Saving Friendships and Keeping Your Dog Happy: Top 10 Checklist for Visiting with your Dog

March 18, 2010 - PRLog -- Taking your dog on a visit to friends can be a fun and memorable experience for all if there is careful thought before and during the visit. Here is a top ten checklist for a successful visit with your pet.

1. Ensure your dog is invited by everyone in the household and ask what experience they have with dogs. While one of my favorite people, my very hospitable brother is forever inviting people to their home without first checking with his wife, who happens to have severe allergies.

If you have friends who do the same thing, for the sake of a pleasant visit and the friendship, it would be good to ensure your pet is welcome through a simple call. There are pills people with allergies can take for a visiting pet but that should be their choice and not something forced upon them because of a surprise visitor.

2. Be honest about your dog when answering whether your dog gets along well with other dogs or children, is okay with a lot of commotion, and obeys basic commands (come, sit, stay).  If not, it’s better for everyone to leave the dog home in the care of someone who understands it.

3. Be aware there are often local ordinances (and consequences) regarding the number of pets allowed, leash laws, what can be done if the dog barks too much, etc.  If you want to know the local ordinance, call the local animal control or health department.

4. Ensure your dog has an embedded microchip ID tag as well as a travel collar with information on where to contact you while you are away from home.  You may not want to include your pet's name on its travel tag.  If there’s any question in reclaiming your pet,  how your pet responds to hearing its name could be helpful in reuniting your lost or stolen pet with you, the rightful owner.

Keep a printed photograph (a digital copy is also good) of your pet to assist with identification in case your pet is lost.  A few months ago, we were walking a houseguest’s dog when she spotted a rabbit. In a split second, she slipped out of her collar and sped off after the rabbit.  After frantically searching for an hour, we found her but it was scary thinking she may not have been found. It was Phoenix in July. If we hadn’t found her, she might not have survived.

5. Get your dog ready for visiting. Clip his or her nails. Visit your vet and let him or her know where you’re going and find out if you need any special tick, flea or heartworm medicine. Ensure vaccinations are up to date. This is not only to protect your dog or cat from disease but to protect children and others around your pet from diseases that can be spread from animal to humans. Carry proof of your dog’s rabies vaccination and a current health certificate. Visit sites like the American Veterinary Medicine Association tips on traveling with your dog by car or plane http://www.avma.org/animal_health/brochures/traveling/tra...
 
6. Have an honest discussion with your host in advance of the visit. Discuss, for example,
a. Where your dog will be most of the time. For some, the dog is part of the family and hangs out with the family; for others, a dog is kept outside
b. If they have pet-free zones or house rules for pets
c. If they expect your dog to be on a leash
d. Where and when you will feed your dog and if the host has a dog, does this differ from when the host feeds his or her dog. If you use dog treats, find out how your host feels about treats

7. Have a back-up plan of where you will stay if it doesn’t work out; what vet you will use if you need one; how you will discipline your dog

8. Pack for your dog - some things you may want to bring:
a. Dog dish
b. Water dish
c. Food
d. Treats
e. Sleeping crate and bedding
f.  Leash
g. Medications
h. Toys (be prepared to lose them)
i.  Proof of your pet’s up-to-date vaccinations
j.  Extra collar
k. Brush or comb; lint or hair remover
l. A recent photo

9. Mind your dog while visiting
a. Never leave your pet alone with a baby or child. According to the Center for Disease Control, the rate of dog bite–related injuries is highest for those ages 5 to 9 years.
b. Watch your dog around other pets or just in general to ensure he or she doesn’t get into things that would be harmful.
c. Don’t leave your pet alone in the house or even in a fenced-in back yard. He or she could get nervous.
d. During the visit, revisit the rules with the host. Ask how they think things are going, if anything needs to change.  
e. Perform a daily health check on your pet. In unfamiliar surroundings, your pet's appetite, energy, and disposition may change
f. Clean up any mess; wipe off muddy paws; pay for any damage caused by your dog.

10.After the visit, send a thank you pet ecard – include pictures and videos through a free online pet announcement or pet ecard at sites like amigram.com - http://amigram.com/pet.aspx

It’s fun to take your pet along when you travel. By following a few simple guidelines, your trip can be a successful and memorable event for all those involved.

# # #

Amigram.com http://amigram.com/ is a free site for life’s happy announcements - pet, wedding, engagement, anniversary, baby, birthday, graduation, business or any special or fun milestone. Announcements can include photos, videos, links and space for visitor comments. See http://amigram.com/pet.aspx for some fun pet announcements.