Pet-Friendly Travel Tips
Written by VCA Animal Hospitals and Dr. Donna Spector, DVM, DACVIM
June 16, 2011
As you’re planning an upcoming trip, be sure to count your pet in as you prepare. Pet friendly hotels, campgrounds and other summer vacation facilities recognize that “family vacation” just wouldn’t be the same without Fido and Sylvester!
Being prepared will not only ease vacation stress, but also ensure your summer trip is a fabulous pet vacation. VCA veterinarian and pet health expert Dr. Donna Spector recommends keeping the following tips in mind:
Make Proper Travel Arrangements – If you are flying, make sure to reserve a space with the airline. There is a fee and are a limited number of pets on each flight. Depending on your pet’s size, they may be unable to fly in the cabin and this will require further information from the airline. If the airline can’t accommodate you, it may be worthwhile to check out Pet Airways, the world’s first pet-only airline.
Find Lodging – Have you asked about pet friendly hotels or facilities in your vacation area? Facilities run the gamut from being “no pets allowed” to “pet tolerant” to “pet friendly”. Pet tolerant facilities often require a deposit and usually do not provide special treatment for your dog or cat. Pet friendly hotels and facilities usually go out of their way—offering special treats at check-in, play programs, day care and sometimes even special spa treats for your pet. Call ahead to get details and to reserve a space for your pet.
Find Pet-Centric Activities – Is there a local pet day care where you’re visiting? Or, a doggie day camp you can enroll your pet in? Finding these facilities provide fun not only for your pet, but also allow you to have dinner or get a massage without worrying.
Preparing to Leave – Before leaving for vacation with your pet, be sure to visit your local vet for a check-up. Is he/she current on their vaccinations, as well as flea, tick, parasite and heartworm prevention? It’s also smart to have your pet micro-chipped, if they haven’t been already, which will enable identification if they ever get lost. Be sure to ask for a health certificate when you’re at the vet and all of your pet’s vaccination tags. If your pet has a medical condition, take a copy of pertinent medical records in the event of an emergency. If possible, identify a veterinarian in the area where you will be vacationing. VCA Animal Hospitals are located in 41 U.S. states: http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/directory.html
Know the Law – Before heading on your vacation, be sure to inquire about local leash and dog laws. Can your dog be on the beach? In the woods? On or off leash? What outdoor cafes and restaurants allow pets?
As you pack for your trip, having the proper pet travel gear with you will ensure a smoother vacation for the whole family. Dr. Spector recommends bringing along the following items on vacation:
- Food and water bowls
- Portable (collapsible) bowls for day excursions
- Food in airtight containers—it is important to keep your pet’s diet the same while on vacation to prevent stomach upset.
- Poop scooper and bags—to properly clean up after your dog
- Extra collar and leash—in case the original gets wet, torn or lost
- Identification tags—make sure there is a cell phone number on the tags in the event your pet gets lost
- Medication—bring any prescription or non-prescription medication your pet is taking
- Pet First Aid Kit—ask your veterinarian what to include for your particular pet. Good things to include are benadryl (diphenhydramine), triple antibiotic ointment, general antiseptic (nolvasan or betadine), bandage material (sterile gauze and a wrapping material), tweezers (for tick removal from pets or people if needed), emergency veterinary contact information
- Pet bed or something comfy to sleep on as well as toys they are familiar with
- Dog life jacket (if you are taking any aquatic excursions)
Traveling with pets can be fun and enjoyable for all, especially if you come prepared!
To learn more about VCA Animal Hospitals, visit us at www.vcahospitals.com. You can also find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VCAAnimalHospitals and Twitter at @VCAPetHealth.
To safe and happy pets,
VCA Animal Hospitals and Dr. Donna Spector, DVM, DACVIM
Dr. Donna Spector is a board-certified veterinary internist who has written and lectured extensively on nutrition, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders and other animal health issues. She has over a decade of hands-on Internal Medicine experience, helps over 60 general veterinarians across the country manage difficult medical cases every week, provides continuing education for over 2,000 veterinarians every month, is the chief veterinary advisor to Halo, Purely for Pets (a prominent holistic pet food company co-owned by Ellen DeGeneres), serves as a veterinary expert on several nation-wide radio talk shows, and has her advice widely quoted on popular pet blogs and in pet-oriented publications.
