How To Travel With Pets
We all love our pets! They are extensions of our families. For some they are our family. So when vacation time or the holidays come around, we often want to take them with us. Sometimes this is feasible, sometimes not. Explore your options with us, and then decide.
Taking Your Pet With You
By Air: Most airlines will transport your pet in the cargo hold of the same airplane you are traveling in. Because the cargo holds of passenger airplanes are designed for non-feeling things, such as suitcases and boxes, it is good to ask questions before you book the flight. If your dog or cat is small enough, you can often take them on as a carryon item and stow them under the seat in front of you, or buy them a ticket for an adjoining seat.
By Car: Many animals travel very well by car. The trip is often longer than by air, but smoother, without the adjustments of pressurized cabins and airport noise. If you are traveling by car, be sure to take bottles of water with you and to stop often for bathroom breaks and for feeding, particularly with older pets or those who suffer from motion sickness.
When Your Pet Must Stay Home
Pet Sitting Services are run by knowledgeable, experienced animal lovers. These wonderful people will come to your home to visit, walk, play with, feed, water and give medication to your pet. This is an ideal situation for a pet who can stay happily alone while you are away; or it may be perfect for the older pet who is less active.
Dog Kennels and Catteries are like motels for animals. The pets are kept in their own cubicles, some even allow more than one pet from the same family to stay in the same “room.” The handlers clean, water, feed and walk the pets in your absence. Often there are veterinarians on staff, so if your pet has a medical condition, this may be the best choice for you.
House Sitters are people who come to stay in your home in your absence and care for your home, your pets and your plants. This is the optimal arrangement for a pet that must be left home.
Services that match surrogate homes with pets are another way to go in a more populous region. These services will ask for information about your pet’s habits, behaviors, likes and dislikes and match him with a home for the duration of your trip. This is a good way to give your pet special care and is often like a vacation for them too!
Whatever you choose, know the right questions to ask potential caretakers, and then do what feels most appropriate for you and your animal.
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