Do you dread leaving your pet when you go on vacation? Take your pet with you. Traveling with your pet has gotten a lot easier.
Many airlines and hotels have become pet friendly. Googling pet friendly lodging generates a list of inns, hotels and resorts where dogs, cats and other pets are welcome. Telephone the hotel before you make a reservation to confirm your pet will be welcome and to ensure the setting is safe.
A few of the conveniences hotels offer to dog owners include leashes, bowls and dog beds to use during your stay. Just don’t order room service for yourself, add a special pet meal for your best buddy! Hang the Do Not Disturb sign on the door when you are out of the room, so your pet will not be startled if a hotel employee enters the room.
There are many options for flying with your pet. Pets must be in an airline approved crate or carrier for the durations of the flight. Dogs up to 12 lbs can travel in a stylish Gray Pet Messenger Bag. It is Airline carry-on approved with mesh windows on both sides with one large zip down mesh opening in front. The zippered supply pocket on front, cell phone holder on lower strap and a pet waste bag dispenser provides comfort and convenience in one. Large dogs have to be checked in as luggage and flown in the cargo area of the plane.
It sounds sad to have to check your pet in as luggage and have them travel in the cargo area of the plane. Pet owners can choose to mildly sedate a dog, so they sleep the whole flight. Airlines tend to take good care of pets, realizing they are as near and dear to us as our children.
Traveling by car is always an option. If your car is not roomy enough to comfortably fit your family and your dog, rental cars are an option. Car rental companies like Budget and Avis allow pets in their vehicles and don’t charge fees as long as there is no damage to the vehicle.
Public transportation allows service pets, however rules and restrictions apply to bringing dogs and cats on local transit systems. Each state has their own rules which apply to taking pets on the subway. Small pets in carriers are permitted on subways in many, but not all states. Amtrak trains and Greyhound buses do not allow pets.
Allow extra travel time when traveling with your pet. Water and walks will be needed. The best of times is when everyone is making memories together.
