Travel and Your Dog

You want to get from here to there as safely and comfortably as you can with your pet. It's not such an easy proposition. Because pets have an instinctive fear of new surroundings, pet owners want to help them adjust quickly.
Pre Planning
This is the key to an easier transfer, regardless of the mode of transportation chosen. Travel arrangements should be completed as far in advance of moving day as is practical, keeping departure day tasks to a minimum. One person in the family should assume responsibility for the pet. Be sure to discuss the transfer of your pet with your travel agent. Your agent can help you select the best way to transfer your pet, offer helpful suggestions, and assist with, or take care of, any necessary shipping arrangements. The agent may recommend a pet handling agency that will take care of all the details of shipping pets, including boarding, pick-up, and delivery. Costs vary according to services rendered.
General Checklist
1. Take pet to veterinarian for checkup and health documentsapply for entry permit if one is needed; inquire about sedation for pet; obtain pet's health record; schedule second visit to vet if necessary; ask your vet to recommend a colleague in the new city.
2. Obtain travel identification tag.
3. Check destination state's pet entry regulations.

Health

The documents pertaining to your pet's health are important. You may be asked to show them at anytime, especially when traveling, so it is advisable to keep them handy. Any or all of the following may be required:Health Certificate: Interstate health certificates must accompany dogs and horses entering nearly all states. About half have the same requirement for cats, birds and other pets. In some cases, advance receipt of the health certificate by the destination state's regulatory agency is a prerequisite to entry of the pet.The health certificate must include a complete description of the pet, list all inoculations it has had, and state that it is free from infectious diseases.Have your pet examined by your veterinarian well in advance of departure date so there will be time for any treatment or inoculations recommended. Another examination just prior to departure may be necessary. If the pet is excitable, or prone to motion sickness when traveling, ask the vet to prescribe medication for it. Also ask if a colleague in your new area can be recommended.Permit: Some pets must have entry permits issued by the destination state's regulatory agency. Either you or your veterinarian may apply for the permit, for which there may be a charge. Receipt of an interstate health certificate from the state of origin may be requisite to issuance of the permit.

NOTE: Validity of health certificates and permits is strictly limited in several states. If moving to one of these, be sure your pet arrives within the valid period.

Rabies Tag: All but four states require dogs to have rabies inoculation, and a number have the same regulation for cats. State and local laws usually stipulate that the rabies tag be securely attached to the pet's collar.

travelling with your pet/ Train before you leave

Sometimes, bringing your pet -- especially if it's as large as a horse, literally -- on vacation is simply impossible. These tips will help you make your vacations animal-inclusive!
Give yourself plenty of time to plan. The less time you have, the more difficult it is to plan a trip that includes your pet. Many B&Bs -- probably most -- are not equipped to handle guest pets, so be sure to check with the innkeeper before making a reservation. Ask the innkeeper what supplies (e.g., crate, food) you need to provide and what they have available. Don't leave this to chance, or you might find yourself spending vacation time buying pet food. Ask about stable conditions, local food suppliers, etc. before making reservations.
If you're not driving to your destination, be sure to obtain pet regulations from the travel company (airline, train company, bus company, etc.) you'll be using.If necessary, provide a travel crate for your pet that allows it to stand up comfortably.If you're traveling in your car, try to give the pet a vantage point that allows it to look out the window.

When you get to the inn, bring your pet inside first (even before luggage). Doing so can help reduce any anxiety the pet may be feeling. Follow whatever rules the innkeeper has. Remember, he or she probably has a lot of experience at boarding guests' pets and can help make your stay even more pleasant. Unless your pet has spacious outdoor accommodations, come back to the inn sometime in the middle of the day to comfort your pet (and perhaps take it outside for a potty break).

Remember your pet's temperament. If your pet doesn't play nice, don't let it be kept in an area with access to other animals. Be sure to thank the innkeeper for the extra effort it takes to board your pet. If your pet causes any damage to the inn, it's common courtesy to point it out and offer to pay it rather than leaving it for the innkeeper to discover after you've left.