Harley has crossed oceans at the side of Dr. Katie Minniear. Sarah A. Ferrell Visit the Photo Place

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TRAVELING WITH YOUR PET GUIDED NATURE TOUR: Sunday, July 27, 2 p.m., Gari Melchers Home and Studio, Belmont, 224 Washington St., Falmouth. Members of the Central Rappahannock Chapter of the Virginia Naturalist program lead a free tour of the woods and fields the last Sunday of every month, starting at the visitors center. The walk covers about a mile of trails and will touch on the historic ruins. Sturdy footwear recommended; rain or shine; free, no reservations necessary. 540/654-1839.

Leashes! Suitcases! Let's Go! By Sarah A. Ferrell

Date published: 7/19/2008

DO YOU DREAD vacation time because you hate to leave your dog behind? Vacation is more fun when the dog who loves you shares the sights, sounds and smells of dog-friendly destinations.

Miss Harley Minniear, CGC, a Rottweiler-German shepherd-hound, knows how to pack for a trip, fly on planes and frolic on foreign sands. Harley accompanied her mom, Dr. Katie Minniear, to St. Kitts, West Indies, to veterinary school.

Minniear laughs and says, "Harley flew so often that my dad jokes that she should have her own frequent-flyer number!" Minniear and world traveler Harley impart travel advice for owners who won't leave home without their dogs at their sides.

How did you prepare Harley for her trip?

"It takes extra time to get everything organized for travel with a pet. To reach St. Kitts, Harley and I flew four hours nonstop on US Airways from Philadelphia. I chose US Airways because they offered a direct flight and were very pet-friendly. Having Harley on the same flight with me was very important.

"Weather conditions and temperature are critical to safe air travel. Airlines often refuse to fly live animals when outdoor temperatures are above 80 degrees."

Were you nervous about flying with your dog?

"I was extremely nervous the first time we flew. It was hard to watch when they took her away on the luggage belt after her crate was scanned and X-rayed."

What kind of official paperwork was required?

"You must know all the travel rules and regulations for your particular airline, and for your country of destination. My airline required a health certificate stating that Harley was in good health to fly and that documented her vaccine history. This certificate had to be issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of the departure date.

"The government of St. Kitts required that an AVID microchip be implanted prior to travel. They also required a rabies titer because the island is rabies-free. Extra preparation time was needed since the blood work had to be sent out to a laboratory and the report had to be included in Harley's travel certificates.

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Date published: 7/19/2008