Doggy Travel Tips

If you are taken your good little doggy on a trip with you then consider the following!

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 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 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.