Road: Before you take your pet on a long journey, get the animal accustomed to car travel by taking it for short drives initially. Make sure you take frequent breaks to exercise your dog.

Air: If the dog does not like travelling by road, you should consider sending your per by air. Select a flight route that has the least number of transfers and minimal confinement. The commercial air carriers sometimes require a health certificate from a veterinarian stating that the animal is immunised against rabies and has no contagious disease. It's advisable to check in advance whether you have to provide a shipping kennel and how long before flight time should you check your pet in. Make sure that someone is there to receive the dog on arrival. There is no need to put food and water in the shipping kennel if the flight is less than six hours.

Train: Dogs are permitted to be kept in the guard's compartment, but they should be on leash. It is best to confirm the requirements with the railway authorities before taking a journey. Restless dogs can be sedated during the journey, but consult the veterinarian about it.

Sea: The owner must accompany a dog being taken by sea. Some large liners have kennels and trained help to look after pets. The health certificate should be made closest to the date of travel and in no case more than a week before the date of departure.

Shipping Kennel: It should be sturdy and have proper ventilation. The base should be leak-proof and lined with an absorbent material. Fasten the water and feeding dishes securely in place to allow for filling from outside. Do not leave the dog's leash inside the kennel as it may get trapped in it. Attach a tag on the container with your name, address and telephone number.

Preparing for a car trip: Do not feed or give water for at least two hours before the journey. Hold it on your lap if the dog is small or put it on a seat beside you. Keep your arm around it for confidence and support.

Secure the luggage well, so that it does not hurt the dog if you stop suddenly.

Don't allow the dog to lean out of the window for a long time, as the constant rush of air can cause a cold or irritate the eyes and ears, which can lead to an infection. Ask the vet for medicines which prevent motion sickness and restlessness, but make sure to give a trial dose a few days before the trip. A dog can sometimes be cured of car-sickness if you sit with it in a standing car and pet it for short periods every day. In some cases, the nervousness disappears after the dog has been fed a meal inside a stationary car.

Packing for your pet:
Food food and water dishes, since it is used to them.
Blanket and towels.
A first-aid kit with drugs against motion sickness and diarrhoea is a must.

Take some antiseptic powder, eye drops, and some flea powder or spray along.

Dr S. P. Beri is a veterinary doctor who practises at D-86, Anand Niketan. Call him at 4670415.