Taking pets on vacation – Viable?

12 Oct, 2022

Taking pets on vacation – Viable?

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Every petowner worries about what to do with the pets when going on holiday. Is taking pets on vacation with the family a good idea? Is it viable for all pets? Read this article to learn the advantages and disadvantages and what to do as an alternative.

Should you bring your pets on vacation with you?

pets on vacation
Some pets make great companions on vacation and travel well

For many families, pets are considered part of the family. So it’s only natural that you would want to include them in your family vacations. But is it always a good idea to bring your pet along on vacation with you?  Here are some things to consider before you make the decision to bring Fido or Snuggles along on your next trip.

1. Consider your pet’s personality:

Before you decide to bring your pet on vacation with you, it’s important to consider their personality. Some pets love car rides and being in new environments, while others get anxious and stressed in new situations.

If your pet falls into the latter category, it might be better to leave them at home with a trusted friend or family member where it will be more comfortable.

Think about how your pet will handle long car rides, being in a new place, and being around new people. If you’re not sure how they’ll react, it’s probably best to leave them at home.

2. Make sure your lodging is pet-friendly:

Most people think that all hotels allow pets but that’s not always the case. You should do your research beforehand and make sure that the place you are staying at is pet-friendly.

There have been many times when people have shown up to their hotel with their pets only to be turned away because they did not do their research.

If you are planning on bringing your pet on vacation with you, the first thing you should do is confirm that your lodging is pet-friendly. This will save you a lot of hassle and stress in the long run.

3. Consider the cost of bringing pets on vacation:

If you’re considering taking pets on vacation with you, there are a few things you’ll need to take into account. Consider the cost of bringing your pet.

In addition to any additional fees charged by your hotel or rental company, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of feeding and caring for your pet while you’re on vacation. If you’re planning a longer trip, it might be more cost-effective to leave your pet at home.

4. Know the rules and regulations:

Pets can be a great addition to any vacation, but it’s important to know the rules and regulations before you travel.

Different countries and states have different requirements for bringing a pet into the country or state, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the requirements before making any travel plans.

In general, before taking pets on vacation you’ll need to make sure your pet has all the necessary vaccinations and paperwork in order. You may also need to get a health certificate from your veterinarian.

Additionally, some airlines have their own requirements for traveling with pets, so it’s important to check with your airline before booking your flight. By doing your research ahead of time regarding taking pets on vacation, you can ensure that both you and your pet have a safe and enjoyable vacation.

pets on vacation
Check the rules for taking taking pets on vacation with you- For example – do they need a passport?

5. Create a packing list for your pet:

When you’re packing to take pets on vacation, don’t forget about your furry (or scaly) friend! If you’re planning on bringing your pet with you, here’s a helpful checklist of things you’ll need to pack.

First, you’ll need food and water bowls, as well as enough food to last the entire trip. It’s also a good idea to bring along some of your pet’s favorite toys to keep them entertained. You’ll also need a crate or kennel for transport, as well as bedding to make them comfortable.

Finally, don’t forget to pack any necessary medications and documentation, such as proof of vaccinations. By following this simple checklist, you can be sure that your pet has everything they need for a fun and safe vacation.

6. Have a backup plan regarding pets on vacation:

No matter how well-planned your trip is, there’s always a possibility that something could go wrong.

Make sure you have a backup plan in place in case of an emergency, such as somebody to care for your pet if you’re unable to return home right away or if you need to go to the hospital while on vacation.

Find petsitters

When you are leaving your home to go on holiday, it can be liberating and give peace of mind to find trusted petsitters to care for your pets in their own home.  Housesitters and petsitters will also help  to manage the security of your home and the energy bills.

Join a housesitting and petsitting website to find live in petsitters who will care for your pets and also guard your home.

Free petsitters – Yes, free housesitters!

If you choose the right sitters from a professionally run website you can also find free housesitters. These sitters will move into your home as live in house and petsitters. So they can also offer petsitting to look after any resident pets. They will pay their own way and care for your home and pets as if they were their own.

The people who choose to do this are often retired or semi retired folk who like to travel and have active holidays. They exchange their time and services for free accommodation. It’s a fair exchange. And in this way you can find free housesitters. Plus they offer added advantages…

A checked petsitter who comes to your home to care for your pets is ideal for young and old pets

7. Get your pet insurance:

A vacation is a great time to relax and unwind, but it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. One way to do this is to get dog insurance.

Dog insurance is a type of pet insurance that helps cover the cost of medical care for your dog if they become ill or injured while on vacation. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance provider to see if they offer dog insurance, or you can purchase a policy from a separate company.

By having dog insurance, you can rest assured knowing that you’re prepared for anything that might happen while you’re on vacation.

8. Keep your itinerary flexible

One of the most challenging things about traveling with a pet is having to stick to a strict schedule since they can’t always hold it in as we can!

Try to build some flexibility into your itinerary so that if there are potty breaks or walks that need to happen, there’s time for that built into the day without causing too much disruption.

9. Don’t forget about Alone Time:

Just like us humans, sometimes our furry friends need some time alone too! If possible, try to find a place where they can stay for an hour or two so they can have some time alone (and so can you!).

This could be a doggy day care facility, a dog-walking service, or even just asking a friend or family member back home to pop over and check on them while you’re out exploring on vacation.

10. Have realistic expectations:

Traveling with a pet can be wonderful but it’s important not to go into it with unrealistic expectations (for either yourself or your furry friend). Things might not always go according to plan but as long as both you and your pet are enjoying yourselves, that’s what matters most!

When taking pets on vacation is viable – Conclusion

If you’re considering bringing your furry friend along on vacation with you, there are definitely some things worth taking into consideration first!

From figuring out if they’ll be comfortable in new surroundings away from home to make sure all of their needs will be taken care of while you’re gone, there’s a lot to think about before hitting the road with Fido or Snuggles by your side!

Trusted housesitting

To Register as a House-Sitter yourself for housesitting and pet sitting follow this link HOUSE-SITTER REGISTRATION

To Register as a Homeowner yourself follow this link HOMEOWNER REGISTRATION

 

FURTHER READING ON PETSITTING & PETS ON VACATION

More questions about House Sitting and Pet sitting? Perhaps some of our most popular FAQs pages could prove useful:

What is pet sitting?

How to advertise pet sitting

How to prepare for a trip away and any eventuality

4 Pet care tips for when you are away

What to do if your pet is stolen

 

 


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LamiaW

LamiaW

Founder and Director of HouseSitMatch - I'm a hands-on Admin on the site. Please ask any questions and as soon as I can I'll happily answer and assist where I can.

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