After years of living under a cloud of travel restrictions due to the pandemic, many people have a strong desire to head somewhere new. When individuals and families think about business trips or vacations, they may think about taking their beloved pets with them.
According to a AAA/Best Western survey, 85% of dog owners travel with their dogs. Some of the most popular vacations you can take your dog on include the beach, camping, and hiking. As more people engage in activities with their pets, companies in the travel and hospitality industry are also taking notice and becoming more accommodating to their four-legged guests. But there's still a lot to learn when it comes to taking a dog with you on your travels.
invest in a crate
Even if your dog doesn't need a crate at home, it's best to have one for travel. Crates are often necessary for air travel and can keep your dog safer in the car. Many hotels require dogs to be caged in the room to keep them out of trouble and prevent damage. According to the American Kennel Club, the crate must be large enough for the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down.
Pet-related documents
It is important to prove that your dog is healthy and up to date on vaccinations. When traveling abroad, authorities may request to see your documents. Some travelers may want to check their pet's passport. While the United States does not require pet passports, the European Union pioneered pet passports to allow animals to move more freely across member states.
Start with a short trip
If you've never traveled with your dog before, make your first trip a short one- or two-day trip. This will give him less than a week to check out if the trip ends up being a disaster. A short trip will also help you understand what worked and what you need to change next time.
Expect some fees to be incurred
Most hotels charge a fee for guests with dogs. Fees of $25 to $50 are pretty standard. There may also be a designated pet floor to minimize the potential for non-pet owners to come into contact with animals.
abnormal pet behavior
Normal behavior may be out of bounds. Even if your dog is calm at home, he or she may get sick while traveling. It's not uncommon for a dog, unaccustomed to householders, to suddenly become anxious and bark at noises in the hotel hallway.
Pet-friendly restaurants
According to Smarter Travel, some hotels do not allow guests to have dogs alone in their rooms. That means mealtimes can be difficult. Find nearby restaurants that allow pets. Many facilities with outdoor seating may allow leashed pets to be kept close to the seating area.
please bring water
When packing food, make sure to also pack a few gallons of water, even though it may be a pain. Some dogs with sensitive digestive systems may feel sick when drinking local water. The case of diarrhea is made worse by the fact that you have to take the elevator and get out of the hotel in time.
make the dog tired
Dogs that get exercise tend to be well-behaved dogs. To reduce the chance of problems at the hotel, make time to go for long walks, go to the dog park, or participate in other activities that will tire your pup.
Learn tips for traveling with a dog and increase your chances of having lots of fun with Fido.
