Follow some simple tips and tricks for your pets safety on your next adventure

ASPCA offers tips and tricks for your pet's Safety

For some pet parents, a trip’s no fun if the four-legged members of the family can’t come. But traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and your animal companions. With thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone.

Planning a road trip? Traveling with a pet involves more than just loading the animal in the back seat and motoring off-especially if you will be driving long distances or plan to be away for a long time. The ASPCA offers the following tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth car trip:

• Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. And P.S., it’s smart to get your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip.
• Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won’t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
• Your pet’s travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don’t feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle-even if it is a long drive.
• Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
• What in your pet’s traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.
• Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please.
• Don't allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. He could be injured by flying objects. And please keep him in the back seat in his crate or with a harness attached to a seat buckle.
• Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn’t a problem, it’s always smart to be on the safe side.
• When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he’s not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet.
• If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.

Resource: http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/10_tips_for_safe_car_travel_with_your_pet

Summer is Road Trip Season

Start Planning your next Road Trip

Whether you’re embarking on a three-day trip into the next state, or a three-week cross-country journey, a five-star road trip requires a keen balance of spontaneity and advanced planning.

To help with your road trip, heed the following advice before switching into Kerouac-mode:

Make sure your vehicle is in sound working order – a cracked timing belt could be the difference between a great road trip and a hellish nightmare. Have your vehicle inspected before pulling out of the driveway. Or, do it yourself if mechanically inclined. Check the lights, directionals, wiper blades, and fluid levels and closely inspect the belts and hoses for wear and tear.

• Check that you have a fully intact car jack. A flat tire is not the time to discover you have a car jack but no lug wrench.
• Carefully examine the spare tire, ensuring that it’s fully inflated and the treads are in good condition.
• Organize an emergency kit stocked with: bottled water, first aid items (band aids, gauze pads, sterile pads), rain jacket, blanket, light sticks or flashlight, pocket knife, and one or two energy bars. Pack only essentials. The more compact, the easier it is to store.
• Check that your mobile phone is in sound working order. Also, be aware if your provider charges roaming fees. If roaming fees are a concern, consider using a phone card.
• Carry either a road atlas or a GPS device. If you know your route, check ahead for possible construction delays. Department of Transportation websites are great sources for road information, providing construction updates, weather forecasts and sometimes live webcams. Check out more on 511 Traffic Systems.
• Peace of mind is a good thing to have on the road. Subscribe with a car club that offers roadside assistance. If your vehicle breaks down 700 miles from home, its comforting to have access to a list of trusted mechanics and towing companies.
• Download road apps. GasBuddy, for example, directs you to the cheapest gas prices along your route.
• If you intend on camping, call ahead and inquire about reservations. This is especially important if you’re traveling during holiday weekends.
• Anticipate rush hour traffic when traveling through major cities. Either alter your route, or change your timing so as to drive through during late morning or early afternoon.
• Make sure you’re carrying all important driving documents: proof of car insurance, vehicle registration. and driver’s license.
• Be aware of state texting and cell phone laws.
• Make sure all traffic tickets are paid. The cleaner the driving record the better for you if stopped.

Resource: http://www.dmv.org/articles/road-trip-tips-plan-a-fun-and-safe-drive/