Today, pets are becoming more and more members of their families. Therefore, it is only logical that their owners want to take them on their annual holidays as well. Whereas taking an animal on a train was never much of a problem (provided the pet BEHAVED well...), taking them onto an airplane was a different matter. But things can change. A lot of airlines are now providing the option of taking your pet with you, sometimes, they even allow them into the cabin. Nevertheless, some preparations are necessary to make sure that your holiday is an enriching experience for all parties involved rather than a stressfull one.

1. Check your pets vaccinations are current and find out if any particular treatment and / or vaccination is required prior to entering your holiday destination (either on the way over or on the way back – e. g. rabies-treatment if you are traveling from GB/Ireland to the European continent and back home). Your vet should be able to give you the current information on vaccination-requirements in different countries. Another handy source for information is the American Animal Hospital Association. In case your pet is very nervous and anxious, ask your vet about the possibility of sedation for the duration of the travel.
   
   
2. Make sure that your animal is wearing a current ID-Tag and / or is microchipped. Pack a few current color photos and an accurate description of your pet in case you get separated from your pet (especially when travelling to another country).
   
   
3. For domestic flights, some airlines require a health certificate acquired within the previous 10 days. For international flights, it's wise to make an appointment with a doctor six months in advance, as different countries have different restrictions and requirements. Keep copies of your pet's records and an extra photo of your pet with you in a safe place while traveling. Before booking any flights, be certain the airline has no special restrictions that will prevent your pet from flying. Also, consider booking a nonstop flight versus one with several layovers. This may be more expensive, but it's safer and less stressful for you and your pet. Equally, it is wise to check with each airline individually, which restrictions they have in place and what the necessary procedures are that need to be completed before boarding.
   
   
4. Make sure your pet is well familiar with its kennel, carrier or car-space. Put your furry friends favourite toy into your pets “travelling-space” to make it more comfortable and more familiar with the surroundings. If possible, try feeding your pet as close to the same time as it would be fed at home. Animals are creatures of habit – any change will put them into distress an a feeling of discomfort.
   
   
5. Make sure that the accommodation you wish to book is “animal-friendly” (this might even depend on the type of animal you are planning to take). Your best bet for a thorough research on the ideal accommodation is the net. If the website does not specify anything about pets being allowed, just drop them an email beforehand. For a place to stay on short notice, stop at one of these hotels known for welcoming pets: Red Roof Inn, Motel 6, or Days Inn. For a more luxurious experience, stay at one of the many Kimpton Hotels located across the country. Each hotel welcomes your pet as if he or she is a VIP guest, and many have special programs tailored for the two of you.
   

Several studies have recently been published about the therapeutic effects of cats (and dogs). More and more medical professionals are beginning to understand the positive influences pets can have on their owners or other patients. Sometimes, you can even see pets “on duty” in hospitals, nursing-homes or orphanages as well as prisons or reformatory stations. Not only can those furry companions bring some relief to those who are suffering from certain diseases, they can also have a positive effect on the process of re-socialization. Thanks to the mere presence of such “furry therapists”, people seem to be more self-confident and optimistic. On the other hand, they can also have a calming effect on people, making them less nervous and less aggressive. In Germany, the term “Felino-Therapy” (a form of therapy using cats as “mediators”) is now widely recognised.

Tests have shown, that cats have a positive effect on the people's psyche. Cats have a particularly calming effect, not only through their purring, but also through the gentle vibrations caused by it. Those vibrations can help to relax muscles.

Every cat-lover will know the amazingly pleasant feeling when being with their furry friend(s). But in order to be a professional “therapist”, cats must be well trained.

Ideally, you should start the “therapy-training” when your cat is approximately one year old. At that age, you should be able to check carefully, whether or not your cat is suitably socialized for the job. On the other hand, your cats immune-system is fully developed at this stage so that it can fight off possible infections (e.g. in a hospital-environment).

Further key-points are:

• your cat's vaccinations must be up-to-date and you must have a current vaccination-cert for it
• make a note of all the characteristics and main habits of your cat (so that other people know how to handle it best), keep a small “cat-therapist manual” and keep it current
• make sure your cat is well used to the following situations:
  
  1. the presence of other cats and dogs and a number of people
  2. different noises and crowded places (this is important so that your cat does not get frightened while “on duty” and accidentally hurts people
  3. travelling in cars or other means of transport

How can I train me cat for this job?

• from a very early age, try to have “foreign” people around you and your cat (invite friends into your home, take your pet with you when you go visiting friends, relatives etc.). This way, your cat will learn to trust different people and is less likely to get frightened or aggressive.
• Train your cat so that it is used to a leash and a harness. The easiest way to do this is to “walk your cat” on the leash from a very early age and to play with it while the harness is on. Treats do go down very well at this stage as well, of course...
• Groom your little therapist well and regularly – the cat needs to be used to being handled and getting loads of cuddles... - they usually LOVE this particular part though...
• try using different means of transport when travelling with your cat. Make sure your furry therapists gets used to as many different situations as possible while travelling to and from its “workplace”

If it doesn't work:

Don't be too disappointed if your purring mate does not turn out the perfect therapist. After having gone through all those training-sessions, at the worst, you will have your own PRIVATE therapist anyway – and the best of friends anyway