Leaving on a jet plane? Life is your highway? If you’re getting ready to pack up and head out on summer vacation, here are a few things to consider when vacationing with pets.
‘Paws’ to Consider Their Needs
When deciding whether to take your dog or cat on vacation, consider their health, age, overall disposition and lifestyle. Some pets are very social and thrive around other animals, making kennel boarding an ideal option for an extended playdate. But sometimes those types of environments can be stressful for older, quieter pets.
Camp Canine
If you have a social butterfly but can’t bring her along on vacation (i.e. No Pets Policy), then a boarding facility may be the right choice. Do your research: check out reviews on Yelp, Next Door or other sources. Make sure your dog’s shots and vaccinations are up to date. Talk with friends who board at local kennels. See more helpful tips in this
guide from The Dodo.
There’s No Place Like Home
Leaving a pet behind at home can be hard, but it can often be the better option. Consider having a sitter come to your house multiple times each day – or even better, stay at your place to give your animals the most attentive care. Have the “nanny” over before you depart to give him/her a tour of the house, make introductions, etc. Use Skype or Face Time to see and “chat” with your pet from time to time. Need more info? Here’s a handy
checklist. It might be a bit nerve-wracking to say goodbye to your beloved animals for a period of time, but with a trusted sitter and secure fencing solution like our
Boundary Plus® Technology (where pets are already trained to use their boundary system), you’ll be confident that they will be well taken care of.
Road Trip!
The attachment is SO REAL. Here are some things to know when a pet’s in tow…
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
Bon Voyage! Adios! Ciao! Aloha! Au Revoir! Have a great summer.