Going on vacation with your dog can be a great way to forge unforgettable memories and explore a new place without having to leave your canine companion behind.
“Traveling with your furry friends can be a lot of fun,” Maddi Bourgerie, a travel expert with the RV rental marketplace RVshare, told HuffPost. “According to globalvetlink.com, 78% of American pet owners travel with their pets each year.”
But not every pet is suited for travel ― and not every destination and trip type is suited for pets. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul flight across the country, you should carefully consider if it makes sense to bring your pup with you on the journey.
So where to begin? Below, dog and travel experts outline eight questions to ask yourself before taking a trip with your dog.
Are there dog-friendly accommodations?
“For those who are looking to bring their pups along for the ride, be sure to consider the different pet-friendly accommodations available in the area,” Bourgerie said.
Do your research and find out which hotels and home rentals are available to you and your pup. Lauren Gumport, the vice president of communications and brand strategy at Faye Travel Insurance, recommended using the filters on sites such as Booking.com and Airbnb.
“It’s always nice when hosts or your hotel also love animals,” she said. “I’ve had great experiences where a hotel asks me the size of my dog in advance so they can put an appropriately sized dog bed in the room.”
In addition to dog beds, some accommodations offer pet-sitting services, treats and even special dog menus.
“A pet-friendly hotel will be a better option for you and your dog than one that’s simply pet-tolerant,” said Dr. Tammy Hunter, a veterinarian with VCA Animal Hospitals. “This is because while a pet-tolerant hotel will allow your dog to stay with you, a pet-friendly one will likely be more welcoming and have different dog-specific amenities available. Look for places that allow dogs access to on-site areas and offer plenty of outdoor space for your dog to play.”
Would my dog enjoy this destination?
“Always consider if your travel destination is somewhere your dog would enjoy being,” advised Nicole Ellis, a dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert with Rover. “Is your dog comfortable in new environments, are they comfortable around strangers or in crowded areas? Some dogs are…
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