How To Take Your Pet On Your Next Vacation

Are you thinking of taking your pet on your next vacation? After all they are part of the family and deserves a holiday too. Moreover dogs love to travel and have so much curiosity for new places filled with wonderful new smells. However, traveling with pets can be difficult especially when you go on a overseas vacation. If you prepare right, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone. Besides, leaving them in a kennel or with a pet sitter is not the best feeling when you’re going to a nice tropical vacation spot. So take away those uncomfortable feelings with these tips and take your pet on your next vacation.

Traveling With Your Pet

Travel By Car With Your Pet

Travel With Pet By Car | (cc) Photo By emdot

Taking you pet in your car is the most convenient way. You can take off and stop when and where you want and let your pet ride beside you and not in a stuffy cargo hold. Enjoyable for both you and your pet.

Be sure to:

• Have your pet wear a collar and tag with full identification and contact information in case you loose your pet
• Make sure your pet’s vaccination is current and the tag is added to the collar
• Bring along a leash
• Secure your dog with a pet car seat, seat belt or a travel crate
• Bring along your pet’s  bowls and food
• Carry a first-aid kit, since you can use many of the supplies on your pet too
• Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. Animals can develop heatstroke or hypothermia

Travel By Train With Your pet

Travel With Pet By Train | (cc) Photo By Rose and Trev Clough

Taking your pet on the train is quite limited. In USA, England, Ireland, Finland, Norway and Spain regulations do not even allow pets on the train unless they are service dogs, such as seeing dogs (to help enhance the independence, dignity and self-confidence of blind people). However, some European countries such as France welcome pets but may stipulate dogs riding in carriers or at least be leashed. If you are traveling with an animal to a foreign country, you will be subjected to the laws of your vacation destination. You will need to contact the embassy of the country you are traveling to and consult them regarding regulations about bringing your pet to the country.

Travel By Plane With Your Pet

Travel With Pet By Plane | (cc) Photo By Ruth E Hendricks

Taking your pet on a flight is by far the most difficult way to travel with your pet, as preparations must begin about six months in advance to have all the requirements in order. If your pet meets the size requirements, it’s always best to bring him as carry on in the cabin whenever possible.

Be sure to:

• Call the airline well in advance to book the flight and receive a copy of all the rules and regulations regarding pet travel
• Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are all current
• Obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian after your pet gets a pre-flight check-up
• Purchase an airline approved travel crate, and label it with “LIVE ANIMAL”, your contact information and your pet’s destination
• Provide a water bottle and dry food that can be attached on the inside of the crate door for your pet
• Check ahead about quarantine rules and requirements, if you’re traveling to a foreign country
• Do not lock the door on the crate but do secure it with a sturdy strap for easier access in case of an emergency

Pet-Friendly Hotels

Pet Friendly Hotels | (cc) Photo By kattebelletje

Remember that not every hotel accepts pets. Therefore when you book your hotel don’t forget your pet. Some hotels limit pets’ by size and in some cases by breed or even keep your pets in a pet carrier when you are not in the room. So to make it less stressful it is best to plan your route ahead of time and check for dog friendly hotels along the way. Make sure to ask about any specific rules they may have. This way both you and your pet will be taken care of.

You will be relieved to know that there are many pet friendly hotels/motels/Inns that will gladly take your pet as long as you meet their requirements. Depending on what part of the world you travel to, here are a few ‘pet friendly hotels’.

• Hilton Airport Hotel Salt Lake City, USA
• The Lodge Hotel London, UK
• Hughenden Boutique Hotel Sydney, Australia
• Le Meridien Barcelona Hotel, Spain

For more pet friendly hotels around the world you can visit Dog Friendly Hotels or compare hotels for the best deals.

Now you can start planning your next trip that includes your pet. Just remember to gather the information you will need well before your trip, so you will be fully prepared when travel time arrives. Happy trails!