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TRAVELING
WITH YOUR PET |
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We all know pets are people too. At
least a growing number of people feel that way as the number of people
vacationing with their pets is growing. As one might expect, the largest
traveling pet owner group are dog owners since they bond more with their pal
more than cats, birds, snakes and rats. This is also the fastest growing
group when it comes to first time pet travelers. And many haven't a clue how
to prepare and what to expect. Here is everything you need to know
about traveling with your pet on a plane, train, ship or even on a long road
trip. |
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Hotels and your pet Different hotels have different
policies. Here are some of the larger chains policies - always call first at
the individual hotel. Starwood Hotels (Sheraton, Westin, W): These hotels within
North America will welcome dogs as guests into their hotels, in accordance
with local health codes. W Hotels will also welcome cats. The hotels will
pamper pooches with luxurious custom pet beds and other amenities, such as
floor mats, food bowls, ID tags, and more. All guests checking in with a dog
will receive a "welcome kit" to include information on nearby areas
for exercise and other goodies to help make traveling with your dog more
enjoyable. Some hotels may require
an extra per night charge and/or a deposit. There is a weight limit of 80
pounds (40 pounds at Westin). However, dogs exceeding the weight limit and
pets other than dogs may be accepted into the hotel at the General Manager's
discretion. Pet owners will be responsible for their canine companions and
for any excessive damage they may cause. You will be required to sign a pet
waiver upon check in. Additional restrictions may apply and full hotel
details are available upon request. |
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W Hotels pamper your dog with a special bed and doggie
treats |
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Klimpton Hotels: Any type of pet, no fee or deposit, no limit on number of
pets, no weight limit. All 39 Kimpton Hotels accept dogs and most also accept
cats and some even bunny rabbits and even have special packages for traveling
pet owners. Kimpton offers pet treats, bedding, dog walking services and even
special meals in some properties. Ritza Cralton: Ritz Carlton accepts small pets only under 30 lbs. There is a charge
of $50.00 per day per pet. Loews Hotels: No Restrictions. Loews Hotels offers a standardized
"Loews Loves Pets" program at the chain’s 16 hotels across the US
and in Canada. Well behaved pets of all types (except some aggressive breeds)
are welcome. The Loews program offers specialized services and first-class
amenities designed to make pets and their owners feel at home when traveling
together. Pet Amenities: Personal welcoming note
from the hotel general manager with a listing of pet services available at
the hotel, including dog-walking routes, veterinarian information, pet shop
and grooming locations, pet attractions, pet-sitters, pet-friendly
restaurants, and other resources. Specialized bedding for dogs and cats. Complimentary
bag of pet treats and a pet toy. Special pet place mats with food and water
bowls, and a special "Do Not Disturb" sign. Pet menu items include
dishes such as grilled lamb or chicken with rice for dogs, grilled liver or
salmon with rice for cats, and for health conscious cats and dogs Loews also
offers a vegetarian entrée. Additional Pet Services include pet-walking and
sitting services can be arranged through the concierge desk The Loews
"Did You Forget Closet" includes: dog and cat beds in different
sizes, leashes and collars, and pet videos; guests can also purchase essential
items through the "Did You Forget Closet" including: kitty litter
boxes, pooper-scoopers, and pet toys. Rooms for guests staying with pets
undergo special cleaning procedures including the use of specially-filtered
vacuums to remove pet allergens in preparation for subsequent guests. Red Roof Inn: One well-behaved family pet is permitted unless they are
prohibited by state law or ordinance. Service animals are always welcome.
Pets must be declared during guest registration. In consideration of all Red
Roof Inn guests, pets must never be left unattended in the guestroom. Red
Roof Inn welcomes pets at over 350 locations throughout the U.S. Shoney’s Inn: Most Shoney's Inn's take pets of all sizes (except aggressive
breeds) at no charge, however some may not. Be sure to call the hotel you are
anticipating visiting to confirm their pet policy. LaQuinta Inns and Suites: La Quinta has over 350 pet-friendly locations from coast
to coast. Cats and dogs up to 50 pounds are accepted in all guest rooms
(unless prohibited by law). Housekeeping services for rooms with pets require
pet owner be present or pet must be crated. No fees or deposits are required. Four Seasons: Small pets only - generally under 25lbs; pet must be fully
trained and appropriately restrained by guest; pet must comply with local
legislation requirements; pet must be kept on a leash when in the hotel or on
hotel property unless it is in the guest's room; pets must not be left
unattended. If guest requires a pet-sitter or pet supplies, they should
contact the concierge with advance notice; pets are not allowed in any food
and beverage outlets, health club and pool areas of the hotel. This exclusion
does not apply to guide dogs; guests are responsible for cleaning up after
their pet on hotel property and in the neighborhood. Any disturbances such as
barking must be curtailed to ensure other guests are not inconvenienced;
guests must contact the housekeeping department to arrange for a convenient
time for servicing their room; guests are responsible for all property
damages and/or personal injuries resulting from their pet; guests agree to
indemnify and hold harmless the hotel, its owners and its operator from all
liability and damage suffered as a result of the guest's pet. The hotel
reserves the right to charge guest's account commensurate to the cost of such
damages. Amerisuites: A pet friendly hotel that understands pets are an extension of
your family. They gladly welcome our guests traveling with small pets and
dogs at all properties, subject to state and local laws. The following represent their
pet friendly hotel policy: Service Animals accompanying persons with
disabilities are always accepted. Pets must weigh under 30 lbs. Pets must not
be left unattended in the hotel room or suite. A pet fee of $10.00 is
required for each pet. Marriott: Marriott and JW
Marriott hotels, as a rule, don't accept pets. However most of the Residence
Inn's, Fairfield Inn's, Townplace Inn's and Courtyard's accept pets. Each
location has it’s own rules so call first. To find locations use Marriott’s Pet Friendly Hotel Finder. They list 988 that accept pets. Wyndham: Wyndham has
sixteen hotels in the United States and Canada that allow pets. Six of those
hotels are in California and Texas. Each hotel has it's own policy ranging
from size limits to cleaning fee. The Orange County Wyndham only says it
allows pets. Go to Wyndham’s Pet Friendly Hotel guide and
select a hotel from the drop down menu. The policy is stated in the hotel's
“Guest Rooms” page. Extended Stay: One
pet is allowed in each guest room and when you bring a pet, there will be a
non-refundable cleaning fee charged upon check-in on the first night. This
charge will be $25 dollars for each night of your stay but will not exceed
$150. Weight, size and breed restrictions may apply. Please contact the hotel
directly with inquiries. Beyond this, please be respectful of other guests
and be sure to stay attentive of your pet. Please contact the Extended Stay
hotel directly to learn more about the pet friendly program and to secure a
full copy of the pet policy. Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Clarion, Mainstay, Rodeway Inn,
Econolodge, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn): Offers more than 2,500 pet-friendly lodging
options. So pack the leash and the treats and enjoy a vacation with your dog
at one of their pet-friendly hotels today. Go to the companies Pet
Friendly search page and plug in your destination. |
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Flying with your pet Every
airline requires a bill of health issued by a veterinarian within 10 days of
the flight. After examining your pet, the veterinarian has to sign an
official certificate saying that the animal is healthy and able to fly. You
may also want to ask your veterinarian about sedating your pet for the
flight. (Hawaii requires a
Health Certificate, proof of vaccination, and quarantine.) For international
flights you generally will be required to present these documents, and your
pet may be required to stay in quarantine. Check with the embassy or
consulate of your destination for documentation requirements. Airlines vary as to
their tranquilizing policies. Some will allow tranquilizing only with written
consent from your veterinarian; others state that tranquillizing is
"strongly discouraged." Most airlines will not allow pets less than
eight weeks to fly, and may have special recommendations for puppies and
kittens (vaccinations, worming, and food). Older animals may also be required
to undergo a more extensive medical examination (such as liver and kidney
screens) before being allowed to fly. Most
airlines require that your pet be flown in an airline-approved kennel. Inside
the crate your pet should have enough room to stand up and turn around
without its head touching the top of the kennel. Believe it or not, it is
important to put stickers on the kennel directing which way is up. Also, make
sure the phone number and address at your home and your destination are
posted on the kennel in a prominent spot. To make your pet's trip
more comfortable, you will want to walk your dog before and after the trip.
For long, international trips the airline may require that you have a layover
in order to give your pet time to rest and relieve himself. A disposable
litter box in the kennel can make your cat, rabbit, ferret, or other small
mammal more comfortable. Before flying, be sure to give your pet plenty of
time to become familiar with the kennel. A favorite blanket or towel in the
kennel can make your pet feel safe, as well as physically comfortable. Inside
the kennel send bedding, food, water, and a small leash. Shredded newspaper makes
an absorbent bedding; cat litter might spill and make a mess. Food and water
dishes must be attached to the kennel's door. NOTE: freezing the water
prevents it from spilling in the kennel while your pet is being loaded. Provide
some food and a feeding schedule, even if your flight will last only a few
hours. Flights can be delayed, and it is important that the people who take
care of your pet have instructions. The
time of year raises concerns about temperature. American Airlines, for
example, does not send pets in cargo between May 15 and September 15. Other
airlines decide the day of the flight whether it is OK for your pet to fly.
If temperatures above 85 degrees F or below 10 degrees F are forecast at any
of the airports on your itinerary, your pet will not be loaded on the plane
because it may be exposed to harsh temperatures for more than 45 minutes
during layovers. Snub-nosed pets, such as shar-peis and Persian cats, are not
allowed to fly if the temperature is expected to be greater than 75 degrees F
because they have greater difficulty breathing in hot weather. Use your
common sense; the stress of heat and the flight could be life-threatening. Service animals are
generally allowed in the cabin without charge and without needing
reservations; by law, they must be allowed in the cabin. They must be kept
leashed or harnessed, but are not restricted to a kennel. They must occupy
the floor space (rather than a seat), and cannot obstruct the aisle or
emergency exit. They are also subject to any quarantine laws. Generally,
primates are only allowed in the cabin when they are service animals. The
airline may also include law enforcement and search and rescue animals in its
service animal category. Of course, the most
important thing to remember when flying with your pet is to check the website
of the airline that you will be flying to determine what requirements or
restrictions you might face with your pet. If your pet has a medical
condition, or is over seven years of age, you will want to check whether
there are special restrictions. If your pet is especially young (but still
over eight weeks) or large, you will want to check whether there are special
restrictions as well. If your questions are not answered online, contact the
airline's toll free number. It is much better to have your questions answered
before hand, than to find yourself frantically trying to find a way to get
your pet to your destination if he is not allowed on the flight with you. |
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Driving with your pet Dogs love to ride in cars. Many
dogs quickly associate "car" with that wonderful sensation of being
carried at great speeds, with the wind blowing through their hair. Be sure to
make the ride safe. If you're going to take Fido for a ride, think twice about letting
him stick his head out the window. The roadway contains many dangers, not the
least of which is a sideswiping car. You can fulfill your dog's desire to
sample air at 55 mph by opening the window just a few inches, not large
enough for him to stick his neck out, but enough for him to enjoy the ride. Roads
often contain debris, such as pieces of asphalt, stones, rubber and glass. A
spinning tire can spit a piece of debris with the velocity to crack your
windshield or damage your car's body. Objects can also hit your pet if he has
his head out the window. Never leave your dog or any animal
unattended in the car, even in cool weather. The sun can turn your
car into a suffocating furnace in minutes (temperatures can shoot to 120
degrees Fahrenheit within minutes). You also risk theft by leaving your dog
in a car. Letting your dog run loose in the car can cause accidents when he
gets under your pedal or bumps the steering wheel. Dogs can also jump out
(even dogs that have never done that before after years of riding quietly)
when they see another dog or person that they want to greet. Dogs have also
been known to fall out when your car is struck by another car or your car is
quickly jolted to avoid an accident. Many pets are severely injured in these
situations. The safest place for him is in the car, either in a carrier or a
restraining harness, which is available at most pet supply stores. If you drive a pick-up, Keep
your dog in the cab. Allowing dogs to ride in the back of pickup
trucks is always a bad idea. He may jump or fall out onto the roadway, right
in front of an oncoming car. Don't
assume your dog is too smart to jump out! Injury from leaping out of a
truck is actually common for veterinarians to see. A dog that spots a
squirrel may leap out even if he is supposed to know better. In addition, a
sudden stop or jerk could fling him out as well. If he's tethered, then you
risk dragging him if he falls out. |
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Cats generally hate riding in cars. But
if you're going to take Sylvester for a ride, think twice about leaving the car
windows down. Unlike dogs, most cats do not enjoy sticking their head out of
the window but will take any opportunity to jump out to freedom. Cats
escaping from moving cars can incur serious injuries, even death. The safest place to keep your cat during a car ride is in a carrier.
By confining your cat, you eliminate the risk of his escape, and reduce his
chances of injury in case of an accident or sudden stop. A cat
loose in the car is also a hazard to yourself and other drivers. He can
become a dangerous distraction to you, and can even get under the brake pedal
or some other dangerous place. If you're taking him on a long trip, remember to bring water, litter
and food. You should stop every so often to let him stretch his legs and to
eliminate (don't forget to bring a litter box). |
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Cruising with your pet This is easy... Cunard is the only
cruise line that allows dogs and cats. And only dogs and cats. Birds, snakes,
rats, and lizards need not apply. Animals
are only permitted on the cruise lines scheduled transatlantic crossings, not on the regular cruises around the
Mediterranean or the Caribbean. They have to have all the necessary
paperwork. They are boarded in there's a luxury kennel. The kennel is fully
climate-controlled and a chart on the wall lists each animal's dietary
preferences, while doggie lifejackets are stored in a special cupboard and
the floor is scattered with chews and toys. There isn't a ship that allows you to have pets in your staterooms.
Cruise lines are very strict when it comes to cleanliness, keeping up to
code, avoiding illness, etc. Rail
Travel with your pet Amtrak
does not allow animals onboard their trains with the exception of service
animals. Your pet can travel with you on most
trains in Europe including France, Germany and Italy. England: Pets are accepted trains
operated by National Rail. For other lines in the UK check with the Railway
as some do not allow pets. For information on the trains operated by NATIONAL
RAIL scroll to the bottom of the page. In most cases, small dogs travel free or
at a minimal charge, and large dogs travel at half the 2nd class fare, even
if traveling with passengers in 1st class; this charge is payable directly to
the conductor. Often, dogs are required to be kept in a
traveling container or must wear a muzzle and a leash. Dogs in a carrier may
travel at a minimal cost, depending on the country. A small domestic animal
in a carrier can travel free of charge. Dogs for the blind, travel free of
charge. Dogs are allowed on trains as long as the
other passengers sharing the car/compartment agree to it. A dog is allowed in
a sleeper car only if it is fully occupied by the owner (i.e. two passengers
with a dog in a double). Dogs/other
animals are not allowed on all trains in Great Britain, Ireland, or Norway
but are allowed on many of the local trains. No pet or animal, except guide
dogs, may be taken on the Eurostar. You should always double check all rules
locally. |
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