| Bean Town Dogs A Service Guide for New England Dogs |
| Travel Tips Traveling With Your Pet So, you're planning a vacation. Everything is ready to go - but what do you do with your pet? Boarding kennels and pet sitters are good alternatives, but when you enjoy the company of your pet do you really need to leave them behind? Before including your pet in your vacation plans, be sure that the trip is appropriate for their age, health and personality. Considerations Is your pet adaptable and would they enjoy a change in scenery? Do they have health problems that may cause a problem away from home? Do they enjoy being in the car for several hours? Would they be included in your vacation activities, or would they spend many hours in a hotel room while you are out sightseeing? If your are not sure of the answers to any one of these questions, talk to your veterinarian about the alternatives. Preparation Before you go, ensure that all vaccinations are current. For some destinations, proof of rabies vaccination and health certificates are required. Such things as heartworm tests with preventive medication, flea prevention, Lyme disease vaccination, or Bordetella vaccination may also be a requirement depending on your destination. Make sure that you have an adequate supply of any medication that your pet may require while you are away - ensure that it is clearly labeled and contained. Remember, DO NOT store your pet's medication in the glove compartment of your car. The temperatures that this compartment reach can destroy the effectiveness of the medication. Make sure your pet is wearing their collar, complete with rabies tag and licensing information in case you get separated. Also include an ID tag with your information as well as an emergency contact. After all, you will not be at home to answer the call. A microchip is a great means of identification, with the pet's and the owner's information available with a simple phone call. Be sure to keep this information current and complete. Do Your Homework It is important that your pet will be accepted at all your destinations. When calling ahead for reservations at your airline, hotel, motel, or campground, verify their policies about pets. Inquire about exercise areas and don't forget to make use of your pooper scooper. Walk your dog away from the flower beds and other public areas where you may annoy other guests. Try not to leave your pet alone in your room. They can easily hurt themselves or cause damage in the room. It is also possible that they may start crying, which will disturb the other guests. Be sure to advise the maid that your pet is in the room in order to avoid breaks for freedom. If you are shipping your pet by air or rail, place them in a sturdy carry box or cage. Many airlines have specific cage requirements - it is best to call your travel agent well in advance. Avoid using cardboard cartons because they can break open or be crushed by other luggage. You should also inquire about the weather - many pets suffer from exposure to cold on station platforms, in baggage cars, in vehicles and through airline baggage handling. Attach emergency handling instructions for feeding or protection if your pet is going to be out of your care and dependent on others. Make sure owner or address tags cannot be lost. Travelling with your pet can be an exciting and eventful time. By properly planning you can make your vacation enjoyable for all. |
| Summer Travel Tips With the weather warming up (intermittently) many vacations are being planned. If you are scheduling a get-away, there are many considerations before packing up Fido for the trip. Is your pet adaptable and healthy? Does your pet enjoy time in the car? Will your trip allow you to spend time with your pet or will he be left in the hotel or in your vehicle? Weigh out the pros and cons and if you decide to leave your pet at home - do not feel guilty. There are many wonderful alternatives for just this situation. If friends and family are not able to accommodate, pet sitters are available for house/pet sitting or pet visits while you are away. Boarding kennels are another option as well. Either way, it is best to call in advance for availability. Your veterinarian and other pet owners are both good sources for recommendations. Consult your veterinarian to ensure that your pet is current on immunization - kennel cough vaccination is generally required by boarding facilities. Proof of vaccination and an ample supply of any prescription medication should be obtained prior to travel. If Fido is travelling with you, additional immunization may be needed for the area you will be visiting. There may be other health precautions to consider, eg. ticks and possibly Lyme Disease or other tick-borne diseases. Travel to certain countries (not the US) requires a health certificate from your veterinarian. Others even quarantine animals. It is best to check with your travel agent or appropriate embassy. So how will you be reaching your destination? If you are travelling by car, please be sure that travel will be safe for you and your pet. A carrier is ideal for small pets, seat belt harnesses are available for larger pets or gates for SUVs and vans. Remember that temperatures in your car can become extremely high even with windows ajar (I toasted a loaf of bread a few weeks ago on my back dash by mistake - let's be more careful with your beloved pet). If you are travelling by plane - make sure you have an airline-approved carrier. Some airlines allow smaller pets to accompany you, larger pets travel in the cargo area. Especially for pets travelling in cargo, properly label the carrier, including emergency contact numbers in case you become separated during travel. If you are staying with friends and family, be certain your pet will be a welcome visitor. Consider your pet's personality (reaction to other pets and children) and the possibility of allergies to pets. If you are hotelling or camping, plan ahead and be sure your pet is allowed. Many places now accept pets, but may have limited spaces available. A deposit may be required as well. Be sure to take along your pet's usual food (this is not a good time to risk a diet change) and lots of water. Familiar objects (dishes, toys) can help to greatly reduce travel stress. Identification tags are very important in case of accidental separation. Tags with home numbers are of little value while you are on vacation. A microchip is ideal. Wishing you safe and happy travels!! |
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Please Note: The BeanTown Dogs website provides information and listings of dog breeds, clubs and associations, rescue organizations, health and nutrition, breeders,
trainers, groomers, boarding kennels, and other pet services and products. However, we do not recommend, endorse, or support any one of these listings over another.
The links provided on the site are for information purposes only and should not be viewed as a recommendation or endorsement. Accuracy of information is the sole
responsibility of the owner of the listing and we cannot be held responsible for any misrepresentation. We reserve the right to refuse any listing at our sole discretion. The
BeanTown Dogs website is not affiliated or associated with any organization or business - It is a completely independent project. - Archie and Mum
