West Highland White Terrier Club of America

Contributed By: Sandra J. Crawford
W.H.W.T.C.A. Health Committee

1. Before you decide to include your Westie in your travel plans, consider general health, age, travel conditions and special arrangements needed to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone involved.
2. Dogs are welcomed at many hotels, motels and parks. Call ahead to inquire and make reservations early. Review requirements to ship your Westie by air.
3. Take along your Westie's regular food, medication and water (consider bottled), flea and tick preventative, crate with bedding, leash, collar (and/or exercise pen) and toys. A sudden change in food or water can make your Westie ill.
4. Be sure your Westie is current on all vaccinations. If traveling by commercial air, you will need a health certificate from your veterinarian. Take along your Westie's medical records.
5. Your Westie should wear a collar with identification and license/rabie tags. Keep your Westie confined in a crate or pet carrier or on leash at all times. If flying, be sure your carrier meets airline specifications for type and size.
6. In the car, your Westie should be confined to a pet carrier to ensure the safety and comfort of both driver and dog. Introduce a carrier early in the Westie's life and use it regularly. It protects your Westie in the event of a sudden stop or an accident.
7. Never let your Westie ride with his head out the window. While this may be enjoyable to your Westie, foreign objects can injure eyes and ears and in the event of a quick stop or turn, your dog could fall out.
8. Place vital information and emergency instructions concerning your Westie's care in a visible place at home, in the car, on your pet carrier and in your wallet or purse to ensure proper care of your Westie in case of accident or illness.
9. Keep your Westie on its regular exercise routine. Avoid excessive exercise during weather extremes. Always clean up after your Westie.
10. Never leave Westies unattended in parked vehicles. Especially in hot weather, or sunny winter weather, the temperature rises very quickly inside a car, even with the windows cracked. Freezing temperatures in winter can be equally dangerous.