Pets In Paradise

I'd like to start off by giving a great big shout out to Gracie and all of the staff and volunteers who helped make this year's Puppy Love fund raiser so successful.  Putting together an event like that is a huge task that I certainly wouldn't want to be responsible for, but Gracie and her team did an amazing job.  All of the animals at Pet Pal are raising their paws to show their appreciation for all the hard work and for the generous donations received to provide for their care. 

 

So what's up next?  I'm thinking it's time for a well-deserved and much-needed vacation!  Since Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, I thought this would be a good opportunity to share a few helpful tips to make summer traveling safe and enjoyable for the four-legged members of the family too.  Whether you're traveling by car, plane, bus, or train, here are some basic guidelines to keep in mind as you plan your trip. 

 

Traveling by car:
1.  Get your dog used to the car by letting him sit in it with you without leaving the driveway and then going for short rides.
2.  Avoid car sickness by letting your dog travel on an empty stomach.  However, make sure he has plenty of water at all times.
3.  Keep the car well-ventilated.  If the dog is in a crate, make sure that fresh air can flow into the crate.
4.  Never let your dog ride in the back of an open truck.  This is extremely dangerous and can lead to severe injuries or death.
5.  Stop frequently for feeding, exercise, and potty breaks.  Be sure to clean up after your dog.
6.  Car rides can get boring for everyone so, if traveling with children, instruct them not to tease or annoy the dog in the car.  Also be sure to have a few favorite toys to keep the dog entertained. 
7.  Never, ever leave your dog unattended in a closed vehicle, particularly in the summer.  If you must leave the car, designate a member of the family to stay with the dog.

 

Traveling by plane:
Each airline has its own set of rules for canine air travel.  Check with the specific airline you're flying on for information and make the necessary arrangements well in advance of your trip. 

 

Traveling by bus or train:
If you plan to travel by bus or train, you may be disappointed.  Dogs are not permitted on Amtrak trains or on buses operated by Greyhound and other interstate bus companies.  Local rail and bus companies have their own policies.

 

Once you've figured out how you're going to travel, it's time to decide where you want to go.  As more families are bringing their beloved pets with them on vacation, the number of hotels, campgrounds, beaches, and even restaurants and wineries that welcome animals is quickly growing.  Sometimes pet-friendly lodging can even cost less than boarding your dog in some kennel where they will most likely feel scared and lonely the entire time.  Find out in advance which hotels or motels at your destination or along your route are pet-friendly.  Be careful because there is a vast difference between places that simply allow pets and those that are truly pet-friendly.  Call ahead and ask to make sure that what they consider pet-friendly really does meet your needs.  Consider asking some or all of the following questions before booking your stay.

 

1.  Are there size or breed restrictions?
2.  Is there an extra charge or cleaning fee for pets?
3.  Are pets required to be on leash?
4.  Are dogs allowed on walkways, paths, or trails?  In city or downtown areas?  On sidewalks?  In stores, galleries, wineries, or other local attractions?
5.  Do I need a health certificate or proof of vaccinations?

 

Once you locate  the perfect place for you and your furry friend, be the perfect guest by doing the following. 

 1.  Respect other guests, staff and the property.

2.  Keep your dog as quiet as possible.
3.  Do not leave the dog unattended.  Many dogs will bark or destroy property if left alone in a strange place.
4.  Ask the management where you should walk your dog, and pick up after him.  Do not leave any mess behind.
5.  Remember that one bad experience with a dog guest may prompt the hotel management to refuse to allow any dogs in the future.  Be considerate of others and leave your room and the grounds in good condition

Don't forget to look for nearby veterinary care and pet supply stores when planning your getaway.  Also, if your pet isn't already microchipped, you may want to consider this before traveling in case of separation.  If nothing else, make sure your pet is wearing a well-fitting collar with a current ID tag at all times.  Of course no one wants to think that something bad could happen on their long-awaited vacation, but responsible pet owners need to be prepared for anything.  

 

Finding the perfect vacation spot for you and your pampered pet will require a bit of planning and preparation, but there are plenty of websites that can help you with the research.  "GoPetFriendly.com", "BringFido.com", and "PetFriendlyTravel.com" are popular sites that have vast resources for any and all of your pet travel needs.  So, wherever your travels take you and your four-legged companions this summer, be safe and enjoy your pets in paradise! 

 

Happy tails to you until we meet again!