If you are going on vacation this summer, and plan on taking your dog with you for the first time on a plane, there are a few things that you need to take care of in order to ensure that your dog's trip goes off seamlessly.

Visit Your Vet

If you are not sure if your dog is up-to-date on their vaccination schedule, you may want to schedule a check up with your vet as soon as you schedule your vacation. Often times, your dog's vaccination shots need to be spread out, so if you are behind schedule, you'll want to give yourself enough time to get your dog up-to-date before your trip.

Within ten days of your trip, you will need to schedule another visit to your vet (like those at Delphos Animal Hospital). During this visit, your vet will need to provide you with a health certificate that states that your dog is in perfect health and is able to fly. You will need a health certificate for your dog in order to take it on any domestic flights. If you are planning on flying internationally, you will need to make sure that you also fulfill any requirements of the country you are traveling to.

Consider Installing A Microchip

Since you will be far away from home and in an unfamiliar environment, you should think about installing a microchip on your dog. That way, if your dog gets lost while you are on your vacation, any animal control agency that picks up your dog will be able to contact you.

Even if your dog is usually really obedient and doesn't run away from you, getting microchip installed can be a good idea if you plan on traveling with your dog. In an unfamiliar situation, your dog may react differently than they would at home. A microchip is a great way to keep your dog safe when you travel.

Purchase A Collar And Identification Tags

In addition to installing a microchip, you should also make sure that your dog has a strong collar that will not slip off of them as well as identification tags with your information on them. Since you will be traveling, you may need to purchase new identification tags that include either your cell phone or email address instead of your home phone and address so that someone can get in immediate contact with you if your dog gets lost.

Make Sure You Have An Approved Shipping Crate

Finally, you need to make sure that the shipping crate you have is an approved shipping crate. If you have any questions about the dimension or size of your shipping crate for your dog, contact the airlines before your flight. You don't want to show up to the airport only to be told that your shipping crate is not appropriate.

Make sure you attach your dog's picture, your contact information and flight itinerary to the outside of your dog's shipping crate. You should also make sure that your create is clearly labeled "Live Animal" on all sides so that all airport staff who handle your dog's shipping crate knows that an animal is inside. 

Before you take your dog with you on vacation this summer, make sure that you take care of the four items listed above. You have to visit your vet and get a health certificate in order to fly with your pet. All of the other suggestions listed above will ensure your pet is safe throughout your trip.