Pet-Friendly Vacations: Tips for Traveling with Your Furry Friend
Pet-Friendly Vacations: Tips for Traveling with Your Furry Friend
Introduction
The best part about traveling with your dog is that you get to spend more quality time together. The worst part? Sometimes it can be stressful or impossible to plan a vacation with your pup in tow—especially if you've never traveled with one before. From making sure your dog is safe and comfortable during long flights or car rides, packing all the proper equipment (and making sure it's easily accessible when you're on the road), and finding accommodations for both of you during your trip, planning pet-friendly vacations can seem overwhelming at first glance! That's why we've decided to take some of the guesswork out of planning your next adventure by sharing our tips for traveling with your furry friend:
Research pet-friendly hotels and resorts in advance.
When you're planning a trip with your furry friend in tow, it's important to do your research. Researching pet-friendly hotels and resorts in advance will give you an idea of what to expect when booking a room, as well as what type of amenities they offer for dogs.
-
Check the hotel website before booking. Some hotels have a section that lists their pet policy or provides information about whether they allow dogs on property at all (or only certain breeds). If there isn't anything listed on their site, call them directly and ask if it's OK for you to bring Fido along with you for your stay.
-
Bring medical records with you--especially if Fido has any health conditions or allergies! The last thing anyone wants is for their precious pooch to get sick while away from home because he couldn't take his medicine due to lack of access (or worse yet: because someone made him eat something bad!). Bringing along proof that Fido has been vaccinated against rabies is also important; some countries require proof before entering into their country so make sure this document is handy too!
Bring your dog's medical records with you.
When traveling with your pet, it's important to bring their medical records. Bring copies of everything--rabies vaccination certificates and any other vaccinations that have been given. Also include a list of any medications your dog is taking and why they need them. If you lose these documents during travel, it could be difficult or impossible for local vets to treat your pet if there is an emergency situation.
Consider renting a condo instead of staying in a hotel.
If you're planning on bringing your pet along with you, consider renting a condo instead of staying in a hotel. Condos offer more comfort and privacy than hotels, especially if you have small children or pets that travel with you. You can cook your own meals, bring furniture from home (if desired), and even bring appliances like microwaves and refrigerators if needed.
The experience of staying in these types of accommodations is much different than staying at an average hotel--and often better! Some condos even have pools and other amenities that make them feel like home away from home rather than just another place to lay your head down after traveling all day long.
Find out what the airline charges for your pet's ticket.
Before you begin to plan your pet's trip, it's important to know what the airline charges for a pet's ticket. While some airlines do offer free travel for animals, others charge a flat rate or weight-based fee that can vary greatly depending on the size and breed of your animal. If you're flying domestically within Canada or the United States, then most likely there won't be any additional fees; however, if you are taking them overseas (especially internationally), then it is best to check with their website beforehand just so that nothing catches you off guard once at the airport!
Pack everything you need for a trip before leaving home.
Before you leave home, pack all the essentials for your pet. This includes a first aid kit, leash and collar, food and water bowls, toys, crate or carrier (if necessary), bedding and grooming supplies.
Book airline tickets, rental cars and hotel rooms as soon as possible to avoid cancellations and changes due to high demand around popular travel times like summer and holidays.
Book airline tickets, rental cars and hotel rooms as soon as possible to avoid cancellations and changes due to high demand around popular travel times like summer and holidays.
It's also important to book early because some pet-friendly hotels can be booked up months in advance. If you wait too long, your options might be limited or even nonexistent - especially if it's peak season for pets traveling with their owners (think summertime).
If your furry friend isn't able to travel on an airplane due to health restrictions or size limitations, consider renting a car rather than driving yourself so that you can spend more time together at each destination point during your trip!
Before you book a vacation, consider all the details you'll need to consider so that you can relax while traveling with your furry friend
Before you book a vacation, consider all the details you'll need to consider so that you can relax while traveling with your furry friend.
-
Consider all the details before booking a vacation.
-
Consider the pet-friendly hotels and resorts in advance.
-
Bring your dog's medical records with you when traveling by plane or car so that the hotel staff can be informed about any special needs your pup may have (i.e., food requirements).
-
Consider renting a condo instead of staying in a hotel room if possible--this way, there will be no extra charges for pets or cleaning fees if something happens during your trip!
Conclusion
A pet-friendly vacation is a great way to enjoy time with your furry friend while traveling. You'll have the peace of mind knowing that your pet will be well taken care of during your trip, and they'll enjoy exploring new places together with you!