Pet Travel Dilemma: Bring Them Along or Leave Them Behind?

If you're like many of us, you've been working hard, keeping an eye on your budget, and now it's finally time to plan that well-deserved trip. You've got your sights set on a seaside cottage, a road trip off the beaten path, or that cozy cabin in the woods you've been dreaming about for a while.

But before you start booking your flights or lining up that perfect rental, there's a critical decision you need to make. When it comes to your furry family member, their well-being is the top priority. Should you take them along for the adventure, or is it better to leave them in the care of others?

While taking your dog or cat along for the ride can be a lot of fun, not every pet is cut out for travel. It's essential to consider your pet's health, temperament, and emotional needs. Ultimately, ask yourself, "What will make my pet the happiest?"

If you're unsure whether your pet should travel with you, it's time to consult your vet. This article aims to help you navigate the "bring them along or leave them behind" conundrum. Here's your travel guide for your pet.

Boarding Your Pet at a Kennel

When people travel, many opt to leave their pets in the care of a professional boarding kennel. If you can find a reputable kennel you trust, this can be a safe and convenient way to ensure your pet gets the care they need while you're away. It's estimated that over 30 million pet owners in the U.S. and Canada have boarded their dogs at some point.

While the level of luxury may vary from kennel to kennel, remember that the décor is mostly for the owners. Your pet doesn't care how fancy the setting is. So, focus on two things: the safety of the kennel and the friendliness and competence of the staff.

When choosing a kennel, be sure to visit beforehand and look out for the following:

1. Proper sanitation to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
2. Facilities for regular exercise.
3. Appropriate cage sizes (with correct dimensions for every breed and size).
4. Ties with a specific veterinarian, whether on-site or nearby.

Finding a Reliable Pet Sitter

Hiring a professional pet sitter can be a great alternative. Beyond providing basic care, a knowledgeable pet sitter should be able to spot health issues and handle emergencies. You can rest easy knowing a caring, trained professional is looking after your furry friend while you're off exploring.

A well-trained pet sitter has a lot to offer. Your dog or cat can stay in its familiar environment, eat its regular food, and sleep in its own bed. There's value in your pet's existing comfort level. And when you get back from your trip, your beloved companion will be waiting for you at home.

Here are some tips for choosing a pet sitter:

1. Get recommendations from fellow pet owners, veterinarians, groomers, or pet shops.
2. Find out about the pet sitter's training background and work history.
3. Arrange for the sitter to meet your pet in advance to observe how they interact.

Airline Travel Rules

Thinking about flying with your dog? Buying a ticket for yourself is easy, but getting a ticket for your pet requires more planning. Each airline has its own set of rules for pet travel. Some countries have strict pet restrictions, which means pets are prohibited from traveling at certain times of the year. Other airlines may not accept pets at all, instead requiring special pet transport services.

Ensure you confirm the pet travel policies with the airline ahead of time, as these policies can change without notice. While some airlines allow small dogs or cats as carry-on items, others require pets to be transported in the cargo hold.

All airlines require a health certificate within ten days of departure, whether you're traveling domestically or internationally. Your vet must examine your pet to certify that it doesn't have any illnesses and is healthy enough for travel. Dogs and cats must be transported in approved pet carriers with labels like "Live Animal," "This Side Up," and include your home address and phone number.

Road Trips with Your Pet

Mention "car" to your dog, and you'll likely get a big tail wag. Many dogs love the sensation of speeding down the highway with the wind blowing through their fur. But before you hit the road, keep the following in mind to ensure your dog's safety:

1. You can open the windows, but not too wide.
2. Use a carrier or harness to secure your dog.
3. Never leave your dog in a parked car, even in cooler weather.

Cats, on the other hand, might react to the word "car" with yowls and meows. Most cats aren't fans of road trips, so if you're traveling with a cat, be sure to keep them in a carrier. This reduces the risk of escape and minimizes the chance of injury.

Hotel Etiquette with Pets

Hotels are more pet-friendly than ever, welcoming furry guests with open arms. A wide variety of accommodation options—from budget motels to four-star boutique hotels—now cater to your dog or cat, as long as they follow basic hotel etiquette.

Of course, all vacationing pets must be well-behaved. If your cat has accidents when stressed, or your dog barks non-stop when left alone, you may want to reconsider bringing them along. And remember, cleaning staff may need to enter your room to tidy up, so either keep your pet in a carrier or make special arrangements for housekeeping.

With proper preparation, vacationing with your pet can be a memorable experience that you and your furry companion will cherish for years to come. But if your pet will be more comfortable staying in a kennel or with a pet sitter, you can look forward to a warm welcome when you return from your trip.

Comments

People Like These Posts About Pets

Why Is Your Cat Rubbing Its Eyes? Understanding Feline Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is when the conjunctiva—the clear tissue lining the inside of your cat's eyelids and covering the white part of the eye—gets inflamed. Normally, the conjunctiva is moist and shiny, with tiny blood vessels visible through the translucent tissue. It acts as a barrier, trapping tiny particles in the air and helping to keep viruses and bacteria from getting into your cat's eyes. Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye issues in cats. It could be the only problem with your cat’s eyes or it might be related to another condition or abnormality. Causes of Conjunctivitis in Cats Conjunctivitis in cats can have many different causes, including: Viral infections like herpesvirus or calicivirus Eye infections caused by chlamydia Bacterial infections Problems with the cornea Issues with tear production Infections or abnormalities of the eyelids Contact with foreign substances like plant material, fibers, sand, or chemicals Environmental irritants Trauma to the eye Idio...

Do Dogs Get Sad When Rehomed? Real Stories and Expert Insights

If you give your dog away after keeping it for a long time, does it get sad? Today, I'd like to dive deep into this much-talked-about topic. Firstly, let's hear some real-life experiences from netizens. Netizen A shared: "Dogs are incredibly smart, with an amazing memory. My little dog Paul was originally my friend's pet. When he was nine months old, he needed more care due to illness, so my friend reluctantly entrusted him to me. As I took care of little Paul, we built a strong bond. He relied on me so much that he didn't want to be apart from me for a moment. When his former owner visited us, Paul completely ignored him, as if their past never existed." Netizen B said: "My dog was also a gift from a friend. When he came to our home, he was just over a year old. He was shy and timid, often hiding under the bed and refusing to come out. After a few days of getting used to it, he gradually let go of his guard. He has a gentle personality and ...

Should I Shave My Dog to Beat the Heat?

Hey, guys! Have you ever Well, let me tell you, it's not only ineffective, but it could be dangerous too. We all know that high temperatures are dangerous for humans, causing heatstroke and even heat exhaustion. And guess what? It's the same for our furry friends, like dogs. I was interning at a vet clinic, and there was one scene that stuck with me. A distraught owner came running in, shouting, "Doc! Please help my dog! I left him in the car for a few minutes to pay a bill, and he's not moving!" That summer was blazing hot. The dog had just recovered from surgery and was allowed to move freely. Like the owner said, the dog was left alone in a car with no AC or open windows for just a few minutes. Turns out, the real reason for the dog's death was heatstroke, even though he was still fragile from surgery. This story is to remind you: dogs can suffer from heatstroke just like humans, even in non-extreme temperatures. And heatstroke can be life-...

The First Dog in Space: Laika’s Tragic Journey

Everyone knows that Yuri Gagarin was the first human in space, and he returned as a hero. But before humans took the plunge, a dog named Laika made history by venturing into the cosmos. She drifted through space for 63 years. What happened to her? In 1957, after the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, scientists were eager to see how animals would fare in space. They wondered if animals would experience space like they do on Earth. With these questions in mind, they decided to send an animal into space. Around this time, a stray mother dog was wandering the streets, not knowing her puppies would become part of an extraordinary mission. Why did the scientists choose a stray dog over a pet dog? Scientists believed that stray dogs had tougher minds and stronger bodies due to their harsh living conditions and constant struggle for food. They figured strays would be easier and cheaper to train. Laika was small and gentle, making her very cooperative during training. She quickly stood out ...

Should I Shave My Dog in Hot Weather?

Hey, pet lovers! As temperatures rise , we all want to keep our furry friends cool and comfortable. But have you ever considered shaving your dog's fur to beat the heat? Well, let me tell you, it's not just useless, it can actually be dangerous! I'll start with a story that stuck with me while I was interning at a veterinary clinic. It was a hot summer day, and a distraught owner rushed in, yelling, "Doctor! Please help my dog! I left him in the car for just a few minutes to pay a fee, and now he's not moving! Is he dead?" That dog, fresh from surgery and already fragile, died of heatstroke. And that's a harsh reminder that dogs, just like humans, can suffer from heatstroke, and it can be fatal. You might be wondering, how do dogs cool down in hot weather? Well, unlike humans who sweat profusely, dogs rely mainly on panting and expanding their blood vessels. When they pant, the moisture on their tongues, nasal passages, and inner walls of t...

Discover Your Perfect Furry Companion: 7 Dog Breeds Who'll Be Your Loyal Best Friend for Life!

Check out these 7 doggos! They’re all about loyalty, sticking to just one owner for life. If you’ve got one of these, hold onto it tight! Border Collie These pups are super smart and fiercely loyal. They’re all about protecting their turf and their hooman. But watch out, they can be a bit cheeky sometimes. Treats are your best friend when it comes to training these smarty-paws. German Shepherd They’re like the ultimate loyal companions. Smart, gentle, and always ready to protect their fam. Just be ready for some shedding action, especially if you’re not careful with their diet. Keep it healthy with some fish oil for shiny coats and happy pups. Tibetan Mastiff These fluffballs are like the guardians of the house. Super loyal and always on guard to protect their pack. They’re basically the ultimate bouncers for your home. Akita Once they’ve bonded with their hooman, they’re in it for life. These guys are serious about protecting their fam and can be a bit territorial....

Are dogs smarter than cats?

Hey, folks! Let's dive into a fun and often-debated topic: are dogs smarter than cats, or is it the other way around? This isn't just a matter of pet preference; it's a question of cognitive abilities and behavior patterns. So, grab a cup of your favorite brew, settle in, and let's have a chatty debate about which of these furry friends reigns supreme in the intelligence department. First, let's tackle the elephant in the room: what do we mean by "smart"? Intelligence isn't a one-size-fits-all concept. It can manifest in different ways, from problem-solving skills to social cognition. And when we're talking about animals, especially pets, we're often referring to how well they adapt to their environments, learn new tricks, and interact with humans. Now, let's give the dogs their due. Dogs are known for their incredible ability to be trained and learn commands. They excel in obedience schools, mastering tricks like "sit," "sta...

Why Your Dog Won't Stop Barking: Discover the Reasons and Solutions

Hey there, fellow dog lovers! If you're reading this, chances are you've got a furry friend who's making a lot of noise. Non-stop barking can be frustrating, but don't worry—we're here to help you understand why your dog might be barking so much and what you can do about it. Let's dive in! Why Does My Dog Bark Non-Stop? Dogs bark for many reasons, and figuring out why your pup is barking is the first step to calming them down. Here are some common reasons. Attention-Seeking : Dogs are smart and know how to get our attention. If your dog barks and you respond (even if it's to tell them to be quiet), they've learned that barking works. Boredom : Dogs need mental and physical stimulation. Without enough playtime or exercise, your dog might bark out of sheer boredom. Anxiety or Fear : Loud noises, strangers, or being left alone can cause anxiety. If your dog barks when you leave the house, they might be experiencing separation anxiety. Territorial Behavi...

How Do Dogs Use Their Amazing “Human Radar”?

Ever heard a dog owner say their pet can sense a person's character, sometimes even before the humans themselves figure it out? Dogs seem to know when someone's up to no good or when their owner's mood shifts from happy to sad or from calm to angry. So, how do they manage to pull off these incredible feats? Let's dive into the fascinating world of a dog's "human radar". Super Sniffers and Keen Listeners Science has given us some clues about these amazing abilities, mostly revolving around their supercharged senses. Dogs rely on their sense of smell, hearing, and sight much more than we do. Their noses are ridiculously powerful, capable of detecting all sorts of chemical signals from our bodies. When we're nervous or scared, we release hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Dogs can sniff out these changes, giving them a read on our emotional state. Dogs also have extraordinary hearing. They can pick up on the tiniest changes in our voices—tone, pit...

The Hidden Cruelty Behind Adorable Teacup Dogs

Have you ever heard of "teacup dogs"? These tiny creatures, originating from the United States, are named for their ability to fit into a teacup due to their unusually small size. With their cute appearance and petite bodies, they can be easily cradled in one hand, and their gentle and obedient nature makes them irresistible to pet lovers. Even the toughest of men can be softened by their charming charms. It's hard to imagine anyone who doesn't fall for their irresistible charm... Celebrities and socialites are especially enamored with these dogs, often carrying them around in their handbags as a fashion accessory. It's a convenient way to enjoy the joy of pet ownership anytime, anywhere. Teacup dogs gain immense popularity, with prices soaring to hundreds, even thousands dollars. They occupy a premium position in the pet market. However, what many people don't know is that behind their cute and adorable appearance lies a human-created tragedy. The first teacu...

FrendiPet

Search This Blog