Traveling With Pets: Planning Tips for a Safe Trip with Fido

These bark-worthy pointers will assist in deciding whether traveling with pets is a good idea, and how to ensure a safe trip for those who do

Before 1980, traveling with pets was done primarily by automobile or private rail car because pet-friendly transportation options were scarce. Even more, only a select few upscale hotels, resorts and private vacation rentals catered to traveling canines. Today, planning a safe trip with your pet has never been easier. In honor of our furry family members (and no, we don’t mean Uncle Fred), here is our travel guide of tips to help you decide whether or not to bring Fido on your next group adventure.

How Has Traveling with Pets Changed Over the Years?

Pet-friendly travel has risen in recent years, especially after the COVID-19 global pandemic. In fact, we tend to notice more dogs at airports around the world these days, and there’s a good reason for this.

During the pandemic, more and more people welcomed new pets into their homes in an attempt to curb the effects of isolation and quarantine. Once the world of travel and tourism opened back up, there came a need for more pet-friendly travel options. Hotels and transportation have adapted to offer more to travelers who want to bring their pets on vacation.

#1 The “Inns” and Outs of Pet-Friendly Lodging

Traveling with pets can be challenging when it comes to finding that perfect welcoming retreat for furry family members. There are many options for groups with four-legged friends in tow, including vacation home rentals, inns, resorts and hotels. Consider the following:

• Research pet-friendly accommodation options in your destination and know the pet fees that maybe associated (some charge per animal, per night while others do not implement any fees).
• Be sure to read reviews from other travelers with pets who stayed at the lodging your research.
• Know your hotel’s pet policy regarding animals left alone in rooms as many prohibit this.
• Pay attention to the number of dogs allowed in a hotel room or vacation rental.
• Document the state of your hotel room/suite or vacation rental when you arrive. Cell phone pictures with a date and time stamp work well. This also should be done upon checking out.
• Find lodging close to pet-friendly attractions and activities the whole group can enjoy.
• Some options provide pet amenities like designated green space, relief areas, complimentary pet beds, dog treats and human-canine on-site restaurants.
• Know your hotel or rental’s pet policy regarding weight and breed restrictions.

Also note:

Many hotel chains offer pet-friendly accommodation options for groups of all sizes, including amenities to pamper your pet. For example, brands like Aloft, Best Western, Candlewood Suites, La Quinta Inn & Suites and Marriot Hotels & Resorts are just a few that offer pet stays.

Search sites like VRBO, Airbnb, and other vacation home rentals and filter your search for pet-friendly accommodation options. Remember there are typically pet fees associated with renting vacation properties. Some properties even offer fenced in spaces for pets to run free.

A helpful online resource is BringFido.com where you can search their database of pet-friendly accommodation options and more.

#2 Do Your Research

When planning your vacation with furry friends, research destinations of interest and how pet-friendly they are. Some locations tend to be more welcoming of four-legged friends, which lend to guaranteed pet-friendly spaces and activities. Consistently pet-friendly vacation destinations in the U.S. include San Diego, California, Lake Placid in the Adirondack Mountains, Asheville and the Outer Banks in North Carolina, Bar Harbor, Maine, and Key West, Florida. Traveling pets are welcomed into pet-friendly accommodations, dog-centric restaurants, pet amenities and loads of outdoor space and activities for everyone.

• Explore the various options for pet-friendly locations, whether domestic or international, to understand the types of activities offered to both humans and pets.
• Familiarize yourself with the local laws of your chosen destination such as leash laws and any federal regulations and ordinances.
• Be aware of seasonal pet laws. Sometimes, during off seasons, dogs are permitted on beaches and boardwalks while you may get fined for such during busy summer months.
• Research nearby restaurants and see if any allow animals, whether inside or on an outside patio. Many eateries with outdoor seating welcome furry friends.
• If you are traveling with pets internationally, be sure to research your destination’s rabies and vaccination laws and regulations. In certain countries, illnesses and diseases that are not known in the U.S. can affect your pet if they are not properly vaccinated. In addition, many countries require your pet’s health report to be countersigned and stamped by APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service). This must be done in person at your nearest APHIS office.

#3 Schedule an Appointment with Your Veterinarian

While it’s important to keep your pet healthy and up-to-date on their shots, there are other things to consider before traveling with pets.

• It’s vital before traveling with pets to make an appointment with a local veterinarian. Make sure your pet’s vaccines are up-to-date and ask for a copy of the paperwork. Airports and other public transportation and accommodations, not to mention international destinations, will ask for your pet’s health certificate.
• Be sure to have an updated nametag and rabies tag for your pet with current contact information, including your pet’s name, in case Fido takes off on a solo adventure. Make sure to have your current phone number listed as well.
• Before embarking on your journey, make note of the destination’s local veterinarian offices, including their contact information and emergency hours. Create an emergency plan in the event your furry family member needs medical attention during your stay.
• While at the clinic, ask your vet about pet medication options if your pet is a nervous traveler. There are prescribed medicines recommended by vets and also natural supplements like hemp, CBD and melatonin to calm animals.
• Don’t feed your pet a large meal before traveling as this might upset their stomach.

#4 Packing Essentials for a Safe Trip

Pet carriers are the number one most important item for a safe trip when traveling with pets. Keep in mind that with pet crates, the darker the better. In fact, the International Air Transportation Association suggests using carriers that create darkness for a calming space without depriving your pet of oxygen.

It’s also important to familiarize your pets with both unknown and well-known items to mitigate any anxiety. This includes their carrier in the days leading to travel. Packing the following familiar items will help your pup relax in unfamiliar surroundings:

• Dog/cat toys
• Blankets
• Pet beds
• A piece of personal clothing that hasn’t been washed

Other important items to remember:

• Leash
• Collar or harness (muzzle for anti-social pets) including up-to-date vaccine and contact information tags
• Waste bags
• Food, treats, and food and water dishes
• Vet papers
• Pet clothing such as dog booties, pet sweaters, raincoats and life jackets, depending on where your trip takes you
• Any medications your pet is taking
• Dog towels to dry off
• First aid kit

#5 Flying with Pets

Flying with your pet can be tricky if you have never done so before. These days, airlines have proven their dedication to furry friends with updated pet policies and ease at the security gates. Don’t worry if you have a nervous or anti-social pet; some airports now have private rooms to conduct pet security procedures.

Here are a few things to consider when navigating the airport and your flight with a pet:

• Airports require all pets to be contained in their respective pet carriers when moving through the airport terminal.
• Contact your chosen airline before traveling with service animals and ask about their current policies and boarding procedures.
• Know where the designated pet relief areas are located around the airport.
• Be aware that airports also have “working dogs” throughout for passenger safety.
• If your pet has anxiety, consider natural supplements like melatonin, hemp or CBD for animals (the American Veterinary Medical Association does not recommend sedating pets during flights due to possible cardiovascular issues).
• Find out if your airline allows smaller dogs in the cabin as some will while others do not, which means your pet will be traveling in the cargo hold of the aircraft.

 

More useful tips:

• If you’re traveling by car, be sure to schedule bathroom breaks and pitstops along the way. Consider if there are any rest areas or truck stops on route that have fenced dog areas as many do.
• For first time furry travelers, you may consider taking short trips leading up the big adventure so that your pet has time to adjust.

When traveling with pets, consider all aspects of the adventure, from the days leading up to departure to well after your vacation has commenced. Follow these tips when planning your getaway to maximize the experience when bringing your pet along for the journey.

Don’t forget your free subscription to Destination Reunions where more great travel tips and ideas await!

By Heather Dale, Managing Editor

Header photo courtesy of Freepik