(NAPSA)—Pet ownersarehitting the road with their four-legged friends. According to the Travel Industry Association of America (TIA), pet travel is growing and 14 percent of all U.S. adults (29.1 million) say they have traveled with a pet on a trip of 50 miles or more in the past three years. In fact, many establishments now accommodate travelers with pets. “The first step for pet owners planning an escape with their furry friend is to plan ahead,” said Dr. Jeff Werber, veterinarian and award-winning pet health reporter. “Just as they prepare for vacations by packing medical necessities and mapping out activ- ities, they'll need to do the same for their pet.” To guarantee a safe trip, here are a fewtips. Pet Prescription Prior to departing, pet owners should visit their veterinarian to refill any prescriptions their pets require. Make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date and obtain a current health certificate. Additionally, pet owners must be aware of potential health risks in certain regions, such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and take the proper precautions beforehand. Before traveling, pet parents should protect pets from fleas, ticks and mosquitoes with products such as Advantage” flea control for cats and dogs or K9 Advantix, flea, tick and mosquito control for dogs. Puppy Packing Pet owners should packall pet necessities—collar, leash, comb, food, water, anda first-aid kit. IDs should be up to date, and a recent photo is helpful in case Fido wandersoff. a. Oy a: RoadTrip Never let pets stick their head out the window—sudden stops can cause injury and a seat harness or well-ventilated crate may be advisable. Also, because pets can become overheated and ill, never leave them in a parked car when the temperature is high or near freezing. Sky Tails When traveling by plane, pet owners should check airline policies. Smaller pets often can be placed in a crate under a seat in the passenger cabin. Pet owners may be able to store larger animals as cargo, but they must indicate the upright position of their pet’s crate with arrows and clearly label it “Live Animal,” also noting name, home address, where they’re staying and a contact number. Once the family arrives at their destination, keeping an eye on their pet is important because unfamiliar surroundings can be overwhelming. When settled, pets offer great company—they can have fun anywhere! For more travel tips visit www.pet parents.com.
