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TRAVELING PETS
Like many households on Nantucket, we are entertaining houseguests this week. Fortunately, it's family, and they have been here before, so we are spared some of the tour guide chores and obligatory host duties that define summertime in a desirable resort location. Of course, they wanted to bring their dog, and we are happy to oblige, but this reminds me how traveling with a pet can get complicated.
Now we all know that getting to and from our special place can be problematic.
Throw in a 90-pound dog and a tight schedule and things can get even more interesting. In order to accommodate Boomer's traveling needs, half of our party arrived by plane from Washington DC and the other half drove from Washington to New Bedford. As the southernmost regional airport from the Cape offering service to Nantucket, New Bedford was the destination of choice. No crates or major restrictions, just a reservation for the one pet space available, $10.00 and a leash.
This was Plan A; however, as might be expected, things didn't quite work out that way. Unexpected delays and heavy traffic caused missed flights, necessitating Plans B, C and finally D. But everyone finally arrived and Boomer was the least fazed of the lot.
If all this sounds over the top to you, then you must not have a pet. Over three-quarters of pet owners take their pets, usually dogs, with them when they travel and about three-quarters of those travel by car or recreational vehicle. This trend is not lost on the travel industry, and more and more accommodations are welcoming pets. Major chains such as Holiday Inn, Residence Inns by Marriott, La Quinta, Candlewood Suites, Red Roof Inns and many smaller establishments allow pets and often provide extra amenities for your pet's traveling comfort. People willingly pay extra for having their pet with them, and most won't blanch at adding up to an extra $50.00fortheprivilege. Web sites such as petswelcome.com, dogfriendly.com and bringyourpet.com offer information to assist in planning a trip with your pet and list available accommodations throughout the country or even outside the U.S.
According to an online survey by TRIPSwithPETS.com, while most pet owners use online resources to research accommodations, most prefer contacting the establishment directly to make a reservation. Personal contact assures the owner that their pet is permitted and expected and clarifies any requirements of that stay, such as crating your pet when in the room. Talking with someone familiar with the property is a good way to reserve a first floor room near an exit so walking the pet is easier.
While most pets are good travelers, they might not start out that way. It is not uncommon for puppies to experience car sickness, as did Geronimo as a puppy. An unwell puppy can ruin any trip in a hurry, but fortunately, with exposure, most puppies seem to outgrow motion sickness. Avoid feeding for several hours before going in the car and develop tolerance by taking short trips, just around the block or to the store. Relieve anxiety on longer trips by taking frequent breaks.
Before you start on any major car trip, have your vet check your pet a week or two before you leave. A certificate of health is required for public transportation, interstate and foreign travel. If your dog has any medical issues, bring along his medical records so if emergency treatment is required, an interim veterinarian will have important background information.
A simple doggie first aid kit should be part of your travel gear. Include a topical antibiotic for cuts, gauze and vet wrap, tweezers for tick and splinter removal, regular medications and medications for pain or diarrhea. Proper identification is essential. Even if your dog is microchipped, he should wear a collar with a current identification tag. Make up a tag with your destination information and for overnight stays, create a temporary ID by stapling a lodging business card to the collar. Bring a photo of your pet for further ID.
Include your dog's favorite toys and a bed, mat or blanket that your dog has used. A supply of food and water from home will minimize tummy upsets. Have a way to confine your pet in the car, either in a crate, a car seat or with a pet seatbelt. And remember that leaving your pet unattended in the car can be extremely dangerous. Even in the shade, car internal temperatures can become oven-like in just minutes.
Have a great time. Getting there
can be as much fun as being there. I
Jan Jaeger is owner of Geronimo's, Ltd., Nantucket's pet supply and gift shop, and is a member of DWAA and CWA (Dog and Cat Writer's Associations of America). Her pets at home are Junior, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and three cats. At the shop are cats Messrs. Fish and Chips, Flower bunny, Millie guinea pig and two budgies. Send e-mail to jan@geronimos.com.
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