Vacation Time Is Almost Here!

Keeping your dog in his crate is also the safest way for you and your dog to travel in your vehicle.  Be sure you allow enough time to stop every couple of hours for him to relieve himself and get a drink of water.  ALWAYS keep him on his leash when you stop for rest stops!  Take along plastic bags so that you can clean up after him. Pack everything that your dog will need for your trip and after you arrive at your destination. Your dog should always wear an I.D. tag with your name, home address, and at least one phone number on it. During your trip also attach temporary I.D. tags with the name, phone number and address of the motel or house where you will be staying.  If you will be out of touch during your trip put the information on the temporary I.D. tag needed to contact someone that can contact you or take care of your dog until you return. 

Make sure your dog's vaccinations are current.  If you plan to take your dog with you on vacation take a copy of your dog's medical records with you and don't forget to take any medicine that he normally takes. Take along his food and water from home or buy distilled water.  Water from other areas can cause stomach upset.  Don't forget food & water bowls, his bed, and a couple of his favorite toys.  It's also a good idea to have a dog first aid kit in case of emergencies until you can get your dog to a veterinarian.

NEVER
leave your dog unattended in your vehicle! 
The temperature can become deadly inside your car in a matter of minutes even on mild days with the windows open!

Sometimes it is best not to take your dog with you.  If your dog is not going then check on pet sitting services or kennels in your area and make arrangements well ahead of time.  Another alternative is to kennel your dog in the area where you will be staying.  If you plan to take your dog to a kennel go to the kennel and see where your dog will be staying and how he will be cared for.  All kennels should require proof of vaccinations before they will accept your dog.  If the kennel that you choose does not ask for vaccination papers go to another kennel or make other arrangements!  Your dog may be exposed to deadly diseases from the other dogs.  A good kennel should have indoor as well as outdoor access for your dog.  Some keep dogs inside and have personnel take dogs out periodically.  Find out how often your dog will be exercised.  Find out what kind of arrangements they have for caring for your dog on weekends and during non-open hours.  Take your dog's crate or bed from home so that he will feel secure.  Also take his food and water bowls if possible.  Take your dog's own food and medications to the kennel. Be sure you take enough to last longer than the amount of time you plan to be gone. ALWAYS prepare written feeding instructions and medication schedules for the kennel personnel.  Don't trust them to remember verbal instructions.  Be sure you know the kennel schedule so that you will know when you can drop off and pick up your dog.  Be sure the kennel personnel have a phone number where they can reach you or a contact name and number for someone that will be responsible for your dog in case of an emergency! 

DO NOT leave your dog unattended in your yard.  Even dogs that are used to staying outside most of the time may become lonely and frightened while you are gone.  They may try to get out looking for you.  It is also dangerous for your dog to be left outside unprotected.  Make arrangements for a pet sitter or dependable friend to come over to your house several times a day to let your dog in and out or have someone stay at your house with your dog while you are gone if you plan to leave your dog at home.