Can't bear to leave Fido or Fluffly behind when your family travels? That's completely understandable. They are, after all, members of the family. However, if you do decide to bring your pet along on vacations it's important to be properly prepared to handle any situation that may arise, including planning for what to do if your pet goes missing.

Here are some tips that will help you find your pet more quickly in the event that they go astray while you are away:

• Make sure your pet is wearing an identification tag with your phone number or the number of someone who can reach you.

• Pack colour photos of your pet, his medical and vaccination history, copies of any prescriptions, and registration papers for your purebred. If you are travelling to the United States, you'll also need proof of rabies vaccination.

• List your pet's name and vital statistics: ID numbers; breed of animal; age; sex; weight; shoulder height; eye and nose colours; type of ear, tail and collar; any distinctive marks or scars; and coat length, type and colour.

• Seal the paperwork in a plastic bag and put it in the glove compartment of your vehicle. Make sure everyone on the trip knows where it is.

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