Tips For a Pet Friendly Vacation

Planning a pet friendly vacation can be a challenge. Here are a few pet vacation tips that I hope will help you and Fido or Fluffy have a wonderful trip together.

One good thing you have in your favor is that pet travel is a lot easier than it used to be. More and more hotels are updating their rules to accommodate the growing numbers of people planning a pet friendly vacation.

A National Park Vacation, with all that outdoor open space, seems like a good idea if you are bringing a dog. But they typically have strict regulations for pets. This doesn’t mean you have to change your plans. Just be sure to check with the park before you go. Fido may not be able to go on the hike with you but there should still be plenty of opportunity to enjoy the facilities together.

It is very important that make sure Fido is physically ready for the pet friendly vacation you have in mind. She will be dealing physical challenges that are out of her normal everyday routine. A trip to the vet will determine if her health is sound enough for pet travel.

While at the vet it would be prudent to be sure that all Fluffy’s vaccinations are current. Have the vet issue a health certificate to take with you on your trip.

There is always the possibility that Fluffy could get lost during your travels. Equipping her with a collar that has an ID tag attached is an excellent pet friendly vacation tip. Have your name and cell phone number engraved or written on the tag. That could be her only chance to be returned to you.

Pet Travel can be hard on your pet emotionally as well as physically. If Fido already exhibits behavioral problems at home, this will be compounded when she is in strange surroundings. You should consider the possibility that she is just not up to traveling with you.

If you decide that you need to leave Fido behind, making sure that she is well cared for is critical. Enlist family members or friends you trust to take her in or drop by your home for frequent checks. The there is always the option of a kennels or even a professional pet sitter. Make sure they have good instructions and can always reach you by phone if a problem comes up.

Pet Travel on an airline has special issues to deal with. Most airlines will accommodate your needs but the rules will vary from airline to airline. Typically Fido will travel in the cargo hold. Check with your vet as the lack of ventilation and rough ride can be strenuous.

Alternately, if Fido is well behaved, airlines will allow her to travel in the cabin with you. Usually the normal luggage carry-on rules apply and she will have to ride in her carrier under your seat. At least she will be close and the ride should be much smoother than with the cargo.

Traveling by auto should make your pet friendly vacation easier to plan. But this too can be tough on Fido. If you already know that she is comfortable in a car than you are one step ahead. If not, it would be a good idea to find out before you get to far with your plans. You need to be confident that she can handle a car trip.

Letting Fido free while you are driving a vehicle is vary bad idea. This could easily cause an accident. The safe way to do it is to keep her securely leashed or in a comfortable pet travel container.

Of course, you already know that you should never leave Fluffy in the car with the windows shut. This can have deadly consequences.

If you must leave her for a short time, make sure she has plenty of water and open the windows enough to provide proper ventilation.

There must be some air flow not only for Fluffy to breathe but also to keep the temperature in the car from rising to lethal levels.

While on the road, don’t forget to keep your pet supplied with fresh water and food. Stop frequently so that she can stretch her legs and maybe get in a little walk. This will make the trip more pleasant for both of you.