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Traveling with your pet can be wonderful—a "real trip!" Of course, sometimes we travel with a pet because we have to, like during a cross-country move. Whatever the reason, the most important part of traveling is that everybody—including your pet—arrives at your destination safe and sound. Here are some important tips for before and during your travels.

No matter how or where you're traveling, the first rule of thumb is always this: Unless your dog or cat can say "Hi, my name is FiFi and my phone number is..." make sure your pet has as much identification as possible! Every day, we hear from people who never dreamed their pet would get lost, and they did not have an ID tag or microchip. If FiFi becomes separated from you while you are on the road, it's even less likely you'll be able to find her. This makes proper identification your only chance of being reunited.

• Make sure to have ID tags on your pet's collar and, if at all possible, list your cell phone number on them. This way, if your pet gets lost, you can be reached wherever you are.
• Microchip your pet. Collars can slip off, and tags can and do break off collars, especially if your pet escapes through a narrow opening. Microchips are forever and foolproof.
• After your pet has a microchip, send in the registration paperwork to make sure your contact information will be in the database! That may sound like an obvious tip, but you'd be surprised how many people have a microchip placed in their pet and then forget to register their microchip. Don't put it off another day—do it now!
• Don't forget to label your pet's carrier prominently with your name, address and phone number.

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