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 Family Car Travel
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 Poll: Do You Travel with Your Pet?
 Traveling with pets is a growing trend -- so much that there's now a brand-new pet-only airline! But even the most precious pet does not necessarily a good traveler make. Whether or not you bring your pet along for the trip is not so much a question of "can you?" but a question of "should you?"
No one knows your pet better than you, so no one is more qualified to answer that all-important question. If the answer is a resounding yes, keep reading -- we've compiled a list of tips and resources for all you pet lovers who can't bear to leave the little ones behind.
Are Pets Allowed at Your Destination?
Many destinations don't permit easy entrance for pets. Hawaii, for instance, has a quarantine period for dogs and cats of up to 120 days, as Hawaii is free of rabies. However, dogs and cats meeting specific pre- and post-arrival requirements may qualify for a five-day or less quarantine, or even a direct release, at Honolulu International Airport after inspection.
Don't Underestimate the Cost
With crates, air and hotel surcharges, toys, extra food, unexpected vet bills away from home, and more, traveling with your pet can add up. Be aware of the costs.
Proper Identification
Put a tag on your pet's collar that includes rabies vaccination information, your name, your address and phone number, and local contact numbers. It could save your pet's life.
Train Your Pet
A pet that responds to your commands will save you considerable trouble while on the road. From the airport to the hotel, a pet that is friendly and obedient is the most pleasant traveling companion.
Learn About Your Pet's Health
Knowing a little about your pet's normal temperature, pulse and respiratory rate, prescription medications, and other health issues can save you time, worry and money on the road. Consult your vet, and make a checklist of these issues.
Bring a Pet First-Aid Kit
A pet thermometer, tweezers, gauze, antibiotic ointments, ear drops and other items available at most stores will work; consult your vet for a complete list.
Buying a Crate
 A pet crate is not something to skimp on. The crate should be sturdy and correctly sized for your pet. A crate that is too small will be very uncomfortable; a crate that is too large could cause your pet to be tossed around during handling. Airline-approved crates are probably your best bet.
Most crates come with food and water bowls, as well as stickers indicating that an animal is inside. If your pet is house-trained, consider putting a blanket, liner or cushion in the crate. If she's not house-trained, a clean carrier floor is best.
"Crate Train" Your Pet
A long flight or a lonely hotel room should not be the place your pet becomes acquainted with a traveling crate. Buy your crate well before traveling, and work with your pet until he's familiar and comfortable in the crate. Normal training techniques should work, such as the use of food, praise and other incentives to get your pet used to staying in the crate.
 AIR TRAVEL TIPS
Consult Your Vet
Many pets are simply not suited to air travel due to health, age or breed concerns. (Many breeds that have restricted breathing, including pug-nosed dogs such as Boston terriers and bulldogs, as well as Persian cats, are considered at risk when flying.) Animals under 8 - 12 weeks, or older than 10 years, might not be physically prepared for the stress of air travel.
Required Documentation
You need a health certificate if you want to get your pet on an airplane, usually issued within 10 days of your flight. Most veterinarians can supply you with everything you'll need. Similarly, if you're on the road and your pet gets into a fight or bites someone, you'll want documentation that the pet has had rabies and other vaccinations.
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