Traveling with your pet?

With vacations underway, it's time to think about how to safely travel with your dog or cat.

Car trips can be stressful for humans, so think how Fido or Fluffy must feel. At least they don't have to worry about the price of gasoline.

Response Insurance has a few tips to help make the journey a smooth one.

• If your pet isn't used to car trips, try a few test runs to acclimate them. Spending time in the car while parked and short drives at first is a good start.

• Cats should be kept in a carrier; dogs should be held in a restraining harness. This keeps your pet stable in the event of sudden movement or a crash.

• Feed the pet less than normal. Too much water can upset the stomach; provide ice to chew on. Pack toys and bedding.

• Outfit your pet with a collar that has an ID tag that includes permanent and vacation addresses and phone numbers. Have a photo of your pet with you. There is always micro-chipping.

• Don't let your dog stick its head out the car window. Small stones and debris become dangerous projectiles at highway speeds.

• Never, never, never (my emphasis) leave your pet in a car in warm or hot weather.

• Pack a first-aid kit with tweezers and alcohol for tick removal, cloth bandages and topical antiseptic.