Vacations are a great way to kick back and relax, but sometimes wondering what to do with your pets can put a damper on the vacation excitement. Between trying to find pet-friendly hotels and lodging to trying to find a boarding facility or a pet-sitter, we know it can be a stressful time. This blog will share some tips on what you can do to ensure your pet’s wellbeing while you are traveling!
Pet-Friendly Vacations
Pet-friendly vacations are a great option for those who prefer to have their pet come along for the adventure. It is always a great idea to have a checklist of items you need for your pet while on the trip.
Pet Vacation Checklist
- Food – it is always good to pack extra food than what you may believe you need in case of emergencies.
- Water – for road-tripping pets, having a few jugs of filtered water is always a good idea.
- Bowls – for eating and drinking of course.
- Waste bags – whether it’s to clean out a litterbox or pick up poop at a gas station on the side of the road, these are a must-have.
- Toys – bring a few of your pet’s favorite toys or some enrichment toys to keep them entertained while you are out exploring on your trip.
- Medications – always make sure you have any medications your pet may need while on the trip such as anxiety medications, daily medications, and any flea and tick or heartworm products.
- Crate/carrier – make sure your pet is comfortable with their crate or carrier prior to traveling.
- Treats
- Identification/Rabies Tags
- Pheromones – for calming an anxious pet, you can use pheromones such as feliway (for cats) or adaptil (for dogs).
Pet Friendly Hotel Chains
While this list offers a variety of hotels that typically accept pets, every location’s policy is different. Try to research which hotels have pet friendly options in the areas you plan to travel to prior to hitting the road.
- IGH – Kimpton Hotels, Staybridge Suites, and Candlewood Suites
- Hilton – Canopy by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, and Tru by Hilton
- Marriot – Aloft Hotels, Element by Westin, Moxy Hotels, Residence Inn by Marriot, W Hotels Worldwide, Westin Hotels & Resorts
- Hyatt
- Red Roof Inn
- Loews Hotels
Vacationing Without Your Furry Friend
When bringing your pet on vacation is not an option, there are plenty of ways you can ensure your pet is safe and happy while you are away.
Finding a Pet Sitter
Finding someone to watch your furry friend while you are away may seem like a daunting task. There are a few steps you can take to ensure you have a reliable person watching your pet.
- Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on local pet sitters or pet sitting services they recommend.
- When choosing a pet sitter, choose one who is bonded and insured.
- Make sure to talk to your veterinarian about upcoming trips so you can give authorization for any visits your pets may need while you are away.
- Find a pet sitter whose schedule works with your pet. If your pet needs someone who can stay for most of the day or overnight, make sure to discuss this with your pet sitter.
- Leave detailed instructions for your pet sitter on how to feed and exercise your pet.
Finding a Boarding Facility
Bringing your pet to boarding is another option for pet care while you are away. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on boarding facilities in your area.
- Visit the facility prior to boarding your pet.
- Ensure your pet is up to date on all vaccines, especially those indicated for respiratory illnesses. Refer to our blog “Vaccines Save Lives” for more information on vaccines your pet may need for boarding.
- Ensure your pet has flea/tick and heartworm prevention for the time they will spend at boarding. If their prevention is due at any point that they will be staying at the facility, make sure to pack them a dose so it can be applied while you are away.
- Make sure you have enough food, toys, and treats packed for your pet’s time at boarding.
- Give the boarding facility detailed instructions on how you want your pet fed and exercised.
Whether you are taking your pet with you on vacation or leaving them to relax at home, it is always a great idea to have your pet checked by a veterinarian to ensure they are healthy.
Call JHVP to book an appointment for your pet today: 845-986-9900
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