Pets Can Stay Pet-Friendly Travel Services

Pet Travel: Fun in the Sun or Summer Time Blues?

by Sherry White

Summer holidays are the time to get away from it all and be rewarded with several days of succulent pampering. It could also be the time to lounge around and do things you haven't had time for. The thought is so tempting, until a paw pats you on the butt, signaling playtime. Have you considered how your pet is going to fit into your travel plans?

If you are feeling the summer time blues because of your pet related restrictions, let go of your reservations and rest assured there are plenty of options available. In fact going on a holiday and using this time to re-charge is a way to prevent your pet from reacting to your overly stressed nature. But it is important to choose the right type of trip for your particular pet - for example, some pets are not quite ready for a hotel stay, whereas others may react very negatively to being placed in a boarding kennel. Here are some basic options to consider in order to make your holiday a win-win situation for you and your pet.

Traveling with your pet
This is an increasingly popular practice, mostly chosen by pet owners who have well-behaved animals. If your pet is not yet house-trained or is incontinent, ill, or pregnant, than this option may not be the one for you as travel-related stress may cause problems for your pet, you and potentially the pet friendly establishment you are staying at. Also, if your pet is chronicly loud or aggressive towards people or other animals then you may want to reconsider this option, or at the very least be sure to located pet friendly locations that can accommodate these behaviors (e.g. a remote cabin where your pet will not disturb other guests). Bottom line is that you need to consider your travel plans in relation to your pet's tendencies - if you anticipate that your pet's behaviour is likely to cause problems for the establishment or its guests than it is wise to make other arrangements.

But for the owner of a well-behaved and travel-ready pet, you'd be surprised to learn of the numerous pet-friendly tourist spots and recreational places you and your best friend can visit this summer. To be able to enjoy the holiday it is best to get the necessary permits, vaccinations and flea treatment to follow guidelines put up by a state/province, foreign country or even the establishment you are staying with. Update your pet's papers if needed, make sure your pet's ID tags are up-to-date and bring a recent photo just in case your pet gets lost. Pack the necessary items that your pet will need for the trip to avoid inconveniences and the tendency to shop impulsively. Also be sure to pack first aid kits for both you and your pet(s) as well.

Most pet friendly holiday spots accommodate dogs, and many accept cats too. Even if your pets don't fit those categories (e.g. birds, ferrets, reptiles) there are still a number of pet friendly establishments that will accept them, but you will definitely want to call ahead to make sure you receive approval prior to arrival.

Pet Sitters
Again, not every pet may be ready to head out on the road or stay in a boarding facility; some pets are much more comfortable in their home environment and do not respond well to foreign surroundings. But depending on the attachment and disposition of your pet, anxiety and frustration can be a problem if they are left on their own (even if you have made arrangements for a friend or neighbour to stop by for a few minutes each day to feed and relieve them. This particularly applies to dogs, cats or any pet that is use to frequent attention.

Pet sitters or pet minders are ideal for this situation - people or companies offering this service can watch over your pet in your home while you are away. They can feed, entertain, walk and bathe pets as needed. Pet sitters can also be hired to collect mail, put out garbage, water plants and other normal household duties. When choosing a pet sitter company, it is strongly recommended that you choose a qualified pet sitter from one of the two main pet sitter member organizations - Pet Sitters International (www.petsit.com) or All Canadian Pet Services Network (www.acpsn.com). Pet sitters from these organizations generally adhere to a code of conduct, and are often bonded and insured.

Pet Camp / Boarding
Last of all, there are some cases where pets are destructive and/or noisy when you are away or when they are with you travelling. In cases like these, pet camp or boarding may be a suitable option. These can range from large boarding facilities to "foster" pet sitters (who take your pet and house it in their homes). Leaving your pet in a well-selected boarding place or "camp" is a safe and conducive environment that will take your pets mind away from missing you and your family. Many of these places have an in-house veterinarian or access to vet clinics that enable them to treat your pet in case of emergencies. When choosing boarding places it is best to tour the facility with your pet beforehand to make sure they are as advertised and to get an idea of whether you think your pet will get the care it deserves there.

Once you realize you have many choices, it’s not hard to see yourself lounging and sipping on your favorite frozen drink or taking a dip in the bluest of oceans. If you plan your trip, with you and your pet's best interests in mind, you will be able to get that tan or read that long awaited book without any pet-related stress. So whether you vacation with or without your pet this summer, relax and enjoy a little personal time. After all, this is summer time!

Sherry White is the pet recreation writer for Pet Super Store, a site featuring dog beds and dog ramps. Visit Pet Super Store today for instant savings.