In the United States alone, over 60 million
households have one or more pets. Pet owners in 15 million of
those households travel with their pet, and the majority stay
in pet-friendly lodging. Fortunately, pet friendly hotels, condos
and vacation home rentals do exist. If you will be traveling with
your pet, here are some pet friendly tips to remember for safe
and trouble-free travel.
1 - When you make your reservation, double-check that pets are
allowed. An important advantage of reserving online is that you
can see - in writing - whether or not pets are permitted and any
restrictions. Online, you can print out your reservation receipt
that includes the "pets allowed" information. Verbal reservations
leave more room for misunderstanding and miscommunication. If
reserving by telephone, ask the reservation person to mail you
a confirmation receipt that includes the �pets allowed� information.
2 - Is your pet an experienced traveler? If not, you should begin
getting your pet more accustomed to traveling. Begin by making
your car a fun place for your pet. Get in the car with them, play
with them, give them a treat � have them enjoy being there with
you. Then take a short drive with them. Gradually increase the
length of time and distance that you drive with them. Before making
a long trip with your pet, the idea is to have them comfortable
with being in the car for extended periods of time.
3 - Remember that securing your pet while traveling in the car
is crucial for their safety and yours. Consider purchasing a dog
safety harness for your pet to use while traveling in the car.
If you have a station wagon or SUV, you can purchase a vehicle
barrier that keeps your pet confined to the rear area. They are
usually sold at pet stores or are available online.
4 - Be sure that your pet has an identification tag and wears
it while on the trip. The tag should have your pet's name, your
name and phone number. If possible, use your cell phone number,
a home number and the number of where you will be staying.
5 � Carry a photograph of your pet with you on your trip. If
your pet should ever become lost, you�ll be able to show others
exactly what your pet looks like instead of just relying on a
verbal description.
6 - Check with your vet for any recommended vaccinations appropriate
for your trip - exposure to ticks while hiking, exposure to other
dogs while boarding or heartworm prevention if your dog will be
exposed to mosquitoes are examples of important preventative measures
to take before your trip. If your pet is a dog, have an up-to-date
rabies tag for your dog's collar. If you decide to day board your
dog while on vacation, you may be required to show paperwork proof
of the rabies vaccination.
7 - Once you arrive at the pet friendly lodging, inform the check-in
person that you have your pet. You can inquire if there are any
restricted areas where your pet should not be taken. Pet friendly
lodging staff should be very accustomed to answering these kinds
of questions and will appreciate your awareness.
8 - In your hotel room, condo, cabin rental
or vacation home rental - never let your pet use the furniture
or beds to sit, lay or sleep on unless you've covered the furniture
or bed with your own cover. Place your pet�s food and water
containers on a mat or newspaper in the bathroom, where cleanup
will be easier. When staying in pet friendly accommodations, you
may choose to feed your pet outdoors.
9 - If you'll be leaving your pet alone in the room or vacation
rental, make sure the front desk or rental agent knows. Be sure
that you leave your pet secured in their travel container or crate
if housekeeping staff will be entering the room at any time to
clean. You certainly don't want a housekeeper to enter and be
surprised or even attacked by your pet! A pet may also run out
of the room when housekeeping enters if left unsecured.
10 - Be very careful in warm or hot weather with leaving your
pet in the car. Even when the outside temperature is only in the
70�s or 80�s, the interior of a vehicle can reach 100 degrees
and higher, especially when parked in the sun. It doesn�t take
long at these temperatures to cause serious or even fatal harm
to your pet.
Traveling with pets and staying in pet friendly lodging can be
lots of fun - after all, your pet is part of your family too.
Just using common sense and planning ahead makes for an enjoyable
and surprise-free vacation.
About the author:
Copyright 2005 David Buster
David Buster is Vice-President of InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster
of http://www.bestvacationrentalsonline.com-
visit the website to learn more about pet travel and to find pet
friendly lodging, log cabin rentals, vacation home rentals, condos
and chalets, places to get married, discount hotel rooms, adventure
travel and more.
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