We're animal lovers, particularly when it comes to our three puppy dogs - Haley's Comet, and two rescues - Gunner and Tank.
It's important to a lot of people to be able to take their pets with them when they travel, so we've created this page with a number of tips and websites that we hope you'll find a great help - whether it's pet-friendly accommodations, travel items to take with you, or checking regulations for overseas travel.
What's one tip anyone traveling with pets should know?
Whether you're renting a beach house in Florida or road-tripping across the Rockies, there's one essential item you should always add to your packing list: an updated copy of your pet's rabies vaccination certificate. It may not be glamorous, but you'll be glad you have it if your pet needs to see a new vet, gets bitten by another animal, or maybe even bites someone itself. When it comes to unexpected situations, never underestimate the power of good documentation.
Can I bring my pet to a hotel?
While nearly every hotel claims to be pet-friendly, individual policies are more complicated. There are "pet friendly" and "pet tolerant" - you'll want to know the difference.
Some chains enforce weight/size limits, or charge non-refundable cleaning fees (Double Tree by Hilton, Marriott, Radisson, Hyatt), while others have no restrictions (Kimpton, La Quinta, Motel 6, and Red Roof)—even Great Danes get the go-ahead. Still others charge a minimum fee by the night (Rodeway Inn, Westin, Travelodge, Extended Stay America).
For specific pet policies at chain hotels across the U.S., check out the New York–based website www.petswelcome.com. Dogs may be restricted to certain floors or areas on property, certain breeds may be banned, they may have to be leashed, etc. But that's just the beginning of the fine print. Quirky local laws can affect policies too. For example, pit bulls aren't allowed anywhere in the Canadian province of Ontario.
The bottom line? Call ahead and call early: Most hotels limit the number of rooms that accommodate pets, so even if there are vacancies, that doesn't mean you and Fido are guaranteed one. The early dog gets the room.
What about bringing pets on planes?
As with hotels, airline policies are not at all standardized. The only constant is the size restriction: To travel as a carry-on, pets must be small enough to stand up and turn around in a carrier that fits comfortably under an airline seat. In that regard, Southwest is considered one of the most pet-friendly airlines because it charges just $75 each way for a carry-on, compared with $125 on, say, United. If your pet can't fit in a small enough carrier, however, things get a bit more complicated. In that case, you'll need to hand it over to the airline either as checked luggage, which is generally limited to pets under 50 pounds (the transfer occurs at check-in), or as cargo (pets must be dropped off at a separate airport area designated for cargo before you check in). Southwest, AirTran, JetBlue, Spirit, US Airways, and Virgin America allow pets in carry-on bags only, though most other airlines are happy to accommodate them as checked luggage or cargo—but you'll pay for it. The price tag can be as much as $250 each way (United, again). The website bringfido.com/travel offers a comprehensive rundown of major airlines' pet policies.
So what are the advantages and disadvantages of carry-on and cargo?
A lot of pet owners just won't check their pets as cargo. Many are uncomfortable with the idea of shipping their pets like luggage, and people worry about delays. The reality, though, is that it's perfectly safe. Like passenger cabins, all cargo areas are temperature-controlled and pressurized, and airline staffers are trained to handle animals. To prep your pet preflight, just give it a lot of exercise before you head to the airport—and resist the urge to resort to drugging. Most vets don't recommend it. For the most part, your pet will probably sleep no matter what. The humming sound of the plane is soothing.
Is there anything I should consider before taking my pet abroad?
International travel is where your pet meets government bureaucracy—and that means serious red tape. Take the U.K., for instance: If you didn't plan ahead and flew with your dog into London Heathrow, Fido would be kept in quarantine for six months—not quite the vacation you'd planned. Ditto in Japan, where even if you do follow the protocol, which involves implanted microchips (for tracking), blood tests, and proof of rabies vaccinations, pets may still be quarantined for up to 12 hours. Each country has subtly different rules, so you may need to repeat the process if you're going to cross multiple borders. Most countries require owners to begin planning their trip well in advance. The U.K. calls for a microchip, blood tests conducted at least six months before travel, and an official tick and tapeworm check 24 to 48 hours before the flight. If any of the requirements aren't met, the dog gets quarantined automatically. Countries such as Italy and France are easier on foreign pets; they typically ask for a microchip, a recent veterinarian's health report, and proof that the animal has been vaccinated for rabies at least 21 days and no more than one year in advance. To unravel the various rules and regulations, get in touch with the embassy of the country you're visiting (use travel.state.gov to find contact info) and start preparing for the trip six to eight months ahead of time.
Websites:
All Pets Considered - Travel Accessories
Bring Fido - Travel Directory of reviews, pet policy, airline restrictions, online reservations @ 25,000 hotels, & more
Pets Welcome - Pet lodging, day care, vets, travel tips
Dogfriendly.com - Since 1998. Dog friendly listings of hotels, restaurants,resorts, attractions and airlines.
Traveling overseas - Find pet allowances by country
Tips:
Fill a two-liter bottle with water, then freeze it. Then, when you're going somewhere warm, put it in your dog's case or at least near your dog. It'll help keep him cool, and he can lick the condensation. (This is particularly valid for dogs with squished noses, such as pugs and bulldogs.)
Always put a luggage tag--with your and your vet's contact info on it--on the dog's kennel or carrying case or even his collar. If, heaven forbid, you get in a car accident or something, and you have to be taken to the hospital, the authorities will have your vet's info.
Collapsible water bowls are easy to carry on hikes and are great for hotel rooms. And they take up hardly any space.
Have a vet implant a microchip in your pet. It's a one-minute procedure (costing $20-$100) in which a tiny capsule is injected under loose skin on a pet's neck. If your dog or cat gets lost and turns up at a shelter or vet's office, a scanner can be used to read the number on the chip, and the microchip company will contact you.
Make sure your dog gets used to a crate before a trip. Start by using it daily for just a few minutes at a time. Once he or she is more relaxed (maybe after a week or more), take your dog in the carrier to a favorite spot, like the park. Also have a piece of your worn clothing to put in the crate - your scent will keep your pet calmer.
Some travelers don't realize that the dog has to come out of the carrier at the security check point along with shoes, a laptop, and the rest of your gear - wait until the last possible moment to let the dog out. Have a leash at hand.
Pets earn rewards on Continental, JetBlue, and Pet Airways, but not on most other airlines. One work-around: Pet carry-on fees can be $100 or so. If you charge them on a rewards credit card, you'll indirectly earn frequent-flier miles toward your next trip.
When traveling by air, always carry a leash with you—in case the airline loses your checked luggage.
