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Traveling with your Pet
How many of us like to travel? When
you think of family vacations do you think about taking your dogs along too? Well as America becomes more pet friendly it is
getting easier to plan an adventure that includes your four legged
family members.
If you are traveling by air, you may be
able to carry your small cairn on in airline approved
travel bag. The dog and bag must be able to fit comfortable
under your seat.
Each airline will have different policies on traveling with your pet.
There are some airlines that do not allow pets to travel at all in the
cabin or in cargo.
Airlines usually only allow one or two pets per cabin and never in the
same row. If your cairn is too big for under the seat, you can
consider putting him in cargo. However, there may be some
restrictions depending on the weather as they are not allowed to fly
when it is too extreme. You will also need a certificate from the
vet attesting to the health of your dog. Check with the airline
well in advance of your travel date to make reservations and see what
fees may apply. HINT: Freeze water the night before in a
plastic bowl. Your pet can drink from it as it melts and it will
not spill in his crate.
Taking a road trip and traveling by car
can be the most fun and easiest way for you to take along your pets.
Consider restraining your dog using either a safety belt designed for
dogs or a crate. There are many styles of safety belts some that
attach to the dog's harness and snap into the belt buckle of the car
while others strap on like a harness and utilize the existing seat belt
in your car. A crate should also be secured so that it does
not shift if the car is stopped suddenly.
Never leave your four legged friends in a
hot car. It can get well over 120 degrees in only minutes.
See the Summer Heat / Hot Dog -
April 2005 CRUSA Chronicle for more information.
Whenever you travel with your pets
you should bring along enough food for the trip. Having to change
brands in the middle of the trip may cause unpleasant results for you
and your pet. Always travel with enough water and give
frequent drinks. If traveling by car, be sure to remember
that your pet has to relieve herself when you stop for gas, food or your
own potty break. Bringing your pet's bed, toys and other
comforts will make the trip more enjoyable for her. Just
like children, they need their own tote bag with supplies.
Most importantly, don't forget their medications as well as a copy of
their vet records. Having their papers will be necessary if you
need to seek an unplanned kennel or vet while out of town.
Look for lodging before you leave.
Not all hotels accept pets. There are many that do. Visit websites
like: www.petfriendly.com
, www.petswelcome.com or
www.pettravel.com .
They will give you an idea which hotels accept pets. However, it
is recommended that you visit the hotel's website for more specific
information and finally pickup the telephone and call to be sure that
your pet is allowed. Hotel policies change and websites do not
always get updated. Some hotels also charge a fee which can be as
little as $10 per dog or as much as $25 per dog per day. Be sure
you clearly understand their policies BEFORE booking. HINT:
If you are a member of AAA, their travel books detail if pets are
permitted and if there is a fee. These books are free to members.
While in the hotel, consider crating or
placing your dog in an x-pen while out of the room. Even if you
ask for no maid service, hotel staff may enter your room. Your pet
could be frightened by the hotel staff and get loose. It is
safer to contain your pet when leaving him in a hotel room.
While on vacation be sure to find
activities that you can include your pet. This will make it an
enjoyable experience for everyone. Finally, remember
to plan ahead. Doing so will help avoid any unpleasant surprises.
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Robby shows off his
seatbelt. He is actually sporting two styles of restraints.
One made by "Travelin' Dog" which is a nice harness with side snaps
and fleece padding. The other is a belt that snaps directly
into your car's seat belt. It then can be hooked onto a
regular harness or onto a travel seatbelt like Robby's. While
in the car, he also wears his leash which makes it easier to take
him out for walks when stopping for a break. Robby,
who likes to run, was rescued by CRUSA and adopted in 2004.
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