‘Paws’ to Consider Their Needs
Camp Canine
There’s No Place Like Home
Road Trip!
Book pet-friendly lodging. There are many different websites focusing specifically on pet-friendly hotels and other accommodations. Look at resources like Expedia, Bring Fido and Pets Welcome.
Bring familiar pet toys, food and bedding to make them as comfortable as possible.
The Humane Society recommends packing a health certificate and medical records when traveling, especially if traveling across state lines or outside country borders.
If you’re considering flying with a pet, consider boarding or a sitter first, as airline travel can be stressful on dogs and cats, especially if they’re older or anxiety-ridden. Travel & Leisure weighs some risks here and notes, “Extreme heat and cold are usually the most significant risks to animals when they travel in cargo, so it's probably ideal to avoid flying during seasonal extremes if you can.” If you do opt to fly, check with your airline on policies and weight requirements for animals not traveling in cargo. And be aware: some airlines require an acclimation certificate.
Plan on driving? Make sure to get your dog or cat used to riding in a vehicle. Many animals (like people) get carsick after long periods of time, which could be an unpleasant surprise during a road trip.
Proper ID tags and/or microchipping are also important, as pets on unfamiliar ground are at risk for running off or getting lost.
Summer = sunshine. If you’re planning to be at the beach or lake, or wherever there’s strong sun, know the signs of overheating. Check out more advice from Animal Planet.
“Learning proper etiquette for traveling with pets is important. Not only will others embrace the practice if they see a well-behaved dog, your vacation will be a lot more enjoyable if everyone is on their best behavior.” - The Spruce
