Holiday Travel

Well, I'm off in 6 days for a Christmas vacation in "La Belle Provence", Montréal, Québec.

My human dad's family lives there. They are French. This is going to be my second road trip adventure!! (the first was when I was a wee pup, we went "up north" to a cottage).

The drive is 5 hours and my grand-mère lives in a house with a backyard!! I'm very excited about that! I wonder if there are any neighbourhood pooches I'll meet while I'm there? Will I be able to converse with them? Do they bark in french?

As some of you may also be travelling this holiday season, here are some road travel tips from the ASPCA's website:

• Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. And P.S., it’s smart to get your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip.
• Your pet’s travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don’t feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle—even if it is a long drive.
• Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
• What in your pet’s traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.
• Make sure your pet wears a collar with an ID tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number, and any other relevant contact information.
  
• Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn’t a problem, it’s always smart to be on the safe side.
• When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he’s not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet.

Drive safe out there!