GELSON’S GAZETTE ARTICLES /DO’S AND DON’T FOR SUMMER TRAVEL WITH YOUR PET
With summer rapidly approaching, it’s time to start planning your vacation! For a lot of us, a vacation just wouldn’t be the same if you couldn’t bring along our dog. A vacation with your pet can be as simple as camping and hiking or as fancy as a four-star resort !
First, perform a quick Google search to find the many dog-friendly options, including: camping, resorts, hotels and motels, and beaches. During the planning phase, it’s important to not only take your vacation desires into consideration, but also to think about your dog’s personality. Not every dog enjoys crowded areas and not every destination enjoys a four-legged friend tagging along. Not to mention, some dogs just aren’t suited for certain weather and activities. Proper research and planning can make or break your vacation experience.
Here is a list of do’s and don’ts to help you plan your trip:
-Do plan activities where your dog will be with you or another companion at all times.
-Don’t leave your dog unattended. Most hotels won’t allow you to leave your pet unattended and will require you to sign a contract stating such. Being alone in a strange place can also make your dog uneasy and nervous.
-Do make sure your dog is suited for the vacation’s activities.
-Do make sure that you are aware of all rules and regulations regarding pets prior to arrival (including airline procedures, hotel policies, etc.)
-Don’t leave your dog in the car alone. Actually, this is a NEVER. Even in a shaded area, with the windows cracked, temperatures can soar above 100 degrees in a short amount of time. Such extreme temperatures can be detrimental to your pet. Plus, you’re leaving your dog vulnerable to a thief.
-Do make sure you’ve researched emergency vets in the area of your vacation.
-Do make sure to bring proper tags, licenses and medical records for your dog. You never know when a venue will request to see that they are up-to-date.
-Do bring your dog’s “favorites” to help ease his mind – treats, toys, blankets.