Summertime is here! As you begin to organize your family’s vacation during these next few months, an important question to consider is whether these plans include your pet. Fortunately, many hotels have started the popular trend of offering accommodations for pets. To take it a step further, there are also several amusement parks that provide kennels to care for your pets while you enjoy the rides.
So, now that you know bringing your pet on vacation is a realistic option, you must then consider the mode of transportation that would be best. Well, if your pet is anything like my first dog, you can rule out driving. The mere mention of the word “car” would cause her to cry, as she equated it with a trip to the veterinarian. On the other end of the spectrum, my second dog loved nothing more than going for a long drive in the car. In fact, we had to spell “c-a-r” just to avoid the excitement that came from her thinking she was going for a ride.
If you plan to fly, traveling with a small dog or cat is relatively simple, so long as the carrier can fit under the seat in front of you. Otherwise, there is the option of having your pet travel in a crate under the plane. Of course, for many the best option is to leave your pet in the comfort of your own home and use a pet sitter. The advantage of having a pet sitter is that it could reduce the stress the pet feels being out of his or her comfort zone. You can also consider boarding your pet in a kennel, so long as your pet reacts well to new environments and change to routine.
How do you find these people? The best place to start is by asking your veterinarian, groomer, and fellow pet owners for their recommendation. Another option is to do an internet search for local pet sitters and kennels. Whichever option you choose, please make sure that the decision is the right one for your pet in advance of your vacation.
Perhaps most important, it is recommended that you do a “trial run” before leaving. This will eliminate any stress that could come up during what should be your restful and fun vacation. In addition, you want to make sure that the pet sitter or kennel is bonded and insured. So whether you take your pet on vacation or you decide to give them a vacation from you, the moral of the article is to plan for your pet when you are planning your vacation! May you all have great summer vacations!
Another important thing to think about is that when you travel through states, even by car, your pet will need an interstate health certificate. Some hotels require you to show rabies and health certs, too. Many states have different rules for this, it's important to do your research. I'm not even going into going abroad where quarantine rules come into play. The most pet friendly hotel chain I can personally attest to in the US is LaQuinta - I stayed in several of their hotels during my cross country runs with my dog and a cat (moving). Just be sure to book ahead and make sure you tell them you're bringing your pet. Some have fees, some don't but expect to add a little extra when bringing your furbabies. I've done two cross country treks with one of my dogs and cat and one transatlantic move with my cat so I probably know more than I want to about this stuff! HAH