The holiday season means you'll be doing LOTS of traveling and if you have pets, that can get very difficult. You don't want to spend the money to leave them in a kennel because you're scared of them getting sick or mistreated so you decide to take them with you on your trip. The problem with this is it's hard to determine which places are pet friendly or if they would give you a hard time accommodating your pooch or kitty.
We understand how much pets mean to their owners and think they deserve as much right to room with their pets wherever they wish.Have no fear, we've found a way to simplify traveling with your furry companions with much ease.
I know that often times my family struggles with vacation planning because we need to find someone to watch our dog or seek a hotel that is pet-friendly. To say the least, it's not easy if you have no choice but to take them on the trip with you.
Thankfully we've come up with tips to make traveling with your pet simple and easy and you don't want to forget any of these. Check them out below before hitting the road and not only will you be happy, but your pet will thank you too!
First of all, get to the vet: If you plan on traveling outside of the country, it's best to take your pet in for a check-up, get any vaccinations they may need, and get their health certificate. If you are flying, this certificate will come handy as the airline may need proof that your dog is healthy.
Look into microchips: If you're traveling to a foreign country, getting a microchip implanted into your dog may be a good idea. In the event of your dog escaping the microchip will help track him or her down with ease.
Crate train: If you are planning on taking a long trip crate train your pet. When selecting a crate, make sure that there is enough room for your pet to walk, sit and move around. Exposing them to the crate beforethe trip will make them less scared and grow accustomed to it.
Get direct flights: If you choose to fly with your pet, make sure that you book a flight that is not only pet-friendly, but direct. Direct flights are better for pets because they will prevent them from being mishandled by baggage personnel and less exposure to rough weather.
There are many pet-friendly hotels: Make sure before you book your trip that you've done your research on pet-friendly hotels. This will make the stay much easier for you and your pet and luckily you can find some great choices on this site: http://www.officialpethotels.com/
Fasting: In order to prevent your pet from having accidents, have them fast 6 hours before the trip. Make sure they have water handy, but this will keep the trip going smoothly without making too many pit stops.
Last resort–a kennel: In the event that you can't take your dog with you, your best bet (if not a family member) is a kennel. Finding the right kennel can be difficult because you want to choose one where your pet feels right at home. Remember, don't be afraid to ask questions to the staff–after all you're leaving your pet in their care.
Image via Paul Schultz/flickr
