By Liz Fleming
Taking Fido with you for the family holiday this year? While
"love me, love my dog" may be your motto, hoteliers, relatives
and campground managers may not share your enthusiasm. Planning
ahead is key to a happy trip for all travelers - particularly
the furry ones.
1. Communicate. Just because the friends or relatives you'll be
visiting know you own a dog doesn't mean they're necessarily
expecting you to bring him. Call first to ask if Fido is
welcome and if not, make arrangements with a pet-sitter or
kennel at home. Some hotels not only allow pets - they welcome
them with open arms. Visit a Loews hotel and your pet will be
top dog! With amenities that include a manager's welcome letter
outlining local walking routes, pet services, groomers and
veterinarians as well as a bowl and treat on arrival, Loews
Hotels live up to the claim that they "Love Pets." If luggage
is an issue, don't worry. Loews can supply dog and cat beds of
various sizes, litter boxes, rawhide bones, catnip, scratching
posts, litter and pooper scoopers. Note: some locations charge
a one-time fee of $25/pet and size and number restrictions may
apply. Call ahead to be sure.
2. Unless you're staying at a hotel that caters to furry guests
(see above), you're best to bring everything you need to care
for your pet - from food dishes and kibble to a portable
kennel, to your pooper scooper and plastic bags. Be scrupulous
about cleaning up any mess your pooch makes.
3. If your dog has to be left alone in your hotel room, hang
out the 'Do Not Disturb' sign and be sure to let the maid
service know. Some people may have fears of dogs or fur
allergies and should be aware of what's behind the door.
Knocking on the door may upset your dog and set off a spate of
barking that won't make you or Fido popular with your fellow
guests.
4. Remember that your pet's good health could be called into
question when crossing international borders or when going from
one state to another in the U.S. Be sure that Fido's
vaccinations are up-to-date and have the records in the car
with you.
5. Keeping track of a dog who's been cooped up for hours in a
car can be quite a trick when the doors are finally opened.
While you'll do everything possible to keep Fido safely on his
leash, it's wise to ensure that he not only has tags with
complete address information but also an imbedded
identification microchip. Better safe than sorry.
6. Flying? Check with your airline for their specific pet
travel rules and follow them to the letter. You don't want to
find yourself embroiled in an argument about Fido's flight
arrangements when it's boarding time. In general, try to book
flights that are non-stop to avoid upsetting your pet with
plane changes, and be sure to provide lots of exercise time
before tucking Fido into a crate that's well-ventilated and
large enough to allow him to walk around a bit, stand without
touching the top and lie down comfortably. It should have a
leak-proof bottom and be clearly labelled with your name and
address and destination information in case Fido goes
astray.
