Summertime vacation trips with your pet can be a great experience.

Sometimes, though, your destination is the home of Aunt Agnes who has allergies and who might not have the welcome mat out for a visit from Fluffy.

The folks at Purina have some excellent advice to help you leave your pet in good hands when traveling doesn’t include your pet.
1. Ask your veterinarian or other pet owners for recommendations of reputable facilities or pet sitters.

2. If boarding your pet, visit the facility to meet the caretakers and to check the safety and cleanliness of the operation � your nose can help you decide.

3. Make reservations well in advance of your trip. Many quality facilities fill up early, especially over holiday periods.

4. Be sure your pet is current on all vaccinations required � plan ahead to make sure immunizations are effective before your pet is left to board.

5. If your pet is on medication, be sure to leave an ample supply � it should be labeled with clear, complete instructions. Inform the boarding facility of any pre-existing medical conditions or behavioral issues.

6. Leave explicit written instructions on feeding.

7. Be sure your pet wears a collar with identification tags; a microchip identification is always a good idea. Cats should have special safety collars.

8. Leave information about your pet’s veterinarian including office and emergency numbers.

9. Be sure to leave a number where you can be reached � one or more cell phone numbers will enable you to be contacted in case of an emergency.

Knowing that your dog or cat is in humane, knowledgeable care will help you to enjoy your vacation that much more!