How To Keep Your Pet Happy And Safe As You Travel On Vacation.

by Beth Siess, BulldogSmarts.com

Finding a hotel or weekend getaway location that accommodates pets is just the beginning of your vacation travel plans. Traveling with your pet would be fun and it can be with the right knowledge of what your pet needs to feel comfortable at there home away from home.

You will need to introduce your dog to the stresses of traveling several weeks before you travel on your planned vacation.

Follow these 3 steps to prepare you dog for trip.

Step One
Take him on short drives. Put him in the same pet carrier or seat belt adapter you will be traveling with. Watch his behavior, it he gets nausea systems or hyperactive talk with your vet about recommended medications to calm him. Even if you plan to fly, a test run in the car is still the best way to learn about your pets stress levels and behaviors.

I fortunately had the opportunity to deliver a puppy to a buyer and was really please at how well the puppy traveled and I knew it was due to introducing him to the pet carrier and traveling with him in the vehicle before hand.

Step Two
Take your dog on an overnight sleepover. This is a good way to learn about how your dog will react to a new environment. It might take a few of these close to home sleepovers. Also it is a good idea to expose your dog to a different environment each time. If your dog is consistent with troublesome behavior or nervousness consult with your Vet.

Step Three
Make sure your dog is in tip top health to travel. Schedule your pet for a visit to the vet. Ask about special diets for traveling and suggested medication, vaccinations and health certificates required to travel to the places you plan to go.

Get him groomed and his nails trimmed before the vacation, plus get special treatments like flea and tick medication for the trip.

Now that you are ready to make your hotel or getaway reservations, don’t just look for the “Pets Are Welcome” Sign., ask the right questions before you book your vacation spot. A lot of hotels now advertise pets welcome as a way to fill rooms, there is a big difference between one that allows pets and one that actually accommodates pets.

Ask these questions before you book your stay.

• Where are pets allowed to sleep?
• Do you have a designated pet area outdoors?
• Do you provide any dog watching services?
• If not are there local services for this?
• Are pet dishes supplied?
• Is there a size or restriction on dogs?
• Is there a vet on the premises?
• Or ask for nearby referrals to contact prior to your trip.
• Ask about special pet fees or deposits?
• Ask if there is a limit to the amount of pets to a room?
• Ask for ground floor availability, this makes getting out and walking much easier.

You can begin your research in booking your pet friendly stay by visiting these resources,

Petswelcome.com - An independent site that list more them 25,000 pet friendly places.

DogFriendly.com – Reviews of hotel chains and rental homes that are rated pet friendly.

FidoFriendly.com – Travel magazine for you and your dog.
Receive a FREE Trial Issue! Subscription price is only $12.00 for a year
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“Keep in mind that pet regulations may change and it is always best to call and confirm the information on these web sites.”

Prepared for the Unexpected.

Your dog may get lost or stolen dog and these necessary steps will help track them down faster. I suggest bringing along a few recent photos of your dog and make sure his id tag has your cell phone listed.

I have found an excellent resource, this 24-7 answering service can locate you with your personal information you supply. This allows you to change the number where you can be reached at a moments notice.
The Pet Finder System
This ID tag is better for YOU.. and your DOG than THE TRADITIONAL PET ID TAG!

Keep your vet’s hotline or emergency number with you at all times. Plus bring a copy of your pet’s recent health and vaccination records for emergencies.

Always pack an extra supply of required medications your dog needs for unplanned extended stays.

Necessities to Pack for your Pet

• Pack your dog’s favorite food and toys.
• His crate or kennel
• A couple old sheets to cover furniture
• A mat to place under food bowls
• Several poop scooper bags
• Newspaper or wee-wee pads if your dog uses them
• Old towels and carpet cleaner in case of an accident
• Wipes for dirty paws

  Want to establish a good relationship with pet friendly lodges?
  Follow these Top 10 Etiquette Tips

  TIP 1 - Before you enter the lobby with your dog, always check with the front desk to see if your pet is allowed in this area.

  TIP 2 - Make sure your dog has fully eliminated before you enter the hotel. This reduces the risk of over stimulation and the need to mark his territory.

  TIP 3 - Keep him on a short leash as you lead him to the room. You don’t want him investigating areas that are off limits.

  TIP 4 - Never allow him to trample or eliminate on manicured landscaping and always remember to carry and use your poop scooper bags.

  TIP 5 - Most hotels don’t allow owners to leave pets alone in the room, which is why it is so important to find dog friendly eateries and parks ahead of time.

  TIP 6 - If you do have permission to leave your pet, I suggest you crate your pet. This reassures him that he is safe and prevents him from getting into trouble or even getting loose.

  TIP 7 - Display the “Do Not Disturb” Sign and inform the front desk you don’t want housekeeping or turn down service.

  TIP 8 - Also leaving the television or radio on quietly for background noise will help your pet from feeling anxiety from other noises.

  TIP 9 - Making sure your dog doesn’t bark while you are gone is very important. Even well behaved dogs can react by barking in unfamiliar situations. Leave the room for 5 minutes and return to see if he is howling or barking.

  TIP 10 -If your dog has damaged the room in anyway, notify management before you check out and offer to pay any cost. Also if the hotel provides dog bowls and dog beds leave them clean and tidy when you leave.

By using the advice in this article, you will have planned for the perfect outing for your entire family including your beloved pet.

Check out the article directory for more BulldogSmart Articles in the future.

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This article cannot be used without full right given to
Bulldog Smarts Editor, Beth Siess  © BulldogSmarts.com

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