Responsible pet ownership and pet parenting are hot topics. The amount of boutique retailers, pet spas, and pet boarding now available is astonishing. For pet lovers, these businesses are given warm welcoming and it’s obvious as to why. They supply goods and services that are increasingly in demand for our furry friends. rnClearly, traveling with pets is trending. Over 60% of Americans have traveled 50 miles or more with their pets and over a third of pet owners claim they have gone overseas with an animal. Let’s have a look at this overland and overnight pet travel aspect. When you get in your car and buckle your best friend in beside you, what are the most important considerations for the trip ahead?
1. Car Comforts. To date, there is no federal safety law for pets in cars but pet owners are wise to take precautions. The good news is, there’s a wealth of products available to keep your pet secure in their seat. Harnesses and seat belt clips are a good investment. Avoid tying your dog down in any way by the collar. Small dogs and cats are best kept in crates or kennels that are firmly positioned on the floor. rnDo keep air circulating throughout the car and if you have to leave your pet alone in a parked car, keep the window cracked and be mindful of direct sunlight and heat.
Don’t allow your pet to stick head out the window for extended periods of time, especially at high speeds.
Do bring towels, blankets, poop bags, small toys, easy-to-digest treats and a collapsible water bottle for the ride. A good rule of thumb is: the longer the trip, the more frequent the rest stops. Stay true to a schedule - one stop every two hours.
Don’t let your pet call shotgun. Travel Channel guru, Samantha Brown says, “The air-bag deployment
http://www.travelchannel.com/shows/samantha-brown/articles/sams-pet-friendly-travel-tips could be dangerous for your dog, so don’t let it ride in the front seat.”
2. Cat Café’s and Dog Diners. The first cat café opened in 1989. The premise was to sell 90-minute blocks of time for people to hang out with their felines over finger food. Today, more and more patios are lined with posts for leashing up pooches and restaurants are obtaining licenses that allow pets inside and table side. Before you scorn the places that aren’t pet friendly, keep in mind a few things about these establishments.
Do some research ahead of time. Just because a restaurant is pet-friendly doesn’t mean it’s nourishing or healthful. Despite our automatic acceptance of being accepted to places with our pets, we shouldn’t sidestep our options. It’s a simple fact. There are hygiene ramifications when animals are in close food being prepared. Search food places along your route, in advance, and affirm that they’re well established and abide by state health codes. Read the reviews.
Don’t feed your pet at the table unless there is something on the menu for them. Though we’ve come a long way in accepting pets in public, stay considerate of other people’s sensitivities.
Do maintain control over your pet. Keep dogs on a short leash, away from other diners and keep them from barking incessantly. Restrain your pet’s mouth if there’s any chance that he/she could bite or snap at someone.
rnDon’t forget to bring paperwork. Vaccinations and registration papers
http://www.akc.org/register/registering-a-dog/ are increasingly important to have on hand. “We felt obliged to allow pets in our coffee shop because they’re welcome everywhere else in town. We just require that patrons are willing to provide proof of dogs’ county registration,” explains one shopkeeper in Ocean Beach, California.
3. Places to Stay. As pet-friendly hotels have become competitively common, many travelers instantly book their accommodations – it’s no question – they can’t bear to leave their pets at home to miss them! On the other hand, the amount of boarding facilities and community pet-sitting businesses has also surged. Make sure and weigh your options. What is the purpose of your trip? Does the cat really need to come to your business conference? Or – why not take Fido along on the family campout?
Do understand the pet policies specific to your accommodations. (Read the fine print before you book!) Usually you’ll have to sign something before you check in. Read the fine print before you book. You don’t want to show up with a dog that’s 10 lbs. over the weight limit.
http://www.pet360.com/cat/lifestyle/the-truth-about-pet-friendly-hotels/YDxFGa4e2USflTGGGFpmIg
Don’t assume the whole chain is pet-friendly. You stayed at a Best Western in Chicago with your ferret, but that doesn’t mean the one in Houston will have him. Leah Preston oversees marketing for a smaller chain of six hotel suites
http://www.lbvorlandoresort.com/amenities-2/ and explains that “some of our properties have upscale amenities which makes it difficult to demarcate where pets can or cannot be allowed.” Understand that from a business perspective, it’s expensive to procure certain licensing and meet requirements for being pet-friendly. Ensure that the specific location you’re headed to allows pets.
Do consider what’s around the hotel. When you leave your room, is there anywhere to take your pet? If you’re traveling to spend some real time with your dog, for example you’re going to want walking trails, dog parks, swimming areas, etc. The hotel extras
http://www.thelagunabeachhouse.com/dog-friendly-hotel/ - like dog beds, complimentary treats and personalized water bowls are nice but you probably aren’t going to lock your dog in the room all day.
Don’t leave your pet alone in the room unattended. Not only is it usually against hotel policy, it’s almost guaranteed to make your pet nervous or anxious.