Vacation With Your Dog
Darlene Corning
November 10, 2009
Taking vacations with our dogs over the years has taught us a few things to make the trip more enjoyable and we would like to share them with you.
If you are traveling by car and have little kids, I would advise leaving your dog at home. Also, if you are flying to your destination, it is best not to take your pet.
Pet sitters are a great alternative to boarding kennels. Call a few and set up appointments. When you interview them, ask if they are bonded (show proof), their fees, will they stay overnight, etc. If you hire a pet/house sitter they can water plants, retrieve your mail and paper, visit many times during the day and, some, stay in your home.
Locate a good boarding facility and visit before you decide to leave our pet. Check out a couple before you decide. Look around. Are they clean? Are the animals exercised and well cared for? Is there an odor? Make a list and check it off as you interview the owner and grounds.
Your vet can also provide the names of good kennels in the area. When you pack your dog´s "suitcase" think essentials. Take a blanket or bed with his scent on it, a toy and chew, his dog food and treats, bowls, plastic bags, a few bottles of water from home so there won´t be any stomach problems on the road, and a fold down crate.
Carry a copy of your dog's shot record with you. You might be asked for it at any time. A few years ago we were traveling by car and stopped at a rest area to stretch our legs and walk the dogs. A police officer happened to be there and asked us if we had our kids updated rabies information. Yes we did and showed it to him. So you never know, just be ready.
When you make your hotel reservations before you leave, ask if the hotel is pet friendly. If they are, let them know you are traveling with your dog. There is usually a fee for an animal in a hotel room.
Most hotels require that a pet be supervised at all times in the room and on the property. If you leave your dog alone in the room, put him in the crate with water and a chew. Then turn on the TV to medium level with a program that has both music and voices. We turn on the national weather program. Also put the Do Not Disturb sign on the door knob.
Always clean up after your dog. There is nothing worse than taking a leisurely stroll at a rest stop or hotel and stepping in dog poo. Picking up after your dog will keep pets on good terms with the travel world.
If you are going camping, be sure to check out the rules and regulations regarding pets in campgrounds and national parks.
NEVER leave a dog in a hot car. It is considered animal cruelty and against the law. Temperatures can rise dramatically even with the windows down and cause death.
Happy Vacation and remember to include your pet for the family photo album!
If you are traveling by car and have little kids, I would advise leaving your dog at home. Also, if you are flying to your destination, it is best not to take your pet.
Pet sitters are a great alternative to boarding kennels. Call a few and set up appointments. When you interview them, ask if they are bonded (show proof), their fees, will they stay overnight, etc. If you hire a pet/house sitter they can water plants, retrieve your mail and paper, visit many times during the day and, some, stay in your home.
Locate a good boarding facility and visit before you decide to leave our pet. Check out a couple before you decide. Look around. Are they clean? Are the animals exercised and well cared for? Is there an odor? Make a list and check it off as you interview the owner and grounds.
Your vet can also provide the names of good kennels in the area. When you pack your dog´s "suitcase" think essentials. Take a blanket or bed with his scent on it, a toy and chew, his dog food and treats, bowls, plastic bags, a few bottles of water from home so there won´t be any stomach problems on the road, and a fold down crate.
Carry a copy of your dog's shot record with you. You might be asked for it at any time. A few years ago we were traveling by car and stopped at a rest area to stretch our legs and walk the dogs. A police officer happened to be there and asked us if we had our kids updated rabies information. Yes we did and showed it to him. So you never know, just be ready.
When you make your hotel reservations before you leave, ask if the hotel is pet friendly. If they are, let them know you are traveling with your dog. There is usually a fee for an animal in a hotel room.
Most hotels require that a pet be supervised at all times in the room and on the property. If you leave your dog alone in the room, put him in the crate with water and a chew. Then turn on the TV to medium level with a program that has both music and voices. We turn on the national weather program. Also put the Do Not Disturb sign on the door knob.
Always clean up after your dog. There is nothing worse than taking a leisurely stroll at a rest stop or hotel and stepping in dog poo. Picking up after your dog will keep pets on good terms with the travel world.
If you are going camping, be sure to check out the rules and regulations regarding pets in campgrounds and national parks.
NEVER leave a dog in a hot car. It is considered animal cruelty and against the law. Temperatures can rise dramatically even with the windows down and cause death.
Happy Vacation and remember to include your pet for the family photo album!
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