How to Travel with Pets During the Holidays

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By SunnyVacations
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Travel with Pets During the Holidays

Traveling with pets during the holidays or on Summer Vacation has gotten easier over the years with Pet Friendly Hotels and Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals. Here is a quick list of how to travel with pets

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Vaccination records
Leash
Dog Food
Pet Friendly Accommodatios
Patience

Step 1

The first step to a successful Pet Friendly Vacation is accommodations. Make sure you search for and verify that anyHotel or Vacation Rental you are interested in will allow your pet. Many large hotel chains allow pets for a fee, but keep in mind the square footage of most hotel rooms is probably less than the master bedroom you have at home. Think of your pet, and based on size, look for a Vacation Rental that will give him or her ample room to run around. Many Vacation Rental Property owners are also pet owners. They will work with you unless there are specific covenants that they simple canot get around.
Step 2

Once you have your Vacation Rental Booked the next step is to take Fido to the vet. Make sure all vaccinations are in order and have them get a routine checkup while there. Traveling is just as stressful on your pet as it is on you.
Step 3

Once the shots are in order the next step is to take a photo of your pet, particularly any identifying marks. While you will hopefully never need to use this. If for some reason they get loose while on vacation remember that they don't know the area and may get easily lost and you won't have your photo albums with you to assist in making flyers or to show people. Carry these photos just in case.
Step 4

Dont forget all your pets essentials: Collars with identifying tags, first-aid kit, any medications, bowl and food, any favorite toys and your veterinarian phone numbers. Bring a favorite blanket as well to make the trip more comfortable.
Step 5

When flying make sure you get direct flights to avoid long layovers where your pet may be stuck in baggage areas, particularly in the winter when its cold. On the day of the trip feed your pet less than usual just in case their stomach gets upset, or they get so excited that they make themselves sick.
Step 6

Arrive at your destination, let your pet roam the accommodations, and enjoy your Vacation!

Comments

HWu408 said

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on 1/6/2009 For anyone traveling with pets, I have to let you all know--DO NOT TRAVEL ON AMERICAN AIRLINES. American Airlines LOST my puppy on a cross-country trip. When I finally got my puppy back, she was dehydrated and extremely stressed. I was nearly beside myself. American Airlines offered no excuse--they simply said they'd left her kennel on the tarmac and forgotten to bring her to baggage claim. There was no apology. Of course I called and e-mailed Customer Service but they merely said it was too bad I didn't get my dog back "right away" (we're talking over four hours after the plane landed--not four minutes) and they could not fail their personnel for anything but they hoped I'd travel again with them. What?! Of course I won't travel again with them. Many of my friends with dogs have told me similar terrible stories about American Airlines. If you love your pet and you're traveling

LissaK said

on 12/23/2008 For some reason I was thinking about this the other day. I'm glad to know that traveling with a pet isn't as difficult as I thought, thanks!