1 - When you make your reservation,
double-check that pets are allowed. An important advantage of reserving
online is that you can see - in writing - whether or not pets are
permitted and any restrictions. Online, you can print out your reservation
receipt that includes the "pets allowed" information. Verbal
reservations leave more room for is understanding and miscommunication.
If reserving by telephone, ask the reservation person to mail you
a confirmation receipt that includes the “pets allowed”
information.
2 - Is your pet an experienced traveler?
If not, you should begin getting your pet more accustomed to traveling.
Begin by making your car a fun place for your pet. Get in the car
with them, play with them, give them a treat – have them enjoy
being there with you. Then take a short drive with them. Gradually
increase the length of time and distance that you drive with them.
Before making a long trip with your pet, the idea is to have them
comfortable with being in the car for extended periods of time.
3 - Remember that securing your pet
while traveling in the car is crucial for their safety and yours.
Consider purchasing a dog safety harness for your pet to use while
traveling in the car. If you have a station wagon or SUV, you can
purchase a vehicle barrier that keeps your pet confined to the rear
area. They are usually sold at pet stores or are available online.
4 - Be sure that your pet has an
identification tag and wears it while on the trip. The tag should
have your pet's name, your name and phone number. If possible, use
your cell phone number, a home number and the number of where you
will be staying.
5 – Carry a photograph of your
pet with you on your trip. If your pet should ever become lost, you’ll
be able to show others exactly what your pet looks like instead of
just relying on a verbal description.
6 - Check with your vet for any recommended
vaccinations appropriate for your trip - exposure to ticks while hiking,
exposure to other dogs while boarding or heartworm prevention if your
dog will be exposed to mosquitoes are examples of important preventative
measures to take before your trip. If your pet is a dog, have an up-to-date
rabies tag for your dog's collar. If you decide to day board your
dog while on vacation, you may be required to show paperwork proof
of the rabies vaccination.
7 - Once you arrive at the pet friendly
lodging, inform the check-in person that you have your pet. You can
inquire if there are any restricted areas where your pet should not
be taken. Pet friendly lodging staff should be very accustomed to
answering these kinds of questions and will appreciate your awareness.
8 - In your hotel room, condo, cabin
rental or vacation home rental - never let your pet use the furniture
or beds to sit, lay or sleep on unless you've covered the furniture
or bed with your own cover. Place your pet’s food and water containers
on a mat or newspaper in the bathroom, where cleanup will be easier.
When staying in pet friendly accommodations, you may choose to feed
your pet outdoors.
9 - If you'll be leaving your pet
alone in the room or vacation rental, make sure the front desk or
rental agent knows. Be sure that you leave your pet secured in their
travel container or crate if housekeeping staff will be entering the
room at any time to clean. You certainly don't want a housekeeper
to enter and be surprised or even attacked by your pet! A pet may
also run out of the room when housekeeping enters if left unsecured.
10 - Be very careful in warm or hot
weather with leaving your pet in the car. Even when the outside temperature
is only in the 70’s or 80’s, the interior of a vehicle can
reach 100 degrees and higher, especially when parked in the sun. It
doesn’t take long at these temperatures to cause serious or even
fatal harm to your pet.
Traveling with pets and staying in pet friendly lodging can be lots
of fun - after all, your pet is part of your family too. Just using
common sense and planning ahead makes for an enjoyable and surprise-free
vacation.
Resource
© Copyright 2005 - David Buster, Vice-President of
InfoSearch Publishing and webmaster of http://www.bestvacationrentalsonline.com
- visit the website to learn more about pet travel and to find pet friendly
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