Traveling with Pets
Planning on taking a road trip? Why not bring your pet along?
If you do decide to give your pet a glimpse of the wider world, advance preparation is crucial. A little planning on your part can help guarantee a vacation that your whole family can enjoy.
When should you NOT take your pet along?
Not all vacations are made for your pets, and for that matter not all pets are cut out for travel. If your pet is fearful around strangers, hates car trips, or is noisy or disruptive in new places (constant barking, etc.) perhaps you and your pet would be happier with him at home. Extremely hot or cold locations may be very uncomfortable for any pet, and if you have a busy schedule planned, you may not have the time to give your pet the attention she'll need.
Roll out the red carpet
Once you've decided to go ahead with bringing the family pet, be sure to notify the hotels ahead of time that you'll be bringing a special guest. Hotel pet charges can vary wildly (from a few dollars to a few hundred) so you should definitely find out the costs before you settle on a hotel. Some hotels charge pet fees, while others require a deposit that's refundable on departure (assuming your pet hasn't destroyed the room). Don't forget to ask if the fee/deposit varies by pet size.
Good Pet-tiquette
Travel can be stressful for you, your pet, and everyone around you. You can help keep your trip pleasant by following these guidelines:
- When outdoors or in the car, always keep your pet in her carrier, on leash, etc. Driving down the freeway at 65 miles per hour is a bad place for your pet to panic and jump on you.
- Before you leave home, create a temporary tag with your local contact information. Keep it on your pet at all times.
- If you've brought a dog along, walk him off the hotel property and be particularly careful to clean up after him.
- Don't bring your pet along to meals with you - health regulations forbid animals in restaurants.
- Leaving your pet alone in the room is a disaster waiting to happen. A bored or fearful pet could easily do serious damage to a hotel room (and there goes your pet deposit!). Worse, a frightened pet might bolt out of the room when the maid service arrives, turning your vacation into a nightmare scenario.
When disaster strikes
If the worst comes to the worst and your pet is lost or missing, the first and most important rule is NOT to panic. If you're in an urban setting, pay a visit to nearby shops, restaurants, etc. and let them know that your pet is missing. Give them your local contact information. Also, notify your hotel staff as soon as possible; if someone finds your pet and reads the temporary tag they'll likely contact the hotel directly. Get in touch with the local animal shelters and humane society offices so they can keep an eye out for your pet. If all else fails, post flyers and contact the local radio and newspapers to place an ad with your pet's information.
Your family trip should be fun for all involved. With a little pre-planning time, you and your pet can enjoy your vacation together. Have a great time!