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Traveling
With your Pet
by Casa
Laguna Inn **
Traveling
with your pet can be a great experience for you,
your pet and your fellow travelers.
 Your
pet will enjoy new scenery and gets out of the
same old routine. You get to enjoy your friend
in new and exciting circumstance. In addition,
you'll travel without the worries and expense
associated with leaving your "best friend" behind
in someone else's care.
Well
behaved pets add character and pleasure to most
situations. It's well documented that pets can
lower the blood pressure and heart rate of humans
with whom they come in contact. What better time
to receive maximum results of this benefit than
while traveling and on vacation?
Some
things to keep in mind when planning to travel
with your pet:
- The
safety and comfort of your traveling companion
(two or four-legged) should be a primary concern.
Ensure the climate and circumstances at your
destination are right for your pet at the time
of year you plan to travel.
- Not
everyone loves pets (or your pet) as much as
you do. Respect the personal space of other
travelers and don't let Rover rove over to others
not otherwise interested in your pet.
- A
new location does not necessarily bring out
new ability or restore fitness in an sedentary
pet. Be cognizant of your pet's fitness level
and ability. If it's going to be an active vacation,
work up to a higher level of fitness and activity
in the days before your trip.
- Take
supplies to cover you in the event of an unexpected
delay (cancelled or delayed flight, car trouble,
etc.) A small amount of food, water, a couple
of toys and poop bags are essential and don't
take up much room. If there's room, your friend's
bed or favorite blanket with be a comforting
item when you reach new and unfamiliar surroundings.
- Consider
packing a small first aid kit, just in case.
- If
you are traveling when the weather is likely
to be hot, make sure your air conditioning system
is fully functional. Consider having it serviced
before you begin your journey.
- When
traveling by air, check with the airline when
you begin planning your trip. Policies vary
by carrier, destination and time of the year.
Most pets will have to travel as cargo without
heat or air conditioning. Some airlines prohibit
flying your pet during certain times of the
year.
- If
your path takes you to the beach or other wilderness,
bring a couple of towels to clean up with afterwards.
Not all hotels or stops along the way will be
setup to accommodate wet or dirty pets.
- For
pets that will join you on the furniture and
bed, consider bringing a couple of sheets to
cover furniture that isn't yours the during
your stay.
- Know
the leash laws and restrictions on where pets
can and cannot go at your destination. An unfortunate
encounter with an Animal Control officer can
ruin a holiday for everyone.
- Know
where a 24 hour Vet, the pet store and ideally
a pet sitter are in your destination. A pet
sitter can free you up to enjoy attractions
where your "best friend" may not be permitted.
You should avoid leaving your pet in a hotel
room unattended. Most hotels with Pet Policies
do not permit unattended pets in rooms, kenneled
or not.
- Keep
and take with you a file of your pet's heath
records, just in case you decide to board along
the way or in the event of an unscheduled trip
to a Vet in a new area.
Happy
trails and happy tails!
© Copyright Casa
Laguna Inn
No unauthorized duplication
without written consent.
**The
Casa Laguna Inn in Laguna Beach welcomes well
behaved and healthy pets traveling with their
people. A pet welcome kit will greet your best
friend upon arrival! Reservations: 1-800-233-0449 |
