HERE ARE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TAKING YOUR PET WITH YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY:

• Always make sure your pet is properly identified. Obtain identification with the address of your destination, as well.  It is always a good idea to microchip your pets.
• Whether going by plane, train or car, train your pet to travel in a kennel. This invaluable training will make the entire traveling experience less stressful to the animal, whether across the country or across town.
• Make sure your kennel is the proper size for your animal. It should be large enough for your pet to stand and turn around in comfortably. Kennels should be properly labeled with “This end up” and “Live animal” stickers if traveling by plane.
• If traveling by car, try to keep your pet on the same potty “schedule” that it is on at home. Stop only when you would normally let your animal out.
• Never leave your pet unattended in your vehicle or in the airport.
• If traveling by plane, book direct non-stop flights. Inform flight attendants that you have a pet in cargo, if it is unable to be in the cabin with you. Use airlines that have protections in place for your pet.
• When traveling by plane, make certain to take your pet to your veterinarian to get them a full physical exam prior to flying. Flying can be very stressful so take precautions to ensure your pet is healthy enough to fly.  If you have a breed that has a short nose (brachycephalic) take extra precautions to ensure your pet can handle the stress of flying. Brachycephalic breeds are predisposed to having a difficult time breathing, which will be exacerbated by the stress of flight.
• Bring copies of vaccination records with you, as you never know when you might need them. Health certificates are generally required to fly with an animal on an airline.
• Plan well in advance as some states have strict regulations on traveling with pets. Also note that boarding kennels fill quickly during the high-travel holiday season, so it may be difficult to find a vacancy at the last minute.