Tips for traveling with your pet

Summertime might be the perfect time to take your four-legged friend on a trip, but there are a few things you should know before packing up your pooch.

Before jet setting, Gina Landino with the Seattle Humane Society, says make sure you call the airline directly to confirm a reservation and make sure there’s room for your pet on the flight. Very small dogs can travel in the cabin in a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.

And don’t forget to stop feeding your dog 4-6 hours before the flight, but just to be safe, “you might want to consider a doggy diaper,” says Landino.

You also need a clean bill of health 10 days prior to the travel date and don’t forget to mark the carrier with your name and your pet’s name.

According to DogVacay.com, 75% of pet owners don’t trust airlines to safely care for pets in cargo as reported in Time.

Shawn says she’s heard of people bringing wine for the flight attendants and pilot in an effort to make sure the cargo area is climate controlled and safe for pets.

While straight up bribery might not be a bad idea, Landino says you definitely want to made sure your pet is wearing a collar that fits and won’t get caught on the carrier door. And clip your pet’s nails for the same reason.

And in case they do get lost, it’s a good idea to have a photo of your pet.

If you’d rather avoid the hassle of air travel with your pet and want to hit the open road, Brandie Ahlgren the founder and Editor-in-Chief at City Dog Magazine has the Top 5 dog travel destinations in Washington state.

Ahlgren says Craig Ramano, author of the Best Hikes with Dogs series, recently put together a list of Top 10 Canine Friendly campsites in the Northwest.

It’s Raining Cats and Dogs with Shawn Stewart can be heard on KIRO Radio on Sundays 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Available anytime ON DEMAND at KIRORadio.com.