Expert Advice Tip Sheet -- Traveling With Pets -- OnlineOrganizing.com

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	Traveling With Pets

	By Ramona Creel

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

ASK YOUR VET

have your pet examined by your veterinarian
collect pet health certificate and vaccination records
investigate sedation for your pet during the trip
have your pet vaccinated 30 days prior to overseas travel
get current rabies tag if you don't already have one
do not travel with sick, pregnant, very old, or very young pets

BASIC NECESSITIES

veterinarian papers and medical records
pet's bed or blankets
leash or harness
paper towels or rags for cleaning up messes
scooper and plastic bags or litter box and litter
portable kennel
favorite toy and treats
brush and comb
food, dish, and water (plus can opener if canned food)

GET YOUR RECORDS IN ORDER

name of pet
species and gender
license number
description including color and markings
owner's name, telephone number, address
veterinarian's name, telephone number, address
emergency information
vaccination and appointment dates
conditions and illnesses
treatments and medication

KEEPING YOUR PET COMFORTABLE

kennel should allow pet room to stand
should be large enough for animal to turn around and lie down in
line bottom with towels for comfort and to absorb spills
include small litter box for cats
attach holders for water and food
take on short trips to get used to motion of the car

LEGALITIES AND REGULATIONS

air transport of cats and dogs less than 8 weeks old prohibited
only seeing eye dogs may travel on trains or buses
pets may travel on airlines if crated in proper container
some airlines allow pets in cabin if crate will fit under seat
larger pets must be stored in the cargo area as "air freight"

PET SAFETY

pets traveling in car should be properly restrained for safety
get a pet carrier or wire crate to secure cats or dogs
put animal in crate regularly before traveling to get accustomed
bring plenty of water, especially in hot weather
never leave animals in a parked car, even with window down

SMALL ANIMALS

birds and rodents may travel in their own cages
keep bird cage covered to protect from drafts and stress
feed small animals regularly and water at rest stops

TRAVEL DAY

feed pet no less than 5-6 hours before trip
feed only 1/3 normal amount to prevent travel sickness
give water and any medications 1-2 hours before leaving
exercise pet before confining to crate
limit feeding of your pets to once a day during the move
plan regular stops for water and exercise if possible

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

keep animal in a quiet area until adjusts
put dish, litter box, and other supplies in familiar locations
allow your pet to explore and get comfortable

Copyright 2000-2009 Ramona Creel -- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box.

"Ramona Creel is a modern Renaissance woman and guru of simplicity -- traveling the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of radically downsizing, and inspiring others to regain control of their own lives. As a Professional Organizer and Accountability Coach, Ramona will help you create the time and space to focus on your true priorities -- clearing away the clutter other obstacles and standing in the way of that life you've always wanted to be living. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a travel writer, social commentator, and blogger, she shares her experiences and insights about the world as we know it. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. And be sure to follow her on Twitter and on Facebook."

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