August 02, 2022
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More and more people are taking their pets with them when traveling—whether it’s by road, rail, or air. In addition, the ASPCA said that nearly 23 million families added a dog or cat during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 to May 2021).
If you’re in that group and enjoy bringing your pet with you on vacation, read on because Centers Health Care has a look at four tips to have a successful vacation for both your human family members and the canine and feline ones as well.
- Check With Airlines and Railroads
If you’re taking a pet along on the plane or train, check with your carrier to see what regulations you need to follow. The Humane Society recommends driving with a pet whenever possible. Air travel can be a traumatic experience for a pet, especially ones with “pushed in” faces like bulldogs, pugs, and Persian cats.
- Make Sure Pets are Restrained in the Car
Dogs should not be free to roam in the car, as it can become an incredibly dangerous situation in an accident at high speeds. A dog should be in a crate secured by a seat belt or a harness that’s specifically designed to attach to a seat belt. A cat should be in a restrained carrier, and no pet should ride in the front seat.
- Take Plenty of Rest Stops
Make sure to take several stops so your pets can take a bathroom break and also exercise. Be sure to have a collar (with ID) and leash, and if you’re going out of the car, be sure to never leave your pet alone in the car. A car with the windows cracked open can get over 100 degrees inside on an 85-degree day after just 10 minutes.
- Find a Pet-Friendly Hotel or Rental
Fortunately for pet owners, more hotels and vacation rentals are accepting pets—for an additional fee. The website www.bringfido.com has a list of both types of lodging that are pet-friendly. The site says that seniors and younger millennials (aka childless travelers) are the ones bringing pets with them the most.
