The festive
period is all about getting to see family and friends, even the ones that live
far away. It’s a great thing to travel and see the loved ones that you've been
missing all year, but what about your furrier loved ones at home?
Pet
owners always have to face the difficult task of figuring out what to do with
their four-legged best friends when they need to take a few days off for
holiday celebrations. My Pawson, and their guidance on dog
friendly hotels can help you narrow down the hotels in your area that gladly
accept pets, but there can be even more to consider.
Flying
A recent
article in USA Today details the perils you should consider when planning
to fly anywhere with a pet. Of course many airlines have policies allowing pets to fly on the
plane, but it can turn into a complicated issue depending on the breed and size
of your particular animal. Humane Associations often advise that puppies and
sick animals should not be flying at all. If your pet has reached a certain age
and already has health issues, it just might not be worth it to take them to
your holiday party far away. Keep their best interest in mind when trying to
decide if it’s appropriate for them to fly.
Just
like for people, takeoffs and landings can be particularly scary for your pets.
When booking flights, make sure to try and book direct, non-stop flights to
minimize the number of times your pet will be experiencing this unnerving part
of flight and the amount of time you will have to wait in an airport for a
connection.
Driving
Of course many people won’t be taking to the
skies with their pets in tow, but rather to the roads. This mode of travel has
its own, perhaps worse perils for your comfort. There is much less danger and
stress for a dog in a car than being in the luggage hold of a plane, but that doesn't mean they will handle it any better. Don’t assume that your dog will
make a good passenger on a long road trip if they've only ever made quick
jaunts to the vet.
The
motion and length of a car ride can make pets agitated and nervous. Be prepared
to stop when they need to, have snacks and water ready, and try to keep them
from distracting you. If you haven’t already, this could be the perfect
opportunity to invest in a pet carrier that will keep them safely in the back
of the car and out of your way. Even if your pet is uncomfortable, the most
important thing is keeping your own eyes on the road.
Alternatives
In your
community, there are undoubtedly kenneling services that will put your pets up
for you while your away. Be sure and check reviews and try to find someone who
has had a positive experience before making a final decision as these
businesses can expose your pet to illness and unsanitary conditions. If you’re
still not sure about what to do with your pet while your traveling, do a little
more research with articles like
this one and
consult with fellow pet owners to find out the best way to get your whole family
safely to your holiday celebrations.
