Websites for Family & Pets Travel, from Womansday 4/17/07

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Taking the Family Pet

Pets are becoming an even bigger part of the family. Few people can envision life without their pets, even if such a separation is relatively brief. Pets used to spend time at the local kennel or doggie hotel once it came time for family vacations, now they are joining their families for some fun in the sun or snow.

Those looking to take their pet along for the ride come their next vacation should know it takes some planning and forethought to make Fido's first vacation a succesful one.

Clear room for a crate -
Pets can grow unruly on long car rides, so even if your pet is used to car trips and behaves without a crate, it's best to bring one along. Collapsible crates work best, because they can be folded compactly when your pet's not inside. If your needs to be crated at all times, make sure the leash ISN'T attached while your pet is in the crate. This could prove harmful, should your pet get tandled while you're driving. If you're bringing the family cat along, make sure the cat's crate is properly ventilated and the door can be locked.

Bring some snacks along -
Snacks can be man's other best friend when traveling with pets. A ball stuffed with treats or peanut butter can keep your pet occupied while you're driving, allowing you to pay attention to the road.

Bring everything up to date -
If your dog or cat gets loose around the neighborhood, chances are a neighbor will recognize him and bring him home safely. However, if a pet gets loose when traveling, all the local animal control will have to go on is the pet's tags. So make sure all tags are current, stating your name, address and cell phone number, and when your pet's last rabies vacination was administered.

Before you leave, bathe your pet -
Much like you would prefer not to be traveling with a person with body odor, you don't want the cabin of your car to be filled with a pet's body odor either. Bathe your pet either the morning you leave or the night before, and don't take along items that might have a strong odor of animal smell, such as a bed or blanket.

Visit the vet -
Just to be safe, schedule a visit to your veterinarian before taking off on any trip. This will ensure that your pet is good to go and won't experience any unforeseen problems while on vacation. They might need a shot or a pill for Lyme disease vaccination or heartworm tables, for instance that could protect your animal.

Now you and your pet is ready for that fun vacation together

Best Hotel For Dog Lovers

On the way into Cottonwood, Idaho, four hours out of Boise on U.S. Highway 95, it bursts into sight: a three story, 30 foot high, beagle-shaped bed and breakfast.

The pet project of Dennis Sullivan and Frances Conklin, canine lovers with a sense of humor, Dog Bark Park Inn has been welcoming visitors since 1997. "Sleepin' in a dog's head - nothin' could be better," reads a guest book entry from one of the nearly 500 people a year who pay $92 to spend the night. (208) 962-3647

Special touches include a headboard with 26 canine heads carved by the owners, dog-shaped cookies on the pillows, and an 11 foot fire hydrant that is the public restroom.

Naturally, dogs are welcome.

This comes from: Readers Digest, July 2009 magazine issue.

Is it safe for him to fly in an airplane?

Unless your pet is small enough to fly in the cabin with you - in a crate under a passenger seat - it's best to travel by car. Cargo holds have inadequatte temperature controls and can reach extreme temperatures quickly. Many animals have perished in cargo holds from a lack of oxygen or heatstroke or have been injured or lost when their carriers were crushed or broke open.

Many airlines have been required to report how many animal companions are killed, lost, or injured on their flights. So take the time to call your airline before booking your tickets.

These casualties don't include the multitudes of animals shipped to zoos, factory farms, and laboratories.

Check out the wealth of information about animals and travel at www.helpinganimals.com and keep your pet(s) safe.

Remember the may consider of taking a pet with you, is that they will have an enjoyable experience and not one that will cause them stress, fear, or lonelyness.

Are you going camping, where the animal can run and play?

Or are you going to a place like a conference, where the animal will spend all day in a hotel room? Who will take care of it then? Most hotel do not always allow animals to be left alone in their rooms.

Are you ready for an emergency? Do you have a first aid kit for your pet? Medical records and updated shots, and any health issues? A picture of your pet, just in case? Even the best-laid plans don't always work out, in an emergency you can call the American Animal Hospital Asociation 800-883-6301. Or visit their site www.petsonthego.com for more tips like these:

Contact your hotel and let the staff know that your pet is missing. Anyone who finds your pet may look at the vacation tag (a temporary dog tag indicating your vacation address and contact information) and contact you directly. Also call home, since someone who has found your pet may have telephoned your home telephone number and left a message about the animal's whereabouts.

If you have just lost your pet in a busy area, take a few minutes to visit some of the surrounding shops, restaurants, and buildings. Leave your name and hotel telephone number so that you can be reached easily.

Telephone the local animal control officer, veterinary hospital, police, and humane society. One of these departments is the likely contact for stray or lost pets.