By Bella Bucchiotti | Wealth of Geeks
People love to travel with their pets, and taking Rover on a trip is more popular than ever. According to Booking.com, about 58% of travelers in the United States consider bringing their dogs on vacation. Sales numbers for pet travel items bear this out. Transparency Market Research reports that the pet travel accessories market is forecast to reach $9.2 billion in sales by the end of 2031.
In 2022, Americans spent $136.8 billion on their pets, and 65.1 million U.S. households have dogs. That includes food, vet expenses, and boarding for vacations. Forbes reports the average boarding fee for a dog for a seven-day vacation is about $253. Many dog lovers would rather forego the extra fees and have their pets along for the ride.
“Traveling with pets is no longer just a trend, but a lifestyle choice embraced by millions of pet owners worldwide,” says Ben Harrell, the Managing Director for the U.S. at Booking.com. “With… American travelers contemplating bringing their pets along on vacation with them in 2024 to cut costs on pet sitting… the demand for pet-friendly getaways is top of mind.”
A Place for the Pooch
As pet travel has become more popular, more hotels have added dogs to their list of welcome guests. Hotels in Chicago, New York City, Nashville, and Portland, Oregon, all offer pet-friendly accommodations for travelers — even the upscale Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas. These hotels give pups five-star treatment with pet beds, chef-prepared meals, pet-sitting services, treats, and more. Call ahead to the hotel on your route to see if it accepts dogs and if there is a weight limit. Some accommodations may be fine with a five-pound Chihuahua, but a 130-pound Newfoundland is another story.
Many RV parks also welcome dogs under certain conditions. Many parks require dogs to be leashed at all times, although some facilities have fenced dog parks where the canines can run off-leash with no worries. The website Bring Fido maintains a database of hotels, restaurants, and events that accept dogs.
Leashed dogs can also enjoy most state and national parks, although owners should call to confirm their regulations. Each park may have different guidelines.
Prepping for the Trip
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) offers several tips to make sure your trip with your dog is great for you and Fido. One of the first items on the pet travel checklist is ensuring your animal is healthy. Take your dog to the vet for a wellness exam. No one wants to travel when they’re not feeling well, and this also applies to our pets. If you’re flying with your dog, check with the airline about health certificates for your pet.
Pet owners should make sure the crates they have for their pets allow the animals to stand up and turn around. Many crates also have spaces where owners can add food and water bowls. Some travel bowls have clips that attach to the front grates of a crate.
Owners should also bring their pet’s favorite food, treats, toys, and a travel bed. Feeding your dog might only happen occasionally on travel breaks, but animals should always have access to water. If the water bowl isn’t insulated, add ice to keep it cold, especially in warm weather.
Travel Safely
If they’re taking the pup on the road, travelers should make sure their pets are properly restrained in the vehicle. Pets should always travel in the back seat. Dogs should be restrained with seat belts or other vet-approved restraints to keep them from roaming around in the car. Cats should travel in carriers secured by seat belts.
While on the road, take frequent breaks so your dog can get out and go potty. They need to stretch their legs, just as you do. Ensure the pet always wears a collar with an ID tag and is leashed. Don’t ever leave a pet alone inside a car. Someone should always be with the pet for everyone’s safety.
The HSUS recommends travelers not fly with their pets unless necessary since the stress of air travel can be detrimental to the pet’s health. This is particularly true if the pet has to go into the cargo hold. There are a lot of horror stories about pets who were harmed or died in the cargo holds of an airplane. Travelers should have the animal in the cabin with them, if possible, but they will need to contact their airline to ask about regulations for traveling with a pet in the cabin.
Dr. Kathryn Dench, Chief Veterinary Advisor at Paw Origins, is a holistic, integrative veterinarian from Cambridge University and a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Whether travelers are flying or staying in a hotel with their pets, she says, “Ensuring the safety of pets in such settings involves more than just allowing their presence; it requires a proactive approach to remove potential hazards and create a secure, pet-safe environment.”
More people are traveling at this time of year, and pet owners owe it to their furry companions to make sure their travels are safe and comfortable.
This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.
