Traveling with pets requires some additional thought and preparation regardless of how short or long the trip. On a hot or cold day a quick stop to run an errant could result in devastation. The number one rule of automobile safety regarding pets is to NEVER leave them alone in a parked car. On a warm day the temperature inside your car can be as much as 20 degrees hotter than the air outside, even with the windows open an inch or two. Air circulation is significantly compromised even if the car is parked in the shade. In less then 30 minutes the inside of a parked car could exceed 120 degrees. Pets that are small, young, elderly or ill are particularly at risk and will succumb within minutes. Hyperthermia (heatstroke) can kill your pets very quickly. Animals left in automobiles during the cold weather are similarly at risk. A car can hold the cold in and literally become a freezer causing an animal to freeze to death.

The second most important rule of pet travel safety is to NEVER let dogs stick their heads out of the car window. I know it looks cute and passengers in other passing vehicles may notice, point and think how pretty your dog is, but it is extremely dangerous for them. They are exposed not only to the weather but to flying debris and grit. The hazards range from eye damage to ear and lung infections. Additionally, you run the risk of the dog pressing the electric window button, getting his head stuck and possibly choking to death. The distraction this will cause you as the driver could result in an automobile accident that involves other innocent people. Also, NEVER leave a dog in the open bed of a pick-up truck. The dangers are significant. Quick stops, fast turns or debris from the environment all pose serious and life threatening situations.

If traveling with your pet is a short visit to a friend 15 minutes away or a long duration for a number of days, they should always be safe and secure. A well ventilated crate or carrier that is secured with a seat belt or other mechanism is of utmost importance. It needs to be secured so that in the event of a sudden stop or accident it will be as safe as possible and not become a hazardous projectile. There are dog seat belts that can be found in many pet stores. NEVER let your pets travel in the front seat. Air bags discharge with enormous force and can be very dangerous if launched. Additionally, they can be thrown through the windshield and injured in the event of a sudden jerk or stop. Pets that are loose in a car can interfere with your ability to focus on driving either by interfering with the pedals or trying to get on your lap.

Of utmost importance when traveling with your pet is to keep fresh filtered or spring water available at all times. When traveling long distances this is especially important because water quality differs from place to place and may cause a digestive upset if switched quickly.

Always walk your dog prior to travel, not only to relieve themselves but also so they can rest more comfortably and possibly sleep while traveling. On lengthy trips make sure to stop at rest areas every couple of hours to offer your pet water and take for a short walk.

For those taking your pet across state lines, it is necessary to obtain a recent health certificate and rabies certificate from your veterinarian certifying that they are in good health. Hawaii does have quarantine regulations that vary depending upon the type of pet, so I advise checking the current requirements prior to traveling. International travel varies depending upon your final destination.