Things to consider before taking your pet on vacation
Pets are like family members to most pet owners, so it’s no surprise that many pet owners worry about their pet when it comes to planning family vacations. There are many factors to consider when considering taking your family pet on a trip. Here are some things to consider before you commit to taking Fido on your next road trip.
Accommodation – When considering taking your pet on vacation, you’ll want to check out accommodations that allow such things and will gladly welcome your beloved pet. In most places, you will be able to find hotels, condominiums, cabins, etc. that accept pets. they are set up to allow pet owners the joy of bringing their four-legged friends. Many of these places will have designated locations that allow your pet to freely play, run, and frolic by your side.
Cost – Once you find those special spots that will accommodate your pet, you’ll want to consider the cost. Many (if not most) places that allow pets will charge extra for that luxury. They’ll have to thoroughly clean that place after you’ve left and most will even spray for fleas so the next visitor and their pet don’t have to worry about previous guests leaving fleas behind. All this will cost you more. If you decide to leave your pet at home, you’ll want to consider the cost of boarding the pet while you’re gone. Sometimes it is cheaper to pay the fees on vacation than the fees at a doggy daycare.
Availability of caregiver – If you leave your pet at home, you’ll want to make sure you have someone who is willing and able to come by every day to take care of your beloved friend. Is your pet going to stay inside the house, or outside? Will the sitter be able to handle an overly excited pet who hasn’t seen anyone all day and is now vying for attention (think big dogs)? If your pet will be left outside, will it have an adequate supply of water and food until the sitter arrives to replenish it?
Pet Health – One of the most important things to consider before taking your pet on vacation is your pet’s health. Have they had all their vaccinations? There is no telling how many dogs and cats have stayed in the same accommodation as you, or what they have left behind. Is your pet healthy to travel? Are there no diseases that can be passed on to other pets in the area? Will your vet give the pet a clean bill of health? Some locations even require a signed statement from your vet stating that your pet is healthy before allowing your pet to stay on their premises.
To travel – Is your pet a good traveler? Do you like to travel by car? Or do they cry, bark, whine to be let out? Will there be places on your route where you can stop so they can take a walk and go to the bathroom? What happens when you decide to stop and eat? Will they stay in the car? Is the temperature low enough for them to safely stay in the car? Or will you be flying? So you have a new set of things to consider. Traveling long distances can be just as uncomfortable for your pet as it is for you. Think about its comfort before you go on a long road trip.
Pet temperament- Your pet’s temperament will also help you decide whether to take it with you or leave it at home. If your pet is too aggressive, you better not take it on vacation where there are a lot of people or other pets. If your pet is noisy, then it’s best not to stay indoors like a hotel or condominium building. You certainly don’t want people around you complaining that your dog is ruining their own vacation. If your pet is skittish around strangers, then you don’t want to take him for walks in crowded parks.
Supervision – If you’re taking your pet on vacation, you’ll want to consider the amount of supervision you’ll be able to (or want to) give your pet. Would you be with them all the time while you relax? Or would you be out all day seeing the sights of the city you’re vacationing in, while leaving your pet to fend for itself in the unfamiliar territory of your vacation rental? Some dogs and cats have a hard time with new environments and tend to destroy just about everything in sight when you’re not there to supervise. You’ll also want to factor in the cost of anything they might destroy in your absence.
The family pet is a valued member of the family, but sometimes it’s best left behind when it’s time to take the family on vacation. Only take your pet when you know you can give them the same attention, care, and consideration they’ve always received from you, without disturbing other families who are on vacation as well. There is nothing worse than hearing a dog bark at all hours of the night when you have kids trying to sleep and you are on vacation to relax. Be considerate of your pet’s needs, as well as those of your own family, when planning to take your pet on vacation. Do you want to take care of your pet while you are supposed to have fun and relax? Only you can decide what is best for you and your pet, and only you can decide if you want to take a break from the responsibilities that your pet brings with it.