Traveling with pets: how to prepare and what to pack

What should be in your pet’s suitcase?

Food, dishes, bedding, litter and a litter box, leash, grooming supplies and any medication. Always have a container of drinking water with you.

What’s the most important thing to remember when traveling with a pet?

Dr. Karen Halligan, director of vet services at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Los Angeles, advises you to take your pet to the vet before you travel to verify it is healthy and current on all vaccinations. Get copies of any paperwork to take on your trip in case there are questions about health. Remember, pets in heat or pregnant should not travel. Anywhere.

What about air travel?

Make sure you book a nonstop flight with no layovers or plane changes. Try to book during off hours and avoid flying during extreme temperatures, when it is too cold or hot. Animals left in crates for hours on a tarmac during extreme heat or cold have died.

Do all airlines accept pets?

No. Some airlines, such as Southwest, won’t allow pets, and others such as Jet Blue allow only small animals in the cabin and no pets in cargo. If you are flying with your pet, check the policies of several airlines because they vary widely. Continental, an airline that caters to pets and their owners, has a “PetSafe” program that allows you to track your pet’s journey online if you are sending the animal by itself. For airline-by-airline policies, see latimes.com/pettravel.

Will a sedative make it easier on my pet?

Halligan recommends that you don’t give your pet a tranquilizer unless instructed by your vet. Sedatives have side effects, such as lowering blood pressure, which can make your pet groggy and cold. When pets are in cargo holds, there is no one to check on them if problems arise, so it is unsafe to sedate them.

Should I use a pet carrier in the car?

Yes, whether you’re traveling by car or plane, you should put your animal in a carrier or crate. For the animal’s comfort and safety, buy the best one you can afford.

My dog is skittish about carriers. What can I do? Familiarize your pet with its carrier before your trip by putting the carrier out in the living room with the door open. Hide treats and toys inside.

How can I prepare my dog or cat for a long car trip?

Make sure you give the animal plenty of small trips before going on your vacation. That will acclimate the animal and make it less jittery. You want your pet to see the car as a fun, safe place.

I worry about losing my pet during a trip. What can I do?

Your pet needs to wear a collar with an ID tag imprinted with your home address as well as a temporary travel tag with your cellphone and destination phone. Dogs should wear flat (not choke) collars. Carry a current photo of your pet with you.

Is there any special training I should do before leaving?

If you are traveling with a dog, ask yourself if your dog is sociable. Aggressive, untrained dogs should not travel. Before leaving, reinforce “come” and “stay” commands.