Happy Holidays: Tips for Safe Travel With Your Pet

The holidays are meant for sharing with loved ones, including pets. Many choose to spend the holiday season by "getting away from it all" - a hotel, resort, cottage, or other lodging where they can relax with friends and family. Try this tips for to help make your trip as enjoyable and stress-free as possible:

Bringing the family pet along gives people the opportunity to enjoy the fun and activity the holidays offer, and still be able to come "home" at the end of the day and enjoy the companionship of their pets. As always, though, a bit of preparation can help make your travels with your pet as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

Always confirm the pet policy at the time of booking.

     Lodgings may operate with modified pet policies during the busy holiday season.

Can pets remain unattended?

     Some accommodations will permit pets to stay unattended in rooms, but for those that don't, ask if they offer pet-sitting services for the times when your pet can't join you. A list of local doggy daycares or pet-sitters is also helpful.

Know what your pet enjoys.

     Be sensitive to whether or not your pets will enjoy the noise of holiday celebrations, "Santa", crowds, resident animals, strangers, and new sights, sounds, and smells. If your pet prefers quieter surroundings or fewer strangers, look for smaller accommodations such as private cottages or vacation rentals.

Minimize holiday "treats".

     Be careful not to upset your pet's tummy if sharing holiday meals. Ask other guests not to give your pet any tidbits (no matter how much he begs!) unless they check with you first. Chocolate, turkey bones, and other holiday foods can cause illness - contact the vet immediately for advice if your pet ingests food items that he probably shouldn't.

Deck the halls, but supervise your pet.

     Keep a close eye on your pet when around holiday decorations. Not everyone decorates with pets in mind, and dangerous items such as tinsel, Christmas tree water, poinsettia, mistletoe, lilies, and other potentially hazardous items may be accessible to your pet.

Keep your pet's tags on.

     Ensure your pet wears visible identification at all times. Bring records of your pet's ID numbers along with a clear, recent photo and his or her vaccination records. Also pack any prescription medications the pet will need over the holidays, as there's no guarantee that a vet will be available. Likewise, pet supply stores may be closed, so bring comfortable bedding, food and water, toys, treats, towels or blankets, a crate, and anything else the pet needs. family - pets included!

To request reprint permission please contact us.