Comments on: How to Travel With Your Pet

on 7/8/2008 I always take my own drinking water for my pet. Execellent advice

on 7/8/2008 I had to get my Jack Russell Terrier a tranquilizer before a 20 hour road trip and it didn't knock her out, it just made her drowsy so she was an angel the whole way.

on 11/22/2005 Bring your own drinking water from home for your pet's use. This is best done by filling gallon jugs. Dogs can sometimes have delicate stomachs, and they may get sick after drinking strange water. If you don't bring enough water with you, there is always the option of purchasing bottled water for your dog. Remember to bring along your pet's usual food, and a couple of bowls. I take along inexpensive disposable plastic bowls (or paper ones that I can throw away after each use).

on 11/22/2005 I travel a lot and have quite a few cats. Here's what I do (you can adjust this method for your vehicle's size). It's far less expensive and space-consuming than buying several individual carriers, and my "fur-balls" seem to enjoy this:

Buy a wire crate, the type commonly used for house-training puppies. Mine is about 20"x24". The door should have *two* latches, top and bottom.

Using metal hangers, suspend an appropriately-sized press-board or plywood board half-way down the height of the crate. If you're not handy, ask at the hardware store--someone there will probably do this for a few bucks.

Saw the crate's door in half width-wise to make a "dutch door" in the crate.

You now have a comfortable and safe way of transporting your kitties. I got carpet samples for a dollar each to cushion the top and bottom "floors," and for about five dollars more, I got some fleece from Wal-Mart so they could burrow if they want. I carry the cats to and from my SUV in duffel bags.

on 11/22/2005 When preparing your pets crate for cargo travel, ease anxiety by placing a blanket, sweater, socks,(anything that smells like you and home) as well as a favorite toy into the crate.

on 11/22/2005 Try kava kava root to calm your pet before travel or a trip to the groomer. It's also safe for nursing mommy cats ... my cat had four kittens when we moved, and it worked like a charm. She slept the whole trip!

on 11/22/2005 Make sure to bring water and some kind of container that your pet will be able to drink out of.