Some pets, particularly dogs, do well during travel. For some animals, any travel is fine as long as they are together with their owners. For others, it's a stressful experience, and the pet would be better off being cared for at home. If you want to bring your pet on a journey, whether it's for practical purposes or just for fun, take these ideas into consideration.

• 1. Ride Safe. Transport pets in a secure and well ventilated carrier or crate. In order to ensure a comfy ride, please make sure the carrier is large enough for the pet to sit, stand, and lie down.
• 2. Secure Carrier. Make sure you secure the carrier or crate in your vehicle to prevent slipping and sliding during transport. Carriers that are not properly secured can lead to serious injuries for the pet you are transporting.
• 3. Food and Water. Double check and make sure the pet has access to enough food and fresh water for the trip. It is very important to make sure the pet is hydrated especially when traveling in hot weather.
• 4. Do not leave. Don’t leave the pet in a parked car alone! In the hot summer months, the vehicle can heat up very quickly even with the window cracked, and ultimately lead the pet to suffer from heat stroke or death. In the winter, the pet could freeze resulting in illness or death.
• 5. Bring the essentials. In order to ensure your travel companion is comfortable and happy, bring along all the comforts of home. Grab a favorite toy or blanket to create a sense of familiarity.
• 6. Bathroom Breaks. Make sure you stop every hour or two and let the pet you are transporting out to stretch and go to the bathroom. During transport, make sure your dog is wearing an identification collar and always use a leash.
• 7. Medication and Vaccinations. It is important that the pet you are transporting is current on all its necessary vaccinations. Check with your vet or the pet’s owner prior to transporting. In addition, make sure all the pet’s medications are with you during the trip.
• 8. Import and Export. If you are transporting a pet across country borders, please make sure to check the United States Department of Agriculture’s import regulations beforehand. U.S. and international regulations require that all warm-blooded animals shipped as DASH or General Cargo be accompanied by a health certificate that was issued by a veterinarian licensed in the country of origin within 10 days prior to travel.
  

• For additional tips and guides, please visit the SPCA.
• For more information regarding traveling with pets in the UK, visit DirectGov.
• For more information on traveling with pets in Canada, visit Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada