- Hours:
- Mon: 9A - 9P
- Tue-Fri: 9A - 10P
- Sat: 9A - 2P
- Sun: Closed
Our goal at the Animal Hospital of Streamwood is to help your pet stay healthy, help heal your pet when it is sick or injured, and to ease your pet's pain when it is hurting.
We will do this with quality care, compassion and tenderness.
Traveling with Pets
With the first breath of summer, most folks can't wait to hit the road and visit their favorite relaxing summer destination. But for pet owners, a heart-wrenching decision needs to be made: to take the dog and cat or not? In a recent travel survey over 20% of people said they did not travel because they did not have the necessary care for their pets. Fortunately, it is becoming easier to travel with pets as more and more people do it.it is becoming easier to travel with pets as more and more people do it. In millions of households, dogs and cats are seasoned travelers. They’ve covered millions of miles by car, RV and plane. More and more people have found these road trips a way to spend quality time with their human family and animal companions. Throughout the country, you'll find hotels, motels, and campgrounds that cater to travelers with four-legged friends.
Most pets do very well and enjoy their outings. The key to a successful trip is preparation. Pets should have an exam prior to travel to ensure that they are healthy to travel (most airlines require this in the form of a health certificate) and have necessary vaccinations and preventatives for your destination. You may be going to parts of the country where there are concerns about fleas, ticks or mosquitoes.
You must also learn if your pet is a good traveler. Traveling in the car around town and spending time getting your dog or cat used to a crate will help your pet be a good traveler. If you’re traveling in a car, you’ll want your pet in a seatbelt harness or pet carrier. A sudden stop may send a dog or cat flying if they are sitting on your lap or sunning in the rear window. Unrestrained pets may also be quick to escape if someone opens the door. And although dogs love to stick their heads out the window, wind and gravel can be a danger to their eyes. Remember that pets left in hot cars can easily suffer heat stroke. Never leave your pet alone in a hot car. Even if it seems cool outside, the temperature in a car can exceed 100 degrees in a very short time.
Be sure your pet will have proper accommodations before you leave. "Traveling with Your Pet – The AAA Pet Book" is a great guidebook for planning your trip. Included in its 752 pages are more than 12,000 lodging establishments that accept pets and their owners, dog parks, travel tips and animal clinics. Visit www.petswelcome.com for more pet-friendly sleeping spots and eating establishments, as well as more travel tips.
Be sure your pet has all of the essentials for travel. Pack food (bring more than you need -- just in case), a jug or two of water, treats, toys, a bed or favorite blanket, and dishes. Make sure your pet wears identification on his collar with a phone number that calls a remotely accessible voice mail or cell phone. Be prepared for doggie accidents with plenty of towels. Also include any medications and medical records, if pertinent. Some hotels may require copies of your dog's vaccination records. Have leashes or carriers ready in the car in case of a roadside emergency or accident. A pet first aid kit may come in handy as well. And stash a picture or two of your best friend in your glove compartment, just in case you get separated somehow.
If you will be flying with your pet, contact your airline well ahead of time to make sure your needs and your pet's can be met.If you will be flying with your pet, contact your airline well ahead of time to make sure your needs and your pet's can be met. Small pets may fly in the cabin with you if the crate fits under the seat in front of you. The crate must also be large enough so that your pet is able to stand and turn around inside the kennel. Inside the crate/kennel provide bedding, water, and a small leash. Shredded newspaper makes absorbent bedding, whereas cat litter could spill and make a mess. Food and water dishes must be attached to the kennel's door. Freeze the water you send with your pet so it doesn't spill while your pet is being loaded, it will melt and be available during flight. The time of year can raise concerns about temperature for pets flying cargo (in the belly of the plane). Some airlines do not fly pets in cargo between May 15 and September 15. Other airlines will decide the day of the flight whether it is OK for your pet to fly. If temperatures above 85 degrees F or below 10 degrees F are forecast at any of the airports on your itinerary, your pet will not be loaded on the plane because it may be exposed to harsh temperatures for more than 45 minutes during layovers. These necessary restrictions are for the health and well-being of traveling pets.
"Dogs can be great traveling companions," says Dr. John Haburjak, surgical resident at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana. "Dogs don't complain about the music or ask, 'are we there yet?'" says Dr. Haburjak. But taking your dog's personality into consideration is key to an enjoyable journey. "Just like you'd never willingly go on a long car trip with certain people, some dogs travel better than others." If your canine is overprotective, or dog aggressive, taking her on vacation with you may be less than enjoyable -- especially if she tries to defend the car or a hotel room when faced with a stranger. That's not so good if the stranger is the police officer pulling you over for speeding or the person handing you food at the drive-through window.
Once you experience the tail-wagging joy of adventuring with your pets, you'll never want to leave them at home again. Traveling with your best friend can't be beat.