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As the holidays roll in, more and more pet parents are making their boarding reservations and some calling in asking about how they should prepare for traveling with their fur kids. Whether by car or plane, it all can be overwhelming and preparing is absolutely recommended.

I realize how easy I have it. I can leave my pet here at the clinic for boarding, knowing full well that he will be completely taken care of or I can take him easily with me since I have full knowledge of the do's and don'ts of travel. When speaking to owners, I always try to go the extra mile to give them more information that they asked me for.

I reassure many a pet parent, when leaving their fur kids in our care, that my staff and I will be caring for them as if they were our own. For a few pet parents traveling with their pets overseas, I have a word of caution. "Better to be over prepared than not." There have been enough cases where pet parents have not done enough research and get turned away at the very last minute, because they do not have sufficient documentation to travel with their pet.

Many countries have very specific requirements for pets. Some entry requirements need months of preparation, and even rabies testing and quarantine. Below are some websites that really can help to make this transition a little smoother.

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wps/portal/aphis/ourfocus/importexport/sa_animals/sa_pet_travel

http://www.state.gov/m/fsi/tc/c10442.htm

My first suggestion is do your homework. Talk to the airline, get on the websites above and look under the country you are traveling to. Communicate with us, so we can help. Even if you are traveling within the United States getting a health certificate, which involves current vaccines and an exam 10 days within travel, really helps to avoid so many issues.

Road trips, well those are so much easier, yet do involve preparing for stops, meals, walks, nausea and ultimately having medical records at hand in the case of an emergency. Here are a few websites that can help with that as well;

http://travel.cnn.com/explorations/escape/flying-pets-worth-bother-011341

http://www.gopetfriendly.com/road-trip-planner

http://www.prevention.com/health/healthy-living/pet-care-car-travel-your-dog

Don't hesitate to contact your veterinarian and get them to give you their recommendations, especially since they have a medical relationship with your pet and can help prevent most unforeseen issues.

As always...safe travels and happy holidays.

Dr Marcus Smith - Chattahoochee Animal Clinic

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Our Regular Schedule

Chattahoochee Animal Clinic

Monday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Tuesday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Wednesday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Thursday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Friday

8:00 am - 6:00 pm

Saturday

8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Sunday

Closed

Chattahoochee Animal Clinic

Monday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Sunday
Closed