In 2018 one third of travelers brought their pet or pets. Take your pet with you, it may be cheaper than boarding them at home!
Check Accommodations Policies
As you plan your pet-friendly trip, check accommodation policies in writing. Stay organized as you pick multiple places to stay, distances between places and allow time to stop often if necessary.
Be Prepared
Being prepared is important. After all, it can help you avoid common travel mishaps during all your journeys. Pack all essentials especially if your pet has a special diet and medications. You can order everything you need in advance from Chewy.com- just allow your shipment to arrive well in advance of your travel date. They will also fill any pet prescriptions you need. You may not find a pet store for many miles where you are traveling. Try to stay positive and not stress about planning. Your pet may pick on that. Get them ready for the trip by practicing with a day out somewhere locally. Maybe put them in a pet carrier to get them used to it?
Cost Of Traveling With Pets
I know most people think that it may be a lot more money to bring your pet but there are hotels that have no charge for pets. Some properties may vary on their policy so double check. Some vary on weight restrictions. Kimpton Hotels even has a Director of Pet Relations. They supply pet beds, treats and other amenities.The Standard welcomes pets. Aloft has the ARF pet program which gives your pet use of a bowl, bed treats and toys. LaQuinta allows pets but may charge a pet fee. Red Roof Inn has no pet fee, and many AirBnb’s allow pets. When looking at a destination, go under “House Rules” and choose the filter for “Pets Allowed”. By preparing for the cost of traveling with pets, you can ensure that you stick to your value travel goals.
Pet Welcoming Hotels
When you book your reservation see if there are additional fees when you checkout for shedding dogs or an accidental peeing on the carpet. You don’t want to be blindsided after you planned your budget for the trip.
You also want to surmise if they are “pet-welcoming” or “ pet tolerating”. It is always a nicer experience if they have dog treats when you check-in or a dog bed in the room. Nice touches can make your pet excited to be there and want to return!
Finding Pet-Friendly Activities
When you get to your destination it may be nice that your pet enjoys it as well! Look up the events in that location in advance and you may see events in a park, a festival, or something else that is pet-friendly.
Other good sites to research are Bring Fido and All Trails. Bring Fido shows you choices of hotels, restaurants, activities, events and services for your pet. www.Bringfido.com
All Trails give you pet-friendly trails you can take, trail reviews and can match the distance and the level of difficulty you and your pet are looking for. You also can download the map of the trail so you can’t wander off it. $ 30 /year or $ 60 for three years. www.Alltrails.com
Flying With Pets
If you are planning a getaway outside of driving range, you may have to consider flying with your pet. To plan a flight with your pet, first reach out to the airline and ask if they allow pets in the cabin. Otherwise, you will be forced to put your pet in the cargo section of the plane. If cargo is the only option, consider how your pet will handle being alone inside the baggage compartment. Often, the emotional stress is much too traumatic to put your dog or cat through. In this case, be sure to look for more pet friendly airlines, or make alternate accommodations.
Preparing For Roadtrips
If you are fortunate enough to be able to travel by car, you should additionally take steps to prepare your pet for roadtrip travel vacations. First, prepare your pet for long drives by taking them on short, gradually lengthening time in the car. During the trip, be sure to keep your pets safe using a large, well-ventilated carrier. At the same time, you should prepare an pet-friendly travel kit consisting of water, food, a leash, medication, and first-aid materials. Of course, you should also pack your pet’s favorite toy, blanket, or pillow so that they feel more at home throughout the trip. To help you further prepare, be sure to check out our recent New Mexico roadtrip travel itinerary.
Check For Proper Vaccines & Medications
If you are traveling internationally, you will need to check for the proper vaccines and medications. Any pets that are traveling abroad require documented rabies vaccines. Of course, these vaccination documents will also be required to gain entry back into the United States. Before you travel, be sure to check with your vet to understand all the various vaccinations required. Surely, researching the proper vaccines and medications is an excellent step to prepare for pet-friendly travel.
Bring The Proper Documents
Certainly, it is important to bring the proper documents when traveling with your pets. If possible, you should carry some form of documentation that clarifies that you actually own your met. Similarly, you should get paperwork stating that he or she is completely vaccinated. If you are traveling internationally, you will also need to think about customs rules. As an extra precaution, you may even want to consider microchipping your pet. This way, you can accurately trace their location if something unfortunate is to occur. Of course, these techniques are fundamental to help you master the art of travel planning with pets.
Stick To A Routine
In order to properly prepare for pet-friendly travel destinations, you will need to stick to a routine. Remember that your pets are creatures of habit. Therefore, you should attempt to stick to your pet’s routine whenever you travel somewhere. Give them plenty of exercise, take them on their scheduled walks, and keep a similar sleeping schedule. Simultaneously, it is often beneficial to give them easy access to a door or window to look out of. Of course, this is especially important if you, or your pet is traveling with chronic illness conditions.
Make A Collar & ID Tag
Before you embark on your pet-friendly vacation, it is important to make your pet a collar and ID tag. These forms of identification are absolutely imperative if you get separated from your pet while traveling. On your pet’s identification tag, you should include your phone number, address, and any other contact information. If possible, you may want to get your pet microchipped so that you can find them on your own if they get lost. Surely, making a collar, ID tag, and microchip is an essential step to prepare for travel adventures with your dog.
Have a great time with your pet. With your dog or cat by your side, you never will have to experience a solo travel experience (as enjoyable as they can be). It will be a great time to bond and build some family memories!
Learn How I Saved Over $15,274 On Booking Flights, Hotels, & Entire Vacations
This expert guide on "Travel Hacking Tactics To Slash Vacation Costs" has personally saved me over $15,274. Within the guide, you will learn how to:
Understand Credit Report
Impact On Travel
Leverage Travel Hacking
Credit Cards
Earn Substantial Travel
Miles & Points
Maximize Credit Card
Loyalty Programs