Pet vacations are growing in popularity almost by the day. With pet owners spending more money and becoming more dedicated to their animals, pet vacations are becoming a lucrative option for hotels and travel agents. Travelling with pets has become a much more attractive choice for pet owners who would much rather bring Fido along than leave him locked up in a lonely kennel with a complete stranger taking care of him. Easy pet vacations depend on a little forethought and planning.
Bring a kennel. Whether traveling by car or by plane, make sure to provide your pet with a travel kennel, generally found at any local pet stores. The kennel should be big enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in, but not too large to prevent possible injury during transport. Cat travel for instance, will require a smaller kennel, yet still one large enough for your feline friend to lie down comfortably. If travelling with pets via airline, make sure to contact the airline ahead of time and make arrangements. Pet vacations may need to be scheduled around a certain time of year to meet with the airline requirements for temperature and capacity. Keep in mind that if your animal is small enough, and properly secured, you may have the option of bringing them on with you. The majority of the time however, your pet will need to be secured elsewhere in the plane and you will not be able to visit them until you touch down again.
Provide clear identification. Make sure both the carrier and your pet are properly identified when travelling with pets. Current readable tags will need to be firmly clasped on your pet's collar. Your name and information should also be marked legibly on the exterior of your carrier for easy identification by airline employees or anyone who may end up handling the kennel, and thus your precious pet. Pet vacations have been ruined by the loss of a pet somewhere in an airport due to lack of proper identification on many occasions.
Leave unhealthy or older pets at home. Pet vacations as fun as they may be, are often a source of stress for pets, at least in the traveling aspect. It may be wiser to find a neighbor to take care of an elderly cat or dog while you're away as opposed to stressing them unnecessarily. Unhealthy pets should never travel, and will be denied access to many modes of travel unless a current health certificate can be provided. Regardless of your desire to show Fido the Grand Canyon, an animal with a compromised immune system of any sort should be allowed to rest and recuperate, just like any other member of the family.
Secure appropriate lodging. While many hotels these days are realizing that pet vacations are increasing and thus are a potential for more income, there are still those who do not accept pets for any reason. Some will accept dogs, but not cats, making cat travel more difficult. Make sure you have confirmed with your hotel that Fluffy is welcome along with the rest of the family and that there will be no surprises when you arrive looking for a shower and a soft bed.
With the proper planning ahead of time, pet vacations can be a wonderful memorable experience for everyone involved. With improper planning, it can be nothing short of a total nightmare. Make the extra time and extra arrangements when travelling with pets to any locale.