Planning a Dog Friendly Vacation

Taking your dog on vacation is a great option to keeping them in a kennel or at a neighbors or friends house. Many vacations are dog friendly and with a few simple considerations you can have a wonderful holiday with your pet.

The first thing to consider when planning a vacation with your dog is what options do you have for pet friendly vacation spots. Don’t assume that all camping areas are open to dogs; many are not. Even some national and local parks restrict dogs in the park area unless they are leashed at all times. Game wardens can issue tickets or even ask you to leave the park if you are caught walking or exercising your dog off leash in these areas. Some locations impose stiff monetary fines for unleashed dogs. Checking the park regulations before you arrive is a good way to avoid any possible problems.

Hotels and motels will usually clearly indicate if they are dog friendly or not. If you have a dog that chronically barks, chews or otherwise causes a disturbance this is not an option you should consider. Even those hotels and motels that welcome pets will quickly ask you to leave if your pet destroys property or disturbs other guests. Usually when this happens the cost of the room is not refunded, and this can be a costly lesson. Most pet friendly hotels and motels will require an additional fee for having the pet in the room. This fee is used to treat the room for fleas and other parasites, as well as pay for any additional cleaning needed.

Staying at a relatives or friends house can also be a great option if you are taking your dog. Be sure to find out in advance if they have a fenced yard or kennel, or if they have other pets. If they do have other pets be sure that your dog will interact well with them, or you will find your vacation may be cut much shorter than you planned.

If you have crate trained your dog be sure to bring the crate as well as some toys with you for when the dog will be left alone. Portable dog pens are also a great idea for smaller breeds, although they are often not sturdy or large enough for larger breeds of dogs. Work with your dog in the pen so he or she understands what it is all about before you go on your vacation.

Finally be sure to check with your vet to see if any additional vaccinations or treatments are required before you leave. Heartworm and tick treatments are very important if you do not currently use these in your area but are traveling to area where heartworms or ticks are a problem. In addition if you are traveling to other houses with dogs you may want to have your dog given a booster for Kennel Cough just to avoid any possible problems.