In the United States alone, over 60 million households have one 
or more pets.  Pet owners in 15 million of those households 
travel with their pet, and the majority stay in pet-friendly 
lodging.  Fortunately, pet friendly hotels, condos and vacation 
home rentals do exist.  If you will be traveling with your pet, 
here are some pet friendly tips to remember for safe and trouble-
free travel.

1 - When you make your reservation, double-check that pets are 
allowed.  An important advantage of reserving online is that you 
can see - in writing - whether or not pets are permitted and any 
restrictions.  Online, you can print out your reservation receipt 
that includes the "pets allowed" information.  Verbal 
reservations leave more room for misunderstanding and 
miscommunication.  If reserving by telephone, ask the reservation 
person to mail you a confirmation receipt that includes the “pets 
allowed” information.

2 - Is your pet an experienced traveler?  If not, you should 
begin getting your pet more accustomed to traveling.  Begin by 
making your car a fun place for your pet.  Get in the car with 
them, play with them, give them a treat – have them enjoy being 
there with you.  Then take a short drive with them.  Gradually 
increase the length of time and distance that you drive with 
them.  Before making a long trip with your pet, the idea is to 
have them comfortable with being in the car for extended periods 
of time. 

3 - Remember that securing your pet while traveling in the car is 
crucial for their safety and yours.  Consider purchasing a dog 
safety harness for your pet to use while traveling in the car. 
If you have a station wagon or SUV, you can purchase a vehicle 
barrier that keeps your pet confined to the rear area.  They are 
usually sold at pet stores or are available online.

4 - Be sure that your pet has an identification tag and wears it 
while on the trip.  The tag should have your pet's name, your 
name and phone number.  If possible, use your cell phone number, 
a home number and the number of where you will be staying.

5 – Carry a photograph of your pet with you on your trip.  If 
your pet should ever become lost, you’ll be able to show others 
exactly what your pet looks like instead of just relying on a 
verbal description.

6 - Check with your vet for any recommended vaccinations 
appropriate for your trip - exposure to ticks while hiking, 
exposure to other dogs while boarding or heartworm prevention if 
your dog will be exposed to mosquitoes are examples of important 
preventative measures to take before your trip.  If your pet is a 
dog, have an up-to-date rabies tag for your dog's collar.  If you 
decide to day board your dog while on vacation, you may be 
required to show paperwork proof of the rabies vaccination.

7 - Once you arrive at the pet friendly lodging, inform the 
check-in person that you have your pet.  You can inquire if there 
are any restricted areas where your pet should not be taken.  Pet 
friendly lodging staff should be very accustomed to answering 
these kinds of questions and will appreciate your awareness.

8 - In your hotel room, condo, cabin rental or vacation home 
rental - never let your pet use the furniture or beds to sit, lay 
or sleep on unless you've covered the furniture or bed with your 
own cover.  Place your pet’s food and water containers on a mat 
or newspaper in the bathroom, where cleanup will be easier.  When 
staying in pet friendly accommodations, you may choose to feed 
your pet outdoors.

9 - If you'll be leaving your pet alone in the room or vacation 
rental, make sure the front desk or rental agent knows.  Be sure 
that you leave your pet secured in their travel container or 
crate if housekeeping staff will be entering the room at any time 
to clean.  You certainly don't want a housekeeper to enter and be 
surprised or even attacked by your pet!  A pet may also run out 
of the room when housekeeping enters if left unsecured.

10 - Be very careful in warm or hot weather with leaving your pet 
in the car.  Even when the outside temperature is only in the 
70’s or 80’s, the interior of a vehicle can reach 100 degrees and 
higher, especially when parked in the sun.  It doesn’t take long 
at these temperatures to cause serious or even fatal harm to your 
pet. 

Traveling with pets and staying in pet friendly lodging can be 
lots of fun - after all, your pet is part of your family too. 
Just using common sense and planning ahead makes for an enjoyable 
and surprise-free vacation.  

Copyright 2005 David Buster
 
David Buster is Vice-President of InfoSearch Publishing and 
webmaster of http://www.bestvacationrentalsonline.com - visit 
the website to learn more about pet travel and to find pet 
friendly lodging, log cabin rentals, vacation home rentals, 
condos and chalets, places to get married, discount hotel 
rooms, adventure travel and more.