Four Pet-Friendly Travel Tips

When it comes to their dogs, most owners often treat them as members of the family. As a result, more and more people are looking to travel with their faithful companions, opting to share adventures abroad over leaving their friends behind. Though enjoyable, traveling with your dog is no day at the beach, but with the right planning and a bit of research is doesn’t have to be mission impossible. Here are four tips for every pet owner looking to hit the road with their furry-friend.

Preparation: The smartest way to go about packing for your dog is to do so as if you were packing for yourself. There are some things you may be able to find at your destination, but it’s probably better to bring them with you. Things like your dog’s favorite pillow, blanket, or chew toy provides familiarity and helps her feel more comfortable and relaxed during travel. Pet Passports, which are basically certifications from your vet that your dog is healthy and current on all vaccinations, should always be kept handy for international travel, along with whatever pet meds your dog may require. The fear of losing a pet is often a factor in why owners tend not leave the dog at home. But microchipping your dog can put all those fears to rest. Hardly bigger than a grain of rice, a pet shelter will be able to identify you as the owner and contact you should you and your dog become separated.

Air Travel Options: The rules and conditions for traveling with you dog differ from airline to airline, and depend on everything from destination, to size, and weight of your dog. For instance, Delta airlines will allow small dogs in the cabin, larger dogs will be checked in with bags, but even then they only allow four pets per flight at a cost of around $150 each way.  American Eagle Airlines also allows dogs in the cabin at $125 each way, and pets checked with cargo at $175 each way.  It also states in its policy that dogs, including the kennel, can weigh no more than 100 pounds for the cargo area, 20 pounds in the cabin. You can check out Dog Friendly.com for a complete list of doggie airline policies.

Dog-Friendly Destination: From mountain ranges to big city thrills, there are plenty of dog-friendly destinations that the entire family can enjoy. Several vineyards in California, Virginia, Missouri, Michigan, Florida and Oregon welcome four-legged friends and their owners with open arms.  If you like a little bit of sport with your pet fun, Hollywood Florida celebrates the super bowl each year with its very own Dog Bowl. Owners and pets take part in games, all the while dressed in their favorite team’s colors.

If the kids want to have fun in Florida, never fear…Magic Kingdom, Epcot Center, The Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom and Fort Wilderness all have top-rated kennels that can mind the pooch while you enjoy the rides.

For a list of locations both foreign and domestic that have good pet accommodations, check out Bring Fido.com and plan a getaway that both you and the dog can enjoy.

Hotel Options: You’ll be happy to know that there’s practically no city in the US or abroad that doesn’t cater to pets. The other side of that coin is that, like the airlines, policies and prices will vary from place to place. But with just a bit of research, and a few phone calls, you can have a reservation in a hotel that will give you and your pet the V.I.P. treatment. While name brand hotels like Westin, Sheraton and The W, all provide for pets. There are fees, weight, and area restrictions set by the hotel’s policy though, so make sure you check ahead. Kimpton Hotels, however, would probably top the list for pet owners by welcoming all pets, no matter what size or species. Guest do not have to pay any form of pet fees, and the trendy hotel provides everything from beds, to gourmet meals, to a director of pet relations for man’s best friend.

Jackie Roberts is a writer for 1-800-PetMeds, and loves to help and support the pet community. You can find Pet Meds on Twitter or connect with Pet Meds on Youtube.