RESOURCES FOR TRAVELING PET OWNERS

Taking a trip always involves extra planning for people who own pets. A recent survey conducted by the American Animal Hospital Association discovered that travelers are evenly split on the answer: 53 percent want to bring their furry or feathered friends along; 47 percent prefer to go alone. Either way, special arrangements are required.
If you're traveling by plane, most small pets are generally allowed to fly with you in the cabin, if the carriers fit under the seat, although recent restrictions on the number of carry-on bags may mean you'll have to check something else.
If the carrier is larger than that, your pet will have to travel in the baggage compartment.
While it's true that each year, millions of domestic animals, mostly dogs and cats, fly without incident in the holds of U.S. airlines, the care and attention their owners give to them and the travel process have a great deal to do with their in-transit safety and comfort. You'll also need a recent health certificate for your animal showing it's had all the necessary shots.
Your pets' health and safety is obviously a matter of great concern to you, so be sure to buy a sturdy kennel. To meet airline specifications, that kennel must have proper ventilation and sufficient room for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down, though not so much that it can get frisky.
The size of the kennel can make a big difference in the cost of transportation. If you're traveling on the same flight, a kennel smaller than 3 feet by 2 feet by 26 inches may qualify as a piece of free checked luggage, or as extra baggage, at a cost of about $50 each way. If the kennel's larger than that or you're not traveling on the same flight, the animal will have to be shipped as air freight. This is a much more expensive, complicated, and time-consuming proposition.
Although baggage holds are not the most pleasant places to travel, they are heated and pressurized, just like the cabin, although not air-conditioned in summer. That's why it's wise to avoid traveling on days likely to be hotter than 80 or cooler than 40 at either end of the trip. Also minimize delays by traveling on direct or non-stop flights at off-peak times.
Keep in mind, however, that the airlines also reserve the right to refuse to transport any animal, especially in the cabin on crowded flights. So, if you plan to take your pet along, be sure to call the carrier beforehand, tell them your intention and find out if there will be any problem. Also make a point to get to the airport even earlier than you normally would to make arrangements. If you have to check the animal, do it at the gate if possible, to minimize your pet's time in the limbo of luggage land. Also, make sure you pet has sufficient food and water for the journey.
Vets advise against tranquilizing your pet, unless it's hyperactive. And if you're traveling on the same plane as your animal and the flight's departure or arrival is significantly delayed, gently remind the flight personnel that there's a pet on board, so they can take appropriate action.
Taking your pet out of the country, however, will be complicated by permits and quarantines. Unless you'll be living abroad for many months, experts generally advise foreign travelers to leave their pets at home.
Taking a pet on a car trip is obviously less complicated, but it still requires some forethought, apart from keeping in mind that animals also need to "stretch their legs" from time to time. Know, however, that many hotels don't permit animals in their rooms. Others will, and some even have special facilities for animals.
Heather Walters has written several "Take Your Pet Along" guidebooks detailing pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Another helpful book on the subject is "Take Your Pet USA" from ARTCO Publishing (800-255-8038). The definitive compendium, "Mobil ' 99 Travel Guide: On the Road With Your Pet" (Fodor's, $15), has 685 pages of hotels, motels, inns and at least one casino that allow pets. Other sections are devoted to the joys and perils of traveling with pets, veterinary first aid, as well as profiles of 10 places that you can visit with your pet. Finally, a bi-monthly newsletter, DogGone, is dedicated to giving pet owners insights and information to avoid hassles (888-DOG TRAVEL364-8728 or www.doggonefun.com).
Kennels are the main choice for travelers who prefer to leave their pets at home. Kennel conditions and care vary widely, and personal recommendations are an important yardstick when finding one. If you have trouble, the Web site of the American Boarding Kennel Association lists its members (719- 591-1113 or www.abka.com), a dozen of which are located in Western Pennsylvania. That's not to imply that non-ABKA kennels can't provide your pet with loving care in your absence.
In-home care is another increasingly popular option, especially for people who have cats. If you don't have a handy or neighbor to look in and see to your animals needs on a daily basis, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters has a referral service of its 1500 members (800-296-PETS 7387 or www.petsitters.org), half a dozen of which provide services in the Pittsburgh area.
And finally, if you need emergency pet care when you're on the road, the American Animal Hospital Association (800-883-6301 or www.healthypet.com) is a good resource, with 17,000 certified veterinary care providers in the United States and abroad.


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