More than half of Americans have pets, and nearly all pet owners view their furry friends as fully fledged family members. This means it’s only natural when pet owners want to take their four-legged friends with them on vacation. After all, for a lot of owners, the thought of leaving their pets alone in a kennel is unsettling, and for the animals it can be a very stressful time.
The good news is, it’s becoming more common to travel with pets in the USA, but before you scramble to book a ticket on an airline or book a hotel, here are some essential things you need to consider when taking your pet on vacation.
1. Transport
Potentially the most stressful part of taking a pet on vacation is travelling to and from the destination. The method of transport you choose can either result in a stressful trip or a pleasant trip. The easiest way to take your pet on vacation is to drive, so perhaps consider staying in the country if it’s your first time taking your pet away.
You’ll want to make sure you have all the relevant safety procedures in place, like a pet seatbelt or a relevant carry bag to keep your pet safe in case of a crash or disruption. If you have a carry bag for your pet, you’ll want to make sure it is strapped in with a seatbelt. You’ll also want to make sure your pet has enough space to stand up, turn around and lie down without touching the sides or being restricted in any way.
Cars can be a stressful environment for pets, so you’ll want to be mindful of too much noise, as well as the temperature inside the car. You should keep the air circulating and ensure it’s not too hot or too cold, and make sure you take regular rest stops so your pet can stretch their legs and do their business.
If you’re travelling on an airline, especially if you’re going abroad, you’ll need to jump through a few more hoops. You’ll need to check with the specific airline to see what documents are needed, but be prepared to have to get a vet health check certificate and shots such as a rabies injection. You will have to pay extra to take your pet on board, and the price may depend on where your pet is carried.
Some airlines allow you to have a pet carrier in place of your carry on luggage, whilst others require your pet to go into the hold. This could be stressful for your pet, so make sure they have something that smells familiar in their carrier, like a blanket and a beloved toy.
2. Accommodation
The next thing you need to think about when taking your pet on vacation is the accommodation. Not all hotels accept pets, so you need to check with them first. That being said, are a number of independent dog friendly caravan holidays, campsites and lodges. If you have a smaller furry like a rabbit, make sure you take a pen because the last thing you want is chewed wires or furniture in your rented accommodation!
3. Activities
The final thing you want to think about is activities. If you’re heading on a sun-soaked holiday and intend to sunbathe the whole time, it won’t be ideal to take your pet with you. Alternatively, if you’re looking to go on a hiking holiday, this will be great for pets like dogs and will ensure they get plenty of exercise. When you do go out, make sure to consider pet-friendly restaurants.
Summary
Hopefully this list helps you on your pet-friendly holiday!
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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