PawshPaws

With the holidays approaching, many of us have travel on our minds and that brings about the question of what to do with your pet dog while you travel?

Dogs do like to travel, it’s true. Adventurous by nature, they want to check out new sights and sounds. They like to meet and see new people. But this does not mean that traveling with a dog is as easy as traveling with your clutch bag.

Fortunately, these days, there are many options for you to choose from when planning your vacations.

Here are some tips on how to have a worry-free travel experience with your pet dog:

1. Hiring a pet sitter

If you are traveling far away from home without your pet dog, you might want to consider hiring a pet sitter who could take care of your dog full-time. A pet sitter could be a member of your family or a neighbor who could watch over your dog.

Keep in mind that professional pet sitters are becoming more and more common these days and can provide you with the confidence and reassurance that your pets are in a comfortable enviornment while you are away. You could ask your veterinarian or groomer to recommend a professional pet sitter to do the pet-sitting for you.

Furthermore, professional pet sitters come in all different forms these days. Some will come to your home several times a day to care for your pet, others will take your pets into their own home to care for them, while others will stay in your home to watch over your pets while you are traveling. Check around in your area and pick the best option for your needs.

2. Leaving the dog in a kennel

If you choose to leave your pet in a kennel, shop around for recommendations for a good one from friends that own dogs, or your vet.

Go to the kennel before taking your dog and check if animals look well-cared for and that the facility is comfortable and clean. Chat with the staff to make sure that your dog will be cared for properly.

3. Traveling with your dog

Should you decide that you want to bring your dog along with you while traveling, ask your vet for tips on how to best travel with a dog, including problems in the transportation methods. And make sure to ask if he or she could give your dog a certificate of clean health.

If you are flying via airplane, you should have a sturdy carrier for your pet. If not, the airline could ask you to buy a carrier from them. Some airlines allow your pet in the passenger compartment with you. Others put all the animals in the luggage compartment.

If you are riding in a car, the air conditioning should be kept on. Do not leave your dog unattended in a car that is parked. Do not park in direct sunlight even for a brief period of time, as it could drastically raise the heat temperature inside your car that might result in dehydration, heat stroke, or worse.

In addition, the trends for 2009 show us that many hotels across the country are adopting pet friendly policies. Several chains have announced new pet-friendly policies that include everything from oversized pet pillows, plush doggie robes, to check-in gift packages that include a pet toy, dog treat, ID tag, bone and turn down treat. Some even have a licensed dog masseuse on staff. So if you are planning on staying in hotels while traveling, just make sure to plan ahead because not all hotels allow pets.

4. Foreign travel

Traveling with a dog or any other pet in foreign countries can prove to be difficult. Check with your vet for some tips. You might also want to ask the local consulate of the country you are visiting what their requirements arer for bringing your pet along.

Going places with your dog may be a pleasant experience. But you should remember that taking your dog with you anywhere (or any pet), could be a bit difficult.