Petfinder Blog: Tips for traveling with your pets

Here's What You Said: Tips for traveling with your pets

By Joan, staff writer

Posted July 23, 2012 10:00 AM

In June we asked you how you meet the challenges of traveling with your pets. Here are some of the responses we received.

Finding pet-friendly accommodations
Several of you mentioned that you find pet-friendly accommodations, including campgrounds, thanks to websites like petswelcome.com and dogfriendly.com. A web search on "pet-friendly motels (or hotels)" will turn up other options.

Others of you were specific, recommending Motel 6, La Quinta and Kimpton hotels (in larger cities). "Kimpton is totally pet friendly," says Michelle, "even welcoming my Yorkie with treats and a toy!" Marriott Residence Inns, she says, are pet friendly but there's an extra charge.

Some of you also travel in motorhomes, which simplifies stopping for the night with a pet.

Keeping your pet safe in the car
What about the hours on the road? Many of you harness or otherwise secure your pets in the car, for instance, in tied-down crates, to protect them in the same way you protect the rest of your family. (New Jersey's Click It or Ticket law now includes pets. If you are pulled over and have an unrestrained animal in your vehicle, you can face a fine of $250 to $1,000.)

We at Petfinder recommend restraints, but know, too, that not everyone follows what is definitely the "best" practice. Many of you praised your vans and motor homes for giving your pets room to roam during trips.

Beth uses a pet hammock that bridges the gap between the front and back seats to keep her pets from falling if there's a sudden stop. There are also "bridges" that do the same thing. Both hammocks and bridges can be used in conjunction with physical restraints like harnesses.

Preparing your pet for the trip
Some pets aren't too into traveling. Practice runs before the trip may help, Nicole says. In this way pets get accustomed to the car. She also uses Bach's Rescue Remedy for Pets.

Like Nicole, Annabel uses a calming aid for her Pomeranian, who has anxiety issues. He likes a soft blanket on the floor of the car. She thinks the vibrations are soothing. Jen finds that a Thundershirt helps her pet cope.

Many of you, like Brian, suggest bringing your pets' favorite things on trips -- blankets and toys -- to make your pet feel comfortable. Brian also plays easy listening music, keeping things low key, he says.

Others suggested that you make sure your pets have visible identification tags on their collars and are microchipped, just in case you and they get separated. It's a good idea to carry their immunization records along as well. You can make copies of these and keep one in each of your cars.

Taking people and pet breaks
Plenty of exercise breaks will make traveling easier. Billie travels long distances with three dogs and stops at trucks stops and "Welcome Centers" because both usually have large grassy areas for exercising her pets. Because she can't walk all three at once, she has two sets of car keys so on hot days she can keep the car air conditioned while walking the pets individually. To avoid upsetting her pets' stomachs, she carries water from home in a gallon jug so that her pets don't have to drink water from different areas.

Finding pet-friendly places to eat
Eating out may be the biggest challenge when traveling because it's not safe to leave your pet in a closed up car in hot or cold weather. In the winter, Judy and her husband usually eat fast food in the car at noon or bring carry-out food to a motel after a day of driving. In the summer, they buy deli foods, find a park and have a picnic or search out restaurants with outdoor seating where pets are welcome. Once again, the motorhome vagabonds have it easy.

Dragging a big bag of food out of the car when you stop for the night can be a pain, so Linda portions out meals in plastic bags for the entire trip.

It's getting more convenient to travel with pets as new products are developed and businesses are becoming more aware that pets are part of our families. We want the welcome mat to be out.



Source:

This article came directly from the Petfinder Blog.

Publix Paws Post - Monthly Pet Tips

Have dog? Have cat? Will travel!

Ready for a summer vacation? Maybe your pet is, too! 

As you make plans, include preparations that will allow your pet to come along.

Start with a health check. Have your veterinarian clear your pet for travel and make sure all vaccinations and medications are up-to-date. If you're flying, the airline will require health certification from your vet; confirm details with your airline prior to your visit so you can request the right documentation.

The Check-in desk at a local Marriott

Plan your stay. Next, consider accommodations. If you’ll be visiting family or friends, have a frank conversation to be sure your pet is welcome. If you're staying at a hotel along the way, or at your destination, you'll need to confirm that your hotel is pet-friendly. Also ask if there are any additional fees for your pet. A quick Google search (start with "pet-friendly hotels") can help you find your ideal situation, whether that means a hotel that merely welcomes your pet, or one that pampers him.

Map your route. Now consider transportation. Driving? How does your pet like the car? If he doesn’t take many rides, start to acclimate him now with drives around and out of town. You’ll also need a comfortable crate that will keep your pet secure during the drive. Get him used to the crate before you depart on vacation.

Flying? The earlier you plan, the better. Bringing your pet on a flight—in cargo, or in the cabin with you—requires meeting your airline's specific requirements. Check with your airline to confirm all details, including crating specifications, required heath documentation, certification of ownership, prohibited breeds, and to understand anything else that could impact your plans—for instance, most airlines impose temperature restrictions to protect pets flying in cargo. Generally, if the arrival or departure airport forecast is for temperatures exceeding 84 degrees, your pet won't be allowed to fly cargo. To avoid heat issues if your pet is flying cargo, you may need to schedule early morning or evening flights, or plan your vacation to a cooler locale.

Time to pack. When it's time to get everything together, consider what your pet will need en route as well as at your destination. A crated pet will enjoy having a few favorite things, like a blanket or toy, in the crate. Make sure your pet has access to fresh water enroute. Pack a leash and waste bags for pit stops and walking breaks. Bring along a first aid kit, and any medication your pet needs. And pack enough food for the duration of the vacation, in case your pet's brand is not available. Some extra towels come in handy for wiping off muddy paws.

Keep a close eye on your pet. Make sure she's on a leash when she's outside. In addition to her regular tags, attach a temporary tag that will direct her back to you at your destination location. Unless you are certain about her temperament, be cautious about leaving your pet alone in your hotel room or vacation home. Even a well-behaved pet could act out and cause damage in an unfamiliar situation.

Finally, if you're pondering where to go, an internet search of "pet-friendly cities" will give you tons of ideas. You'll find all kinds of pet-friendly beaches, restaurants, parks and other attractions that will make vacationing this summer with your pet a treat for both of you.


Source:

This article came directly from the Publix Paws Website.
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