Resources

Before taking your pet on your next trip...

• Prepare your pet for a long car ride by taking him/her on short trips or car rides beforehand.
• Feed you pet a light meal (about one-third his normal amount) before beginning your trip.
• Take fresh water for your pet to drink.
• Travel with a leash for your dog but remove it after placing him in a crate or in the car so it does not beomce entangled.
• Check with airlines, hotels and campgrounds regarding pet restrictions that may apply.
• Pack a copy of your pet's health records and rabies vaccination certificate. Include a recent photo and physical description. Consider having Westside Veterinary Hospital microchip your pet to aid in identification.
• Add a tag to your dog's collar that includes a telephone number where you can be reached if your dog gets separated from you.
• Never sedate your pet during travel unless one of the veterinarians at Westside Veterinary Hospital recommends it. Some medications can trigger equilibrium, respiratory, cardiovascular or temperature regulation problems.
• Set up an appointment to have one of the veterinarians at Westside Veterinary Hospital to examine your pet to make sure he is in good health. It is espiecially important that your pet is protected against infectious diseases where contact with other animals carrying these deseases could put your pet at risk.

Below are tips when shipping your pet in the cargo hold of an airline. Consult with the airline for their specific requirements.

• Ship your pet in a USDA-approved shipping crate that is large enough for your pet to stand upright, move around and change positions comfortably. Sky kennels furnished by the airlines meet these requirements. Generally, only one pet is allowed per crate, unless you are traveling with puppies or kittens younger than six months and less than 20 lbs. each.
• Attach information to the carrier that includes your name, destination address and phone number where you can be contacted. Make sure your pet’s tag has the same contact information. Keep a photo of your pet with you in case your pet is lost.
• Label the crate with
  • “Live Animal” in at least 1” tall letters on the side and top.
  • “THIS END UP” and include arrows to indicate the top of the carrier.
• Allow your pet to get accustomed to the crate prior to shipping.
• Include a separate dish for food and for water that is attached to the inside of the crate and is refillable from the outside.
• Use a breakaway collar to your pet that includes an identification tag.
• On flights longer than 12 hours, attach one meal’s worth of extra dry food in a strong plastic or cloth bag. Attach feeding and watering instructions
  • to the top of the crate and
  • to the shipping documents.
• Line the crate with an absorbent towel to help keep the carrier clean of waste.
• Sedating your pet is not recommended.
• Never muzzle your pet during air travel.
• Bring your pet to the airport in advance of the flight, according to the regulations of the airline they will be flying on.
• Make sure the door to the crate is closed firmly, but not locked, in case of an emergency.

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any separation from you will be very painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Place your trust in me - it is crucial for my well being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment. I HAVE ONLY YOU.
5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when its speaking to me.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it.
7. Before you hit me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I've been out in the sun too long, or my heart may be getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You too will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say "I can't bear to watch it" or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for ME if you are there.

Remember, I LOVE YOU!