Pet Vacations

2009-07-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

Summer is here and vacation season has started for a lot of people and as the animal control officer for our county I have observed numerous travelers traveling with their pets. In fact, it is amazing how many people do this. I personally believe that cats are best left at home where they feel secure and safe. I have actually, over the years, seen many people traveling with their cat and the cat is just loose inside the car laying in the back seat.

We reside next to a major freeway and during the summer months we experience numerous traffic accidents. On accidents that involve pets they dispatch me to pick them up at the scene. It can be extremely difficult to capture a pet that has just gone through a frightening experience. Dogs that are kenneled in a carrier seem to have the most protection from injury but if the carrier breaks open during a roll over then the pet scatters. Cats are the worst for they are extremely skittish from not only the accident but the loud noises from the vehicles on the freeway not to mention all the emergency responders. I know my cats will not tolerate strangers at home let alone in a strange environment. I have had the most luck when leashes are used on the pets as it makes it easier to at least grab the leash in order to calm the frightened animal. We have also been lucky to have concerned citizens that stop on an accident and get control of the animal before it gets hit by a car or escapes too far away.

There is nothing worse than to arrive at the hospital emergency room and tell the victims of the accident that we have not been able to locate their pet. It is amazing that these wonderful people are more concerned for their beloved pet instead of their own injuries.

Thankfully only a few pets have not been found. I remember it was a Siamese cat and the accident had happened during the night. I was not dispatched until the next morning to look for the lost cat. Safety comes first for ourselves and others and walking the freeway at night calling "here kitty, kitty" would be insane. The owners and I searched the next day but it was in a remote area with nothing but sagebrush and cedar trees and about 7 miles from town.

If you absolutely feel like you have to take your pet with you on your vacation then you need to take the precautions of "just in case" to insure that your pet will be safe.

1) Before you leave home make sure your pet is current on all of it's vaccinations and have your pets vaccination records with you. I have travelers that for some reason or other their pet has bitten someone and when reported to the hospital or the authorities proof of rabies needs to be established. Having your pets records on hand alleviates the need of having to contact your vet and having the necessary papers faxed, especially if it happens on a weekend and they are closed. In our county the parvo virus is prevalent so it is imperative that your pet is current on that also. Also, take a current picture of your pet with you just in case you need it for identification or possibly have to make posters if your pet becomes lost.

2) Having your pet micro chipped is an excellent idea. This is a small micro chip that is embedded just under the skin between the shoulder blades and can be done by inserting a special syringe and needle. A scanner is used to get the micro chip number that you will need to have updated with your information. If your pet becomes lost and ends up at a vet's office or a shelter they will be able to scan the pet, get your information and contact you that your pet has been found.

3) Dog tags are also important. Your local dog license tag and rabies tag can identify your dog and help locate you if a scanner is not available. Before you leave home check and make sure the tag attachments are in good shape and not ready to fall off. Purchase a good leash and collar to help keep your pet contained during it's potty breaks or taking it for a walk. Securing the leash inside the vehicle will also protect your pet from jumping out of the window or an open door when you least expect it to.

4) Never leave your pet in a vehicle without water and make sure that the windows are rolled down a few inches for circulation. It only takes 5 minutes in a hot car to kill a pet if the inside temperatures escalate. Also be aware that leaving your pet in your vehicle leaves it open to someone stealing it especially if it is a pure bred. It would probably be a good idea if you are traveling with a companion that one of you stays in the vehicle with the pet.

5) When planning your vacation if you will be staying in a hotel/motel check with them to make sure that it is a pet friendly hotel/motel. There is nothing worse to get to your destination and not be able to keep your pet with you in your room. If you sneak your pet in your room and get caught by management they can possibly charge you a pet cleaning fee that I am sure you would not like paying.

6) If your vacation includes camping in the mountains extra precautions need to be taken. A lost pet in the mountain terrain is like finding a needle in the haystack. Always keep your pet on a leash. Wildlife in the area can be very distracting for your dog and when the chase begins the pet gets lost. Every Summer I am out looking for numerous pets that are lost and never found. We always hope that maybe a concerned citizen picked it up and decided to keep it but there are bears, mountain lions, coyotes and poisonous snakes that could attack your pet.

7) Always have a good pet first aid kit packed along with one for yourself.

8) If for some reason your pet does become lost it is imperative that you get fliers out immediately, contact the local sheriff's office or police department and the animal control/shelter in that area. Provide a description of your pet and copy of your pet's picture, the more eyes watching for your pet the better chance your pet has of being reunited with you. Notify your county or city where your pet is licensed in case someone calls to report a found dog with that number, also your vet's office where the rabies vaccination was done. If you had your home number on your pet's tag check your answering machine for any messages. If your pet has a micro chip there is a hot line number included with the purchase of the chip where you can let them know your pet is lost.

I hope this information helps you and your pets. For more Pet Information and Pet Health visit my website thelove4pets.com.

The Love 4 Pets

Pet Vacations