Pet Friendly Vacations
Pet Friendly Travel Tips
By Lesley Komlos
An increasing number of places throughout the world have accommodations which cater for pets as well as people. Although they are increasing, when preparing to take a pet friendly holiday with your dog, it is always wise to plan ahead. Most accommodation destinations urge travelers taking a pet friendly holiday to book ahead. The facilities for dogs can vary greatly between each venue so determining exactly what is provided will make your pet friendly holiday a more relaxing experience for both you and your pet.
Driving to your selected pet friendly holiday destination is another area where it is wise to take some care. Many times there have been dogs traveling loose in the car or even on the driver’s lap when a sudden stop or an accident has caused the pet to sustain injuries due to traveling unrestrained in the car. There are several harnesses and carriers made specially for pet friendly traveling, which can lessen the risk of injury. When traveling in your car with your dog on a pet friendly holiday it is also important to take plenty of water for your pet to drink and never to leave your pet in a closed car.
Once you travel to your pet friendly holiday destination, it is important to ensure that you follow the conditions set out by the venue. These are likely to include keeping your dog on a leash whilst out and about, cleaning up after your dog, keeping your dogs quiet to avoid disturbing other guests & there may be designated areas to stay away from with your dog. Many pet friendly holiday destinations now allow dogs to be inside. There may be provisos to this, such as not leaving your dog alone in the room 7 keeping them off the furniture.
To make your pet friendly travel as comfortable as possible, it is always a good idea to take any special bedding and toys that your pet may be used to. Also, ensure that your dog has an ID tag with your name and phone number in case you were to be accidentally separated.
Planning ahead for your pet friendly travel will result in a great time for both you and your dog and as the accommodation for pet friendly holidays increase, more of us will be taking our four-legged friends along.
Basics to remember:
• Make sure you bring enough water for your pet to drink on the trip. Packing your pet’s favorite foods is also a good idea as it may not always be readily obtainable at your holiday destination.
• Use your leash to keep your dog with you whenever you leave your car.
• Make sure you use wither a purpose built pet carrier or pet harness while driving.
• Update your pet’s identification tags in case you and your dog become separated whilst away from home.
• Pets should never be left in closed cars.
• Always supervise your pet when initiating contact with strangers, particularly children.
• Make sure your pet has been treated for fleas and ticks prior to traveling
• Clean up after your dog at all times.
For more information, articles and great pet resources, visit http://www.PetTravelGuide.com.au a comprehensive guide to traveling with pets.
Article Source: Lesley Komlos
Dog Friendly Vacations - Don't Leave Fido At Home, Have Dog Friendly Vacations
By Dee Power
If you think of your dogs as part of your family then dog friendly vacations seem like a must. But does your dog want to come with you? We interviewed a five-year-old Cocker Spaniel named Patches, who just returned from a wonderful family vacation that took him from Texas to California and back, to find out how he enjoyed the experience. Are dog friendly vacations possible?
So, how was your trip, compared to the times you stayed at the kennel?
Are you kidding, pal? No comparison. Sitting alone in a cage versus seeing the country with my family? Those kennels talk a big game about letting us out for exercise, but I spent most of time sitting on a cement floor staring at a Bulldog in the next cage. And she wasn’t even that pretty. Truth be told, she kind of drooled.
But you stayed at one of the expensive kennels that have a swimming pool and TV…
Let me ask you, do you want to swim in a two foot deep wading pool that 50 dusty dogs have just been splashing through? Didn’t think so. And having the TV on all the time became annoying after a while, and they didn’t even put on my favorite show.
What is your favorite TV show?
Bones.
Did your Master pack everything you needed for the trip?
I never use the term Master. I call them my Two Legged Companions With Thumbs and Credit Cards. But, yes, they did a great job packing for the trip. They remembered my own food, my own bowls. The medications I take. Some toys to play with. Little things like this mean a lot to a Dog. I really look forward to playing with my own toys each day.
Did they forget anything that would have made you more comfortable?
My medicated shampoo and some towels from home would have been great. When we went to the beach, I got sand in my coat, which got itchy, so I had to shake the sand off when we got back to the hotel. Dogs really hate getting the hotel carpet dirty, you know. Think of the poor maid that has to come in and vacuum.
Having my own bed along would have been nice, too. I slept on the hotel bed with my Two Legged Companions and at one hotel, frankly, the bedspread smelled bad. A cat must have checked into that room recently. They really should think about having dogs-only rooms, especially considering we were paying $200 a night for that place.
Some dogs have trouble with car sickness? You traveled several hundred miles a day. Were you ever bothered with an upset stomach?
Just once. They shared a taco with me just outside of Blythe, California, and then we went a steep mountain road. The taco ended up in one of their laps. I prefer to be fed before we get in the car, or after we arrive at the hotel for the night. Or they could have brought along my favorite dog biscuits, so I could have a snack. Just outside Flagstaff, they gave me some French fries that were way too salty and I didn’t have any water to drink in the back seat. I was panting all the way to the Grand Canyon.
Anything else that made you uncomfortable?
Sometimes we had to walk across hot pavement that really hurt my paw pads. They forget they have shoes with thick soles. It’s better for me if I can walk in the grass. Even a sidewalk is better than blacktop.
What was the highlight of your trip?
Swimming in the Pacific Ocean. An experience like that you never forget, even when you get to be an old dog.
So where do you want to go on your next trip?
Somewhere with snow. Then we can all sit by the fireplace at night and pretend we’re still wolves.
Thank you Patches, what a cuddly canine you are.
If you'd like more information about dog friendly vacations and how you get the most our of yours, please visit http://www.brianhillanddeepower.com/dog-friendly-vacations.html The Dog Lover's Guide to Traveling.
Dee is the proud companion to Rose, a four year old Irish Setter and Kate, a two year old English Springer Spaniel.
About The Authors
Brian Hill and Dee Power have written several nonfiction books. Find out more about them at their website
http://www.brianhillanddeepower.com
Article Source: Dee Power
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