pet owner has a few decisions about what to do with the pet if the pet is left at home. Pet boarding facilities are always an option. However, Gaughan warns, the pet should be used to living in a confined area. If the pet is an outdoor pet, it may be best to have a neighbor or pet sitter check up on the animal on occasion at the house.
"If pets are left alone, it's a good idea to have someone check on them at least every 24 hours. Pets should never be left alone for more than one day without any supervision," Gaughan said.
If the owner decides to take the pet along, Gaughan suggests a few tips to keep in mind.
"Once owners have the vacation mapped out, they should call ahead and find a hotel or motel that allows animals," Gaughan said. "Many hotels and motels do take pets, but it's important to locate them before the trip begins.
"Pet owners should keep the phone number of their veterinarian handy throughout short trips," Gaughan said. "Also, if owners are going to be gone for more than a week or so, they should have the number of a veterinarian at their destination. In case of an emergency, it's always better to be safe than sorry."
Gaughan advises all pet owners to take proof of vaccination while traveling with pets. If anything happens to the pet, veterinarians will have a knowledge of the pet's medical history.
Article generously provided by www.online-dog-store.com
"As a pet owner, you should ask yourself if the pet would be better off at home alone or traveling to a strange place," Gaughan said. "To decide this, pet owners must look at the individual pet. If the pet is used to traveling and is healthy, traveling with the pet may be a great idea. If, however, the pet has health problems or has never traveled before, pet owners may want to leave the pets at home."
The pet owner has a few decisions about what to do with the pet if the pet is left at home. Pet boarding facilities are always an option. However, Gaughan warns, the pet should be used to living in a confined area. If the pet is an outdoor pet, it may be best to have a neighbor or pet sitter check up on the animal on occasion at the house.
"If pets are left alone, it's a good idea to have someone check on them at least every 24 hours. Pets should never be left alone for more than one day without any supervision," Gaughan said.
If the owner decides to take the pet along, Gaughan suggests a few tips to keep in mind.
"Once owners have the vacation mapped out, they should call ahead and find a hotel or motel that allows animals," Gaughan said. "Many hotels and motels do take pets, but it's important to locate them before the trip begins.
"Pet owners should keep the phone number of their veterinarian handy throughout short trips," Gaughan said. "Also, if owners are going to be gone for more than a week or so, they should have the number of a veterinarian at their destination. In case of an emergency, it's always better to be safe than sorry."
Gaughan advises all pet owners to take proof of vaccination while traveling with pets. If anything happens to the pet, veterinarians will have a knowledge of the pet's medical history.
Article generously provided by www.online-dog-store.com