Summer Vacations Require Special Planning For Pets
Release provided by The Humane Society of the United States

Washington - Wherever you choose to spend your vacation this summer, The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) reminds pet owners to include pets in vacation planning. Options include taking pets along on vacations or leaving them home. Whatever your decision, advance planning is the key to reduce the stress on you and your pet.

Pets Welcome, which is available from The HSUS, lists pet-friendly hotels across the country. If you’re staying with friends or relatives, be sure to ask whether your furry friends are welcome before planning to bring them along.

If taking your pet along isn’t practical, some alternatives to having your pets accompany you on your trip are: have a responsible friend or relative look after your pet, leave your pet at a known kennel, or hire a professional pet-sitter to care for your pet. Most cats would experience a high level of stress from being taken out of a comfortable environment so The HSUS reminds cat owners to consider that their companions aren’t "low maintenance" pets who can fend for themselves for several days.

If your pet will join you on your trip, The HSUS offers some tips:

• Have your veterinarian check your pet to determine if he or she is up for the rigors of travel. Also be sure to verify whether pets are allowed at your destination. Additional vaccinations, heartworm testing, preventative medication, and/or a health certificate may be needed for interstate travel.

• Avoid traveling by airplane during hot weather. Never place short-nosed animals such as Boston Terriers or Pekingese or Persian cats in the cargo area since they have short nasal passages that do not give hot air a chance to cool before it reaches their lungs.

• Always have fresh water and your pet's food available.

• Pets riding in cars should be restrained in a carrier or on a harness. Dogs should not ride in the back of pickup trucks.

• Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car. It only takes minutes for fatal overheating, and unattended pets could be stolen.

• Always keep your pet under control with a leash, harness or carrier.

• An identification tag is your pet’s best protection if you and your pet become separated.

The HSUS is the nation’s largest animal protection organization with more than seven million members and constituents. For more information, visit us on the Internet at www.hsus.org. To order Pets Welcome, go to www.hsus.org/marketplace/catalog/html