Traveling with a pet creates its own unique stressors. Advise clients to think through their travel plans thoroughly, you really do not want to push an animal that has never traveled before into a carrier for a five to ten hour drive. To help the pet travel more comfortably, veterinarians also suggest putting a small blanket from home in the carrier so the pet smells a familiar scent.

Here is a handy checklist for travel with pets.

Pet carrier with soft blanket.

Leash

Collar and identification tags with contact information taped or etched on the back.

Water and food dishes.

Medications.

Medical records for pets with chronic conditions.

Vaccination records for boarding.

Interactive records for boarding.

Interactive toys to ward off boredom.

A recent photo in case the pet becomes lost.

Local emergency veterinary hospital phone number and addressed.

When pets must stay behind, owners must choose between boarding and hiring a pet sitter. Boarding facilities typically require updated vaccinations and medical records-especially for pet's with health concerns. A reliable sitter needs to keep the pets schedule on track, provide daily exercise and companionship, and have permission to seek medical treatment.

Source: Iams Company