Most pet owners who travel would gladly take their pets with them on vacation if they could. However, many are reluctant due to the perceived lack of accommodations for these beloved companions.
"Among the top considerations in whether to include pets in travel plans is the need to locate welcoming, appropriately matched pet-friendly accommodations," according to a recent AAA/Best Western survey of travelers who traveled with their pets in the last 12 months.
The study reports that a quarter of pet travelers have admitted to sneaking their pet into a hotel or motel at some point in the past, which can create anxiety for both the pet and the pet owner.
Experts recommend taking the time to research suitable accommodations. In recent years, several pet-oriented travel sites have appeared to help alleviate concerns about pet-travel preparations. These include: petswelcome.com, officialpethotels.com and tripswithpets.com.These websites identify pet-friendly hotels, motels, and campgrounds as well as travel advice.
AAA also publishes a resource, Traveling with Your Pet: The AAA PetBook, which they make available in both print and digital editions. This publication provides information about fees, appropriate pet sizes, and other pet amenities for pet-friendly AAA Approved and Diamond Rated lodgings throughout the U.S. and Canada.
A full 93 percent of respondents to the AAA study indicated that they enjoy traveling with their pets. (27 percent even remarked that their pet was a "good cuddle buddy when away from home.")
“Traveling with your dog can be a wonderful experience. Remember, a balanced dog makes a better traveling companion. Always nurture a balanced state of mind,” said pet expert Cesar Milan.
According to Milan, when you plan to travel with your pet, consider the following tips:
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