Pet Friendly Places When You Travel

People with pets know how challenging it can be to plan a vacation or trip including the family pet. However, in recent years, the trend towards pet-friendly facilities is growing in popularity. It is estimated that over 25% of the world's population travels with their pets and according to the Airline Transportation Association, more than 500,000 animals fly each year. In fact, traveling with pets is becoming more and more popular.

Fun Facts about People Traveling with their Pets:

• 19% of dog owners take their pet with them when traveling (American Pet Products Manufacturers Association and National Pet Owners Survey)
  
  
• 67% of pet owners travel with their pet (American Animal Hospital Association)
  
• 42% of pet owners have traveled out of state with their pet (American Animal Hospital Association)
  
• Dogs are the most common pet to take on trips (80%), followed by cats, birds, rabbits or fish (USA Today, May 9, 2006)

While approximately 1/3 of pet owners leave their pet with a friend or relative when traveling, many take their pet with them. For this reason more and more hotels are adapting a "pet friendly policy" for all their guests. A few hotels surpass expectations and openly welcome pets by offering services especially for your pet.

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Locating a Pet-Friendly Hotel:

• Consult an internet-based pet travel agency online.
  
• Check out the web site of the hotel you are likely to stay in. Most hotel web sites will list all the benefits, as well as any special policies which apply to their rooms, such as no smoking, pet facilities, etc. If you do not see this information, you can usually find it by calling the hotel using the telephone number listed on their site.
  
• Do an online search-by-city of ski resorts, campgrounds and beaches that are pet friendly.
  
• Fortunately for pet owners, there are many pet friendly hotels to choose from when traveling.

Finding a pet friendly hotel is easier than you may think. The number of Americans traveling with their pets has increased greatly in recent years, so more and more hotels have adopted a pet-friendly attitude towards their guests. However, there are still smaller hotel chains and independent hotels that do not offer pet facilities or allow them in guests' rooms. To help you plan your trip, here are a list of great web sites to check for pet-friendly hotels and nearby recreational facilities:

• petswelcome.com
  
• tripswithpets.com
  
• officialpethotels.com
  

When booking your hotel, ask what services the hotel offers to accommodate you and your pet. Many hotels will go the extra mile to ensure that both you and your pet have a pleasant stay.
Hotel services for your pet may include:

• Local dog walking services
  
• Grooming
  
• Cookies for special occasions
  
• Pet taxi
  
• Training
  
• Doggie treat

Other amenities may include food and water bowls, doggie sidewalk bags and kitty litter pans and easy access to a local dog park.

Traveling With Your Pet:

While most pet owners travel with their pet on the road, many pet owners take their pet with them on airplanes. If you are flying with your pet, call the airline to check on any regulations and/or special requirements for pet travel. There may be restrictions on the type or size of the pet carrier that is allowed. You don't want to show up for your flight and find out your pet can't go with you.

If you are renting a car, it is suggested that you put together a driving map with a list of pet-friendly rest-stops and restaurants along the way. It's also important that you check with the rental car agency you have chosen to make sure they offer pet-friendly vehicles that will accommodate your family, your luggage and your pet. They may have pet-friendly vehicles, but only in certain sizes which may not be large enough, or perhaps are too large to suite your plans and driving preferences.

Make sure you keep a list of emergency veterinary clinics in the area to which you’re headed. Sometimes accidents happen or you pet may become ill while you are away from home. You want to make sure your pet gets the necessary medical attention as soon as possible so your family can enjoy your vacation. This may also help you avoid further complications once you get home.

Next time you think about leaving your pet home, reconsider. There are many options available now for travelers with pets; Pet owners are no longer limited to campgrounds.