New York City, May 15, 2009 -- Memorial Day is just around the corner and many pet owners are choosing to take their pets along for the ride. The Travel Industry Association (TIA) reports that 29.1 million U.S. adults have traveled with a pet for a distance of 50 miles or more in the past three years. So whether your vacation is by car (76%), RV (10%) or airplane (6%), it's important to know how to keep your pet safe and happy throughout your journey.
Traveling by car
- Always have your dog checked by your veterinarian. While many dogs have a true sense of adventure, some aren't cut out for travel due to temperament or physical conditions.
- If your pet is new to traveling in a car, take it on a few short trips before embarking on a longer trip.
- Never let a dog ride with its head out the window. Dirt and debris can get in their eyes, nose and ear causing injury or infection.
- Don't think for a second that safety belts are for humans only. As your canine companions go along for the ride, dogs need to be buckled up too -- for everyone's protection.
- Stop for exercise and potty breaks every two hours and only provide small portions of food and water.
- If your dog is prone to car sickness, check with your vet on the best method of prevention.
- Never leave your pets alone in the car, no matter how briefly. Even in moderate temperatures, the inside of a car can heat up quickly causing heat stroke and in worst case scenarios, death.
Finding a pet-friendly place to stay
While most travelers with pets stay with friends and relatives (32%), an almost equal number (29%) stay in a hotel or motel. Consequently, finding pet-friendly accommodations is a very important part of your travel planning.
With the increasing trend of people traveling with pets, hotels, small inns, resorts and private rentals are now vying to attract four-legged guests. More than 35% of hotels in the United States and Canada allow pets to bunk with their owners.
Pet-friendly hotel offerings run the gamut from a Heavenly Dog Bed at Westin Hotels & Resorts and Frette Linens on dog beds at the St. Regis in Aspen to pet room service menus at Loews Hotels and a pet concierge service at Hilton Hotels.
So if you plan on traveling with your pet this Memorial Day weekend, make sure you plan ahead to ensure both you and your pet have a safe and happy holiday.
For more information on traveling with your pet go to http://www.webvet.com/
Traveling by car
- Always have your dog checked by your veterinarian. While many dogs have a true sense of adventure, some aren't cut out for travel due to temperament or physical conditions.
- If your pet is new to traveling in a car, take it on a few short trips before embarking on a longer trip.
- Never let a dog ride with its head out the window. Dirt and debris can get in their eyes, nose and ear causing injury or infection.
- Don't think for a second that safety belts are for humans only. As your canine companions go along for the ride, dogs need to be buckled up too -- for everyone's protection.
- Stop for exercise and potty breaks every two hours and only provide small portions of food and water.
- If your dog is prone to car sickness, check with your vet on the best method of prevention.
- Never leave your pets alone in the car, no matter how briefly. Even in moderate temperatures, the inside of a car can heat up quickly causing heat stroke and in worst case scenarios, death.
Finding a pet-friendly place to stay
While most travelers with pets stay with friends and relatives (32%), an almost equal number (29%) stay in a hotel or motel. Consequently, finding pet-friendly accommodations is a very important part of your travel planning.
With the increasing trend of people traveling with pets, hotels, small inns, resorts and private rentals are now vying to attract four-legged guests. More than 35% of hotels in the United States and Canada allow pets to bunk with their owners.
Pet-friendly hotel offerings run the gamut from a Heavenly Dog Bed at Westin Hotels & Resorts and Frette Linens on dog beds at the St. Regis in Aspen to pet room service menus at Loews Hotels and a pet concierge service at Hilton Hotels.
So if you plan on traveling with your pet this Memorial Day weekend, make sure you plan ahead to ensure both you and your pet have a safe and happy holiday.
For more information on traveling with your pet go to http://www.webvet.com/