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The information provided here are only suggestions and anecdotal stories.  Nothing in this page should be taken as absolute fact.  The information provided in this page can change at any given day.

Traveling with Fido or Felicity can be quite an adventure. We want to provide you with some tips and tricks to make the trip something to remember for both and to make sure that everyone has a good time! 

Keep in mind that pets can suffer from heatstroke when left in a confined space or in a hot vehicle. Take extra care to be sure there is ample ventilation. When in a car, caravan or motorhome, leave at least two windows open slightly to provide fresh ventilated air and be sure to park in the shade. Consider a solar powered fan, one that fits snugly into the window and is powered by the sun.

	Helpful Tips:
	Also, be sure that you have provided at least one bowl of water for your pet to drink and, if you're going to be out for an extended period, add one or two more, just in case.
	Make a definite point in always cleaning up after your pet. Places that allow pets are making a special accommodation and if we want to feel that our pets are welcome, we must not abuse the privilege. Treat the areas where you walk as if it were you own yard. Your courtesy will spread to others.
	When traveling with your pet and especially when sending them via cargo on an aircraft, freeze water so that it will not fall out during loading, but will melt by the time your pet is thirsty.
	Make sure the crate that your pet travels in is in top condition and is labeled in multiple places. It is a good idea to tape around the bottom of the kennel. It will keep people from opening the door and you never know if your dog will push or jump against the door and spring it open.
	Call ahead to reconfirm the hotel/campground is pet friendly again.  After you're sure that your pet is welcome at the hotel or resort you are staying at, request a room on the ground floor so your pet can get outside quickly.  The room can also be at the end of the hall and away from the ice machine and/or pool area. The quieter the room, the fewer errant barks to worry about.
	Ask what restrictions or fees the hotel/campground requires.
	Be sure to carry a current copy of your pet's health certificate from the veterinarian in addition to their food and toys!
	Do not let your dog put his head out of a moving vehicle, this can lead to eye injuries.
	Bring your pet bed or blankets from home to it can sleep on it.
	Keep your pet on a leash in public areas.
	If you are traveling to Baja California, take plenty of food for the trip as dog food in Baja is not cheap and quality food is hard to find.
	Keep your pet away from possible poisons.
	Don't let your pet run too wild right out the gate in the sand. It really leaves their paws and webbing raw. If this happens you can tape an old pair of socks on their feet.
	Cactus is another issue. When on a hike, it's a good idea to have a pair of needle nose pliers or tweezers with you to pull any out of your pet, or yourself.
	Provide them with shade if it's hot out, even if it's under your vehicle. Keep them tied up in the evening as the coyotes will try to lure them away.  Pick up their toys, food and water bowls at night because the coyotes will carry them off.
	Keep your fishing tackle out of their reach. There is nothing worse than to be in the middle of nowhere and have a hook in your pets' mouth.
	Respect other campers by keeping your pets out of their camps if they are not wanted there.
	Fireworks can really frighten dogs, and many gringos insist on having "fun" with fireworks. Make sure you keep control of your dog when the fireworks start, he/she may bolt and a lost dog is a scary proposition.

1. Do your pets travel in the car with you? Will they travel in a Carry Cage?

If you answer Yes to either of the above, you might try a short trip. If the pet doesn't seem to stressed, try a longer one. Some pets travel best in a carrier, others want to travel loose. It's really safer in a cage, strapped down to the floor. as if (heaven forbid) there is an accident, the pet will not be loose, and possibly badly injured. Soon the pet will look forward to traveling as much as you do!

2. How do you keep your pet safe while traveling?

There are several ways to do this. The most important one is keep your pet on a leash at all times when you are in a strange environment. This DOES apply to cats, too. My cat is in a figure eight harness at all times, with his tags attached, and on a lead whenever he is out of the motorhome. He has adapted to this with only some stress at the beginning, as the harness was new to him, but now walks on his lead, as well as staying tied out when we are with him. Birds should be caged/clipped.  Ferrets and lizards also adapt to leashes well.

If you pet DOES get loose in a strange environment, stay calm. Most pets don't wander far. However, make sure you have notified the campground owner, nearby rigs/houses and maybe have flyers made up with a picture of your pet, if you haven't found it by nightfall. Quite a few copy centers now have color copying. A color picture on a flyer is more apt to attract attention, and get results. Also contact every available pet store, vet, and shelter in the area. Sometimes we lose them for good, but the above usually has the pet returned to you quickly. And the same thing can happen if they get loose when they are at home.

There are reliable vets all over the country, if your pet gets ill, needs shots, etc. DO take a copy of your pet's shot records, and health records, if possible. Some states ask for proof of current rabies shots as you enter their state. And if you pet DOES get sick, the vet has a record to refer to.

3. Are they ever ill in the vehicle?

This is sometimes treatable. Ask your vet to prescribe a medication that helps with this, then try a short trip - say an hour or so. If this helps, try a longer one. Some pets just work themselves up because they haven't been exposed to travel in a vehicle. Once they are acclimated, they become excited with the idea and no longer need medication. If medication doesn't work, then you have a problem, and may not be able to travel with your pet. This DOES happen, and you just need to accept it.

4. How about medicines?
Take along any medication that they use regularly or may need. Always take along syrup of Ipecac (available at any drug store) in case they eat something that can be harmful to them (i.e., puffer fish - even dead ones, which are poisonous). Follow the directions on the bottle. The syrup will make them throw up; your dog will hate you for doing it, but will get over it. As gross as this may seem, it's better than a big vet bill!
An antibiotic cream (e.g., Neosporin) is good for hot spots or open sores. Also, bring along a general antibiotic in case they come down with an infection. Ask your vet, they will probably write you a prescription. 
If your pet happens to get sprayed by a skunk or decides to roll on that dead seal over there . . . you can use tomato sauce or juice to wash them with. This helps to eliminate the odor. "Ozium" is a good odor eliminator for your vehicle.

5. What do I need to know if I take my pet to Mexico?
If you take your pets to Mexico, you will need a recent (sometimes within 72 hours) International Health Certificate from your vet. We must tell you that many hotels to not accept pets. 

If you decide to take the ferry to or from Baja California your pet must remain in the vehicle during the trip, and we have heard this has had tragic consequences. Mexicans do not place the same value on pets as Americans do so you will have to accept there will be many places your pet cannot go. We suggest it would be better off in a doggie motel in the San Diego area. There are so many pristine beaches that could have been great places for your pet to run free. But on balance you will have no difficulty in finding a good boarding facility in Chula Vista, just a few minutes north of the border.

If you are traveling to Baja California have in mind that the vets in Baja focus primarily on livestock and may not be up to date when it comes to pets. Chances are that the extensive littering which seems to characterize any populated area in Mexico means you pet will likely be picking up lots of stuff that you would prefer it not have in her mouth. In Mexico, it's very common practice to put out rat poison to control populations of unwanted vermin, including dogs. Do not let your dog eat anything in Mexico, which is very hard to do. If your pet is peeing blood it is possibly due to rat poison, and you are in trouble. If you can bring intravenous vitamin K, then you are ahead of the game. They pee blood because the Warfrin (poison) destroys the liver. Strychnine is also a common poison in Mexico. Same thing, they put out bait for vermin with the Strychnine in it.

People need to keep their dogs in control at all time, and be conscious of any damage they do to Mexican property. If this is a real worry for you, one idea would be to place one of those muzzles on your dog, puppies and young dogs especially, while in and around populated areas. That would help keep them from eating anything you wouldn't want them to. I

If you are traveling to Baja California, take plenty of food for the trip as dog food in Baja is not cheap and quality food is hard to find.

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