Added: 06/29/2007 |
A Summer Dog VacationPeople vacation for many reasons. For some, a vacation is an opportunity to get away from the hassles of everyday life and relax. For others, vacations are an opportunity to spend time with family and friends and socialize. For others still, vacations are a time to explore different places and cultures other than one's own. Regardless the reasons, people look forward to taking vacations. But what about our canine counterparts? One may be surprised to know that dogs would enjoy vacations too.
By nature, dogs are social creatures. Dogs are pack animals and enjoy the company of other animals. A dog vacation would provide one’s canine friend an opportunity to socialize with other dogs. A dog vacation would also give a dog an opportunity to explore different locations and scenery from what he or she sees everyday. Different businesses around the United States are beginning to promote the dog vacation experience. Businesses in the state of Washington offer day trips for dogs. These off leash adventures can be full day or half day trips. The dogs are given the opportunity to explore various locales such as mountains, beaches, rivers, and forests. If one is looking for a warmer climate to vacation in, consider Hawaii. A dog vacation in Hawaii would find one’s feline friend hiking near volcanoes and mountains and spending some time at the beach. If a dog vacation seems too overwhelming, consider a doggie field trip. Businesses in Massachusetts offer doggie day trips to local dog parks. So, how much do these doggie adventures cost? Most of the day trips cost around $35 for the day.
If sending a pet on his or her own vacation does not sound reasonable, people may want to consider taking their pets along on their vacation. Taking pets on vacation does require some planning, however. Before taking pets traveling, look into the policies of the intended hotels to determine their restrictions regarding pets. Some chain hotels that allow pets at some of their locations include the Days Inn, Howard Johnson, Marriott, Super 8, Red Roof Inns, and Travelodge.
If planning to travel with pets by car, spend some time before the vacation getting the pet accustomed to riding in a car. Do not feed the pet for at least three hours before leaving on vacation. If traveling with a dog, take the dog for a walk just before starting the drive. Using a carrier is the safest way to travel with a pet. Be careful not to place the carrier on the sunny side of the car, however. Pets can easily overheat. Also remember to never leave a pet in a car unattended.
Traveling with a pet by air may be a bit more challenging. If possible, avoid traveling during peak travel periods or in extreme hot or cold weather. Be sure to use a pet carrier that meets airline regulations. Be sure to affix a live animal sticker to the carrier. Mark the sticker with the owner’s name and address and a name of someone who can be contacted at the final destination about the pet if necessary.
Taking a vacation should be an exciting time for the whole family. When planning a vacation try to keep in mind the four legged members of the family as well. With a little bit of advanced planning Fido and Fifi can have a good time on vacation too.
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