Added: 06/16/2007 |
Summer Dog TripsAll of us are familiar with field trips for school aged children, but field trips for dogs? Dog trips to various destinations such as the mountains, beaches, rivers, and forest are becoming popular for the canine lovers who wish to spend the money to give their dog a new adventure. Most dog trips, however, do not involve the dog having his own little vacation. Most of the time pets tag along with their owners on their summer trips. If done right, this can be a successful experience for all involved.
Most people who go away on vacation need to make some type of arrangement for the pets they leave behind. Some people have their pets kenneled in their absence. This is a reasonable option but it does cost additional money and disrupts the routine of the pet. Animals, such as cats, can more than likely be cared for by a friend or family member simply checking on the pet and making sure there is enough food and water. If those options are not available, some people may decide to take their pets along. Family and dog trips do take some planning and certain precautions should be followed.
When taking family and dog trips and traveling by air the Fox Valley Humane Society recommends traveling during non-peak times. Families with pets should also avoid traveling in extreme hot and cold conditions due to the fact that pets may have to sit in baggage areas for extended periods of time before being loaded onto the plane. Some airlines may allow the pet to travel with the owner if the pet carrier fits under the passenger seat. Otherwise the pet owner will need to rent or purchase a carrier that meets airline regulations for use in the baggage area. It is important to remember to affix a live animal sticker to the carrier and include the pet owner’s name and address along with the name of a person that can be contacted at the destination if necessary.
Family and dog trips may be better suited for car travel. The Fox Valley Humane Society recommends taking the following steps to ensure a successful car ride. Begin driving in the car with the pet a few weeks before the vacation to help the pet become accustomed to riding in a vehicle. Begin with short trips and gradually increase the time and distance. Do not feed the pet for at least three hours before leaving on the trip. Take dogs for walks right before starting the drive. Be sure to give pets plenty of fresh water when the family takes a pit stop. A carrier is the safest way to travel with a pet. Be sure to never place the carrier on the sunny side of the car because pets can easily overheat. Also, always remember to never leave the pet in the car unattended.
Reaching the destination is just part of the challenge of family and dog trips. The other challenge is finding a place to stay. It is important to always call ahead to see if the hotel allows pets. Chain hotels such as Days Inn, Howard Johnson, and Travelodge do allow pets at some locations. Internet sites such as petvacations.com can also help families with travelling dogs find appropriate accommodations.
Leaving pets behind while on vacation can be a difficult thing to do. If one chooses to bring a pet along while traveling, there are ways to ensure that it is a successful experience for all.
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