How To Plan A Vacation With Pets

It’s not truly a family vacation without your four-legged family members. Bringing your cat or dog along can be a great way to connect with the people at your destination, try more outdoor activities, and best of all, enjoy your trip without worrying about how your pet is doing at home. Here’s how you can get your pets ready for your next trip:

Packing for a Vacation with Pets
Make two copies of your pet’s packing list: one for before your trip, and another for re-packing before you head home, that way you won’t leave anything behind.

• Proof of vaccinations/Pet travel health certificate
• Food and water bowls
• Enough food for duration of trip, or research locations to purchase additional food after arrival
• Treats
• Toys
• Litter box and litter, puppy pads
• Enzyme-based carpet cleaner
• Bed, blankets
• Daily medications and/or supplements
• Flea/tick and heartworm preventatives, either given before trip or brought along
• Leash, harness, collar with ID tag, microchip #
• Poop bags for dogs
• Airline approved carrier and/or crate
• Sweater, raincoat, booties, or other weather-appropriate apparel
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Brush or other grooming supplies
• Nails trimmed before trip, bring clippers for long trips
• Contact info for local vet and emergency vet clinic at location
• Contact info for local pet sitters, boarders

Where To Stay With Pets
Most hotels and resorts allow pets to stay with guests for a small fee. Make sure to review their policies on allowed species, number of pets, and what actions they may take if there’s an emergency, if your pet disturbs other guests, or damages property.
Private short-term rentals can be better for pets than a hotel. You’ll have more options as far as finding a property with a fenced yard, more room, and looser restrictions than a hotel.
Never sneak your pet into a hotel room or rental to bypass restrictions or avoid paying a pet fee. The staff may find out when they hear your pet or notice evidence of their stay during a cleaning. If you’re caught, you may be fined, kicked out, or even banned.

Planning A Pet-Friendy Itinerary
If you have a dog (or a particularly adventurous cat) you can research pet-friendly destinations before your trip. Make sure to call before you go to make sure any guidelines you find online are up-to-date. Beaches may be open to pets during off-peak seasons, usually after Labor Day until early May. Some allow pets year-round, though they may be restricted to certain areas. Plan ahead for extreme heat in the summer. You can bring a tent or umbrella for shade, and seek out pet-friendly stores nearby to escape from the sun.
Restaurants and cafes often have a pet-friendly patio area, but not all eateries with patios allow pets. You can also try timing your trip around special pet days held by sporting arenas, theme parks, and zoos.
Breweries, book stores, pet conventions and expos, and of course, pet retailers can be good places to check out. Again, always ask first.

Plan Ahead for Pet-Free Activities
Understandably, you might be looking forward to activities that are simply not pet-friendly.
If you need to leave your pet alone in a hotel room, it’s usually best they are contained in a crate so they do not destroy any furnishings, and so there’s no chance they will escape if hotel staff enters your room. Some hotels will require that you let them know if your pet is alone so they can call you if there’s an issue or an emergency, while others do not allow pets to stay in the rooms while unattended.
You can find a local pet sitter, boarding service, or dog walker to care for your pet while you’re away. These services tend to be booked during peak vacation months, so make plans in advance to ensure someone will be available for you.
Disney, Universal, and other resorts may have on-site pet daycare services for guests. Call ahead to make reservations.

Preparing Your Pet For Vacation
If you’re getting new gear for your trip, give your pet time to try it out in the weeks ahead. For example, leave their new carrier out and line it with their favorite blankets and toys so they’re tempted to try it out.
It’s not uncommon for pets to have anxiety on the road or in the air, spending time away from home, or being around the new, different sights, sounds, and smells of their destination. Calming treats, anxiety aids, and probiotics can help your pet relax as they learn to love traveling.