Travel Options For Pet Owners

In the US alone over 75 million households have at least one pet almost 40% prefer to travel with their pets. Each year this becomes increasingly easier as hotels and airlines recognize the importance of catering to entire families which also include pets. But there are times when your pet can’t come along or you don’t want to bring your pet along. So what travel options exist for pet owners?

If you are going to be traveling with your pet make sure when you are making your reservations that you are clear about this. When you book online it’s very straightforward as it’s in writing where as if you book over the telephone there is more chance for a misunderstanding.

More and more hotels and lodgings are recognizing the importance of catering to pets. Some have used this opportunity to market their services and increase business, catering to both dogs and cats with special beds, treats, and even doggy spas. They have dog walkers on staff, vets, and pet massagers available. The pampered pet syndrome is big business!

If your pet isn’t comfortable with travel then you should start now by taking your pet on a car ride to a fun place like a park. Gradually increase the driving time so they get accustomed to long trips.

Make sure your pet has proper identification tags on. They should include the name of your pet, your name, and your phone number, and if you have a cell phone make sure that’s on it as well because that’s what you’d have with you when traveling. You should also have a photograph of your pet with you.

Make sure your pet has all the required and recommended vaccinations for travel. If you are going hiking they should have tick and heartworm prevention. If you are traveling to another country there may be requirements for entry.

If you will be leaving your pet in the hotel room make sure that the office is aware and that housekeeping knows not to enter the room. You don’t want your pet making an escape because they are frightened by the entry of strangers.

If you are traveling in the summer when temperatures can soar make sure not to leave your pet in a vehicle unattended and if you leave them in the hotel room leave the air conditioner on low for them.

If you will be flying to your destination you need to make sure that your pet is crate trained and comfortable in the confined space. You also need to book your pet when you book your tickets as there is limited space on most flights for pets and they are not allowed in the seating area. Be prepared to pay a charge for your pet’s cargo seat and with some airlines this can cost as much or more than your own ticket. If your pet is high strung you may want to ask your vet to prescribe a sedative to make the journey easier.

If you are planning a holiday that does not include your pet there is no need to feel guilty. There are many services available that will keep your pet comfy and loved while you are away.

If your pet is one that becomes stressed with your absence you should consider having someone come into your home to pet sit. That way your pet is still surrounded by things that are familiar to him or her. Pet sitters are often able to take care of other tasks for you as well such as collecting the mail, taking phone messages, and watering the plants. So it’s beneficial all the way round.

If you are going to have someone pet sit then you should introduce your pet and the sitter at least a month in advance. See how that goes. You may have to try a couple of sitters before you find one that’s going to connect with your pet. They should then spend some time together with you around and eventually on their own. That way when you leave them behind they won’t be nearly as stressed by the separation.

You can also leave your pet at a boarding kennel. Although there are still the traditional basic kennels that have been around for decades, now many kennels are more like upscale dog and cat hotels. They come with plenty of pampering and one on one attention, as well as the best sleeping and eating arrangements.

Most kennels can accommodate special diets or fussy eaters. They also have a variety of exercise programs. Discuss your pet’s needs with the kennel. You should always pre-visit a kennel and check out their facilities. How clean are the runs? How happy do the dogs or cats look? Is there are vet available? Inspections without warning are always the best because the element of surprise shows you the true state of the kennel.

Deon Melchior is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit ArticleClick.com. Article Click is a free content article directory. This means that as a publisher you may reprint the articles that are included in our site, as long as the article is unedited and the author box is included with it's live hyperlinks.