Do you want to take your best friend with you on your vacation!

It’s fun to travel with your pet once you learn all the rules

I have written down a quick manual or check list, on how to travel with your pet by Car and Plane

Fist of all make sure that your pet has all the necessary vaccines and a passport if you are traveling abroad.
A visit to your local vet can help you with all the information you need.

BY CAR:

If you’ve never traveled in a car with your pet before, there are a few simple things you can do to get her/him ready for the trip.
To make the trip as easy and comfortable as possible, start by simply playing with your dog or cat in the car and rewarding her/his good behavior.

Next, run some quick errands with her/him so she/he will get used to changing environments.  Your final step is an overnight or weekend trip. I recommend a travel crate and/or a car gate to confine pets to the rear of the car, or a special pets seatbelt which also allows the driver to operate the vehicle safely.

Before you set out on your trip, take your pet for a walk. Let her/him work off a little energy; It’s good to tire your pet out so she/he is more apt to sleep.

It’s best  not to feed her/him or give her/him to much water just before your departure. Once you are in the car, make sure that your pet’s area is either well ventilated or amply air-conditioned. While each pet is different, plan frequent pit stops (at least every two hours or so) to exercise your pet on a leash.

Even if the temperature is not particularly hot, a car can heat to very high temperatures in minutes. So always park in the shade,roll down the windows a little and leave a cold bowl of water if you have to step out for a minute and leave your pet in the car.

BY PLANE:

The airlines have varying regulations; always contact your airline well in advance to review their particular procedures and requirements.

Almost all  airlines have written rules for pet travel. These written rules are evidence that the airline has given long, careful thought to transporting animals. Small pets under 10 kg often can be crated and taken right on board the plane with you as hand luggage, while larger animals must stay in the cargo area.
Regardless of your airline carrier, these are important guidelines to consider:

• The pet should be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned.
• The pet cannot be ill, violent, or in physical distress.
• According to most veterinarians, as well as most airlines, pets should not be sedated for air travel. If you are concerned about your pet being over anxious during travel, then please discuss this with your veterinarian.
• Make sure that your pet’s nails are trimmed to avoid snagging on the travel crate’s door or some other object.
• The pet should have all the necessary health certificates and documentation.
• The travel crate must meet the airline’s standards and be large enough for the pet to lie down comfortably, turn around, and stand freely. Ask your local vet regarding which container to choose for your pet.

• Your pet may be more comfortable if you place an old towel, blanket, or newspaper in the crate.
• Try to book a non-stop flight, and take temperatures into consideration. In the summer, fly at night when it’s often cooler; in the winter, fly during the day, when it’s warmer.
• Certain short-nosed dogs such as pugs cannot breathe well in airplane cargo areas. Avoid flying with these particular breeds.
• Do not feed your pet before traveling, due to the potential for an upset stomach during the flight. Give your pet frozen water or, if possible, some ice cubes that will melt slowly and, hopefully, not dump out during boarding.
• Plan your trip well in advance and make sure you follow all the airline regulations.

Acclimating Your Pet for Air Travel

There is no possibility that you are going to convince a pet who balks at the idea of going into a crate, to hop in on travel day. I recommend that you get your pet used to his/her crate well before the trip.
Soft bedding and a toy or chew bone are a good start. Close the door of the crate for a bit to get them used to feeling confined.

Travel Day

Prepare your pet for its journey by reducing the quantity of food (not water) the day before flying. You will also want to give your pet a light meal two hours before check-in. A heavy meal might make your pet sick during the trip. Walk your dog before leaving for the airport and then again before check in. It is usually required that you check in 1 1/2 -2 hours before the flight.

ENJOY YOUR TRIP!

Here is a TOP 5 list on what to do in Stockholm during the Summer!

1. Boat Sightseeing
To see Stockholm from the water is an enjoyable must.
There are many tours to choose from depending on your interests.

2. Skansen Open-Air Museum
Skansen is a combination of the oldest open-air museum in the world and Stockholm zoo all in the same place. Skansen is located on Royal Djurgården and has a magnificent view over Stockholm.

3. Gamla Stan (Old City)
Gamla Stan is one of the largest and best preserved medieval city centers in Europe, and one of the foremost attractions in Stockholm. This is where Stockholm was founded in 1252.

4. Södermalm (South Part of Stockholm)
This area is home to a multitude of unusual, interesting and contemporary boutiques for fashion, design, interior décor, vintage merchandise and curios. In general the selection on Söder is trendier, younger and more bohemian than in downtown. There are plenty of cozy coffee shops and nice restaurants in this neighborhood.

5. Stockholm’s magical archipelago
Many visitors are unaware of Stockholm’s most spectacular feature – the archipelago. This magnificent maritime landscape of more than 30,000 islands and islets of which just approximately one thousand are inhabited, you will not see this anywhere in the world.
Take one of many boat trips from the city center and let yourself be amazed over the beauty of Sweden.