Doggy Travel Tips
by Austin Diego
Doggy Travel Tips Dogs on Planes Most
airlines will transport dogs either in the cargo hold or in the
passenger cabin of the plane.
Summer time... Try to book early or
late flights, when the temperature on the tarmac is less likely to
shoot up and endanger your little guy's health. Plus, travel non-stop
whenever possible.
However, some airlines won't let pets
travel in the baggage hold during the summer in order to prevent doggy
deaths.
American Airlines and Delta Air Lines
have an embargo on live animals in cargo between May 15 and September
15 of every year. Other airlines reserve the right to refuse to
transport doggies at their discretion when the weather heats up.
Southwest Airlines has a strict no-dog
or pet policy, so if you're flying with your furry friend, try another
airline like Alaska! America West will not transport dogs or pets as
baggage. If you want to fly with your good little doggy, it must
qualify as a cabin pet. Arrange this early and don't even think about
carrying on your PITBULL!
Expect to pay approx. $100 regardless
of whether your dog rides with you or in the baggage compartment.
Airlines usually restrict the number
of pets that can travel as carry-on luggage, so be sure to call as far
ahead as possible to arrange for Fido's trip.
If your dog is traveling as cargo
(that seems so rude to say!) penned up in a cage, you may have to drop
Fido off at the airport's cargo facility, which almost always is in a
separate part of the airport.
Your doggy must be at least eight
weeks old, weaned and healthy, and bring their health certificates from
a vet dated no more than 10 days prior to your departure date.
Car Travel Before you jump into your
SUV and venture across the country, get your pet used to travel by
taking him for a few "test runs" around the neighborhood. Some doggies
have sensitive tummies and can get canine car sickness! (Blah!)
Bring a copy of your pet's vaccination
records, a health certificate showing that he is free of infectious
diseases, and a separate rabies certificate. If there's any chance that
you might put your pooch in a kennel, a Bordatella vaccination (to
protect against kennel cough) is recommended.
Doggies have to pee too! Be kind and
make a pit-stop every few hours for your sake and your pet's. Bring dog
toys and other playful dog products and encourage your dog to get some
exercise during your breaks. And it might be a good idea for you to get
some exercise too! Be careful and make sure your doggy has it's leash
to his collar secured before hopping out of the car, no matter how safe
the area may seem.
PLEASE...Don't leave your best doggy
friend unattended in the car. Even with the window cracked,
temperatures can climb to life-threatening levels in just a few minutes
during the summer. It's called good little doggy abuse!
If your dog does need emergency care,
call the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) at 800-252-2242
for the location of the nearest AAHA-certified veterinarian.
Finding a Hotel That Accepts Pets For
information on special resorts and hotels;Pet friendly places that
pamper dogs as much as their owners, head to www.Travelocity.com or
check out these publications: Pets Welcome: A Guide to Hotels, Inns,
and Resorts That Welcome You and Your Pet, by Kathleen Devanna Fish and
Robert Fish; and Travel With or Without Pets: 25,000 Pets-R-Permitted
Accommodations, Petsitters, Kennels and More!, by M. E. Nelson.
When using www.Travelocity.com to
research hotels, you'll see a list of icons indicating what amenities
are available at each hotel. If the little dog icon is highlighted in
blue, then the hotel will consider pets. Be sure to call the hotel in
advance, however, to learn of any restrictions, deposits and rules that
may apply.
During check-in, ask where your dog
can and can't be walked. Also, in the event that Fido has an accident,
get a run-down of the hotel's cleaning costs and damage fees in
writing.
Be a courteous guest. Place a mat
under your pet's food and water dishes in case of spills. And insist
that your pet sleep on the floor with bedding brought from
home--although it may be a different story at home, he does not belong
on the hotel bed or furniture.
Don't leave your dog alone in your
room, how would you like to go on a trip and be stuck in the room?
Besides your good little doggy may turn into a naughty little doggy and
may startle the maid, or worse, run amok in his unfamiliar
surroundings. If you plan to take some time away from Fido, look for a
hotel with pet-sitting services.
Austin is a doggy writer specializing
in dog related issues such as product reviews, training tips, travel
with pets.
Austin Diego may be contacted at http://www.goodlittledoggy.com
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