Taking precautions can lead to a worry-free family trip

Kandy Paulson snickers now.

But it was no laughing matter when her Yorkshire terrier “went missing” during a family vacation.

The pet flew with the Fremont family to Florida and later disappeared at Paulson's parents' home.

Her tiny terrier, Snickers, was found snuggled up in an open suitcase.

Protecting pets while traveling is serious business.

And Bonnie Parrish knows a few rules for the road for those who vacation with pets.

Parrish, office manager at the Animal Medical Clinic in Fremont, takes her miniature schnauzer, Liberty, almost everywhere.

Even to the office.

Most weekdays 3-year-old Liberty sits behind the reception desk.

“She likes to meet new people; she's friendly,” Parrish said.

But come the weekend, she scampers around a campsite at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area or Dead Timber State Recreation Area near Scribner. Liberty's been traveling since she was just 3 months old.

She's been to several states including South Dakota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

Parrish is always well prepared. She brings Liberty's vaccine records, microchip identification number, rabies certificate - and a photograph.

Liberty's just one of many pets who travel with their owners - by car or by plane.

Trips, whether near or far, call for special planning.

“Take your own food, extra treats, towels and a special toy,” said Dr. Mark Pettit of the Animal Medical Clinic.

Georgene Hoffman, general partner of the Pet Stop in Fremont, carries portable food and water bowls.

“You can fold them up,” Hoffman said.

It's also important to have the proper equipment, such as a leash that's tight enough or a harness, Pettit said.

Hoffman also recommends life jackets.

Contaminated water is a concern - that can sicken a pet. This is especially prevalent in Colorado since Giardia, a microscopic parasite, is carried by beavers, Pettit explained.

“You can vaccinate to prevent it,” added Pettit.

There has even been trouble locally at the Fremont State Lakes.

“Watch out for live bait,” Pettit added.

A dog may mistake a baited treble hook for a snack and suffer an injury. A fish hook could end up in a pet's stomach.

“Also watch out for other dogs coming through,” Pettit said.

Proof of vaccination and health records are required when traveling to Canada or Mexico.

California does a border check, Pettit noted.

Some dogs are nervous travelers.

They may be bothered by noise, such as fireworks.

Or by traffic and inertia, Hoffman said.

Doggie goggles protect your dog's eyes if they travel with their head out the car window, explained Hoffman.

Some dogs don't travel well by car.

“I had a hunting dog, he loved to hunt - but he got carsick,” Pettit said.

In that case, it's best if the dog travels on an empty stomach.

For dogs like Snickers, who travel by plane, a health certificate is needed.

Regulations vary by state. Some require a microchip and rabies titer level test.

“It used to be six months quarantine in Hawaii, now it's down to 30 days,” Pettit said. “Taiwan, Japan and England have quarantines. In Mexico, you need permission from the consulate.”

Larger dogs that can't be carried on need an airline-approved crate, Pettit said.

Occasionally, dogs need to be tranquilized.

Before you arrive with your pet at a destination, there are other considerations.

“Try to follow the same routines for meals and sleep,” Parrish said.

Make sure the hotel you plan to stay at allows pets.

“If you go on a sightseeing trip, the dog will have to be left at the hotel. You don't dare leave them in a vehicle,” Pettit said.

“Kennel break” a dog when they're young, Pettit said.

“Liberty's crate trained. She's flexible,” said Parrish.

Many times, a dog is better off being boarded during the owner's vacation, Pettit added.

It is advisable to call for reservations in advance, especially around Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day.

When boarding a dog, distemper, rabies and kennel cough vaccines must be up to date.

If you leave a pet at home, make sure someone checks on a cat once a day and a dog two or three times a day, Pettit noted.

“With a house sitter, dogs are in their own environment, but be sure to leave health records for the sitter,” Pettit said.

Go the extra mile for a pet's safety and vacations can be pleasant for pets - and their owners.