E10

Dr. Marty Becker

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Q: I'm moving next month, driving a rented truck halfway across the country along with my dog and parrot.

My dog's a seasoned traveller, but I worry about my bird. I know some motels and hotels let pets in, but I am worried about the cleaning supplies they use. I don't want my bird to breathe in anything bad.

Any advice?

- L.G., via email

A: You'll have no problem finding a hotel, that's for sure. The AAA travel guide lists lodgings that accept pets - and there are lots of them - but recently even more hotels and motels have been accepting pets. In a poor economy, they just don't want to turn any customers away, not even the feathered and furred ones.

Strong cleaning supplies can be a problem, but I think you'll be OK with a sniff test.

Change rooms, or even hotels, if the smell of cleaning supplies is strong. If you can barely smell the chemicals, put your bird's cage near an open window so he can get some fresh air.

Whatever you do, be careful when travelling with your pets, because they can easily be lost forever if they get loose.

Your dog may already be microchipped and tagged, but is your bird chipped?

Pet birds are typically chipped in the padded part of their breast. Talk to your veterinarian about getting a chip put in your bird before you leave.

And ask about a referral to a new vet where you're headed: Veterinarians who specialize in birds aren't all that common, and your vet may well be able to recommend one in your new hometown.

- Dr. Marty Becker