Here are some tried and true tips for traveling with your pet. By Gayle Martz Most of us consider our animals as members of our families, and we don't always want to leave them behind when we go to visit friends and relatives. Here are some resources and suggestions for taking along cherished pets to celebrate the holiday season away from home. Getting Your Pet Ready to Travel Make sure you carry proof of current health and rabies certificates issued no more than 10 days prior to leaving home. Airlines require these documents, as do most boarding kennels and hotels. Also, your pet should be wearing current tags displaying your name, address and phone numbers. At some pet stores, you can have temporary tags made to show, for example, grandma's address, or your RV site. A microchip showing your pet's identification and contact information can be implanted just under the skin. Veterinarians and animal welfare facilities have scanners that read the microchips, and can notify you if your pet gets lost.

Bring a recent photograph and written description of your pet. These will be useful if you and your pet become separated.

Have your pet wear a secure collar at all times, but for travel, not a choke, pinch or training collar. Breakaway collars, which attach with elastic or Velcro, are best.

Older pets have special needs. See advice for traveling with a senior cat or dog here.

When selecting a pet carrier, be sure your pet can stand up and comfortably turn around inside. Encourage your pet to get used to the carrier by putting something inside that smells familiar to him. Stash disposable pee pads inside for the trip. Leave the leash out of the carrier so it can't tangle.

Take your pet on some practice rides in the car before setting out on a long excursion.

Locate a veterinarian you can visit at your destination, in case your pet has a medical emergency.

Traveling By Car

Secure your pet into a safety harness or carrier on the car seat. If you have to stop suddenly, or have a crash, your pet may be badly hurt without a restraint.

Stones, glass and dust can blow up into your dog's eyes, so don't allow him to ride with their head out the window.

Keep the windows partially down for ventilation, and the air conditioner on if it's warm.

The sun quickly heats car interiors, even in the shade; so don't leave your pets alone in a parked car.

A pet left alone in a car or tied to a post may be stolen.

Traveling by Air

Each airline has its own rules for allowing pets in the cabin, and in the cargo hold, so check with your airline before committing to a trip with your pet. Links to the airlines and their specifications appear on Sherpa's web site. On the home page, click the "Links" section, then the "Travel" link where you can choose one of more than 100 different airlines to find the regulations concerning pets.

This link offers more than pet information; it also includes the airline's web site, phone number, address and routes.

Use an airline-approved carrier to take your smaller pet in the cabin with you. Be sure you conform to the airline's rules for in-cabin pets.

Get to the airport extra early. Checking in with your pet will take longer.

Carry a bowl of frozen water that your pet can lick during the trip.

Traveling Internationally

A comprehensive reference for traveling to over 200 countries, Globetrotting Pets: An International Guide by Dr. David J. Forsythe, provides wonderful insights to international travel with pets.

Arriving With Your Pet

To minimize changes in diet that can upset your pet's stomach, take drinking water and his usual food from home. Pack treats, toys, a favorite blanket, grooming tools and medications. Don't forget a litter box and litter for the cat, and a pooper-scooper and waste bags for the dog.

Some plants, decorations and foods may be toxic to animals. Keep your pet away from poinsettia, mistletoe, antifreeze, chocolate and turkey. Ornaments, tinsel, electrical cords and ribbons may also be dangerous.

Give your pet a chance to get used to his new surroundings. Keep a watchful eye on children and other pets that want to be friendly. Your pet still needs your attention, and reassurance that you won't leave him behind.

Having your furry companion with you will make your holiday visit or vacation especially joyful. Enjoy your holidays!

For other useful information about traveling with your pets, see Sherpa's web site.

Additional Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture - Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHS)

Gayle Martz, president and CEO of Sherpa's Pet Trading Company, is a sought after consultant on pet safety and travel. Pet Safety and Travel. In 1996, she received the prestigious Women of Enterprise Award from Avon Products Inc. and the U.S. Small Business Administration. She is on the board of the Travel Goods Association and the National Association of Women Business Owners.