Recommend these travel safety tips to your clients

The American Automobile Association estimates that 70% of Americans plan to take a vacation this summer and 14% will be taking along their companion animals. Some of these travelers are your clients, so help them protect your patients by passing along these safety tips from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Animal Planet, and American Suzuki Motor Corp.

• Acclimate your pet. To
get ready for a long trip, take your pet on a series of short trips, gradually lengthening time spent in the car.
• Schedule a checkup. Ten days before your departure, take your pet in for a physical exam and any necessary vaccinations and to obtain a health certificate.
• Call ahead. Confirm that your travel destination permits pets.
• Prepare for chow time. Start your pet on a travel feeding schedule with a light
meal of kibble two to three hours before departure. Never feed your pet in a moving vehicle.
• Gather the goods. Pack travel papers, food, bowls, leashes, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication, and a pet first aid kit. Throw in a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.
• Update ID tags. Make sure your dog has a flat collar with an ID tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone number and a destination phone number.
• Tell your pet to say cheese. Bring a photo in case your pet gets lost.
• Be secure. Harness, rather than leash, your dog inside the car. For smaller animals, a well-ventilated crate is recommended.
• Heads in, please. Don't allow pets to ride with their heads outside the window as it subjects them to flying objects, inner-ear damage, and lung infections.
• Outfit your auto.
If you travel often with your pet, consider installing cargo-area pet barriers, waterproof seat covers, or rubberized floor liners in your vehicle.