Welcome to our weekly 'Ask a Vet from the SF SPCA' feature on 7x7.com. Dr. Jeannine Berger, DVM, DACVB is a board certified veterinary behaviorist who counsels guardians whose pets’ issues are beyond the scope of training. Think of her as a pet shrink at your service. Ask your own questions in the comments. 

Now that we've officially hit summertime, many of our clients contact us about how to travel with their pets during roadtrips. Here are some of the things we recommend: 

Since cats generally don’t like to travel (it's very stressful for them), leave them at home with a caretaker if you have the option. If you do have to transport your cat in the car, always use a carrier, for your safety as well as theirs. A skittish cat could zip under your seat and obstruct your use of the pedals. 

As for dogs, you can have great fun on the road with your pal, as long as you take some precautions. The first thing to do is make sure your pet is microchipped, tagged, and up to date on vaccinations. Have a crate or restraining harness for your dog so he doesn't get thrown around in the car, or worse, ejected from it, in the case of an accident. Also, never let your dog ride with his head out the window. Contrary to the iconic image, it can do him real harm in the form of eye or ear injuries. 

Have a great summer, everyone!

Be sure to join us for the SF SPCA Adoption Center Grand Re-Opening cocktail party on Friday, June 13 4:00 -10:00 p.m. when we and 7x7 will be hosting one of our epic fetes. Hosted bar, food trucks and of course, fuzzy, furry cats and dogs available for adoption. Why did we need a remodel? To expand our capacity and help more than 6,000 animals find loving homes each year. Come for cocktails at the hosted bar, food trucks, music, and to find your new best friend!

The adoption fee for all animals over six months old will be waived June 13-16, so if you've been wanting to take home a lovebug, this is the time. 7x7 and the San Francisco SPCA have collaborated for some epic parties in the past and this one is sure to deliver. Don't miss it. Sponsored by Subaru, Zipcar, Zoetis, 7x7.