As we confirm our reservations and pack our bags for summer destinations, some of us just can’t leave our fur babies behind! Our golden retriever Charm has accompanied us on many travels, and we’ve learned some tips and tricks for making pet travel easier on everyone. If you’re traveling with your furry companion this summer, consider these 10 modern summer travel tips for June’s Pet Appreciation Week and make the most of your dog days.
- Microchip Up-to-Date: When planning pet travel, check that your pet’s microchip is up-to-date with your mobile phone numbers and current address.
- Insurance & Quarantine: Bring important pet documents. Consider whether you wish to purchase pet insurance and research potential quarantine for international travel.
- Potty-train your Pooch: When planning pet travel, make sure that your furball is trained to relieve themselves outdoors- not on the hotel carpet. Some owners will attach a bell to the door that their pet is trained to ring when they need to go outside. This is one good technique for pet owners, another is a gentle nudge by fluffy. This works well for owners who keep their pooch in their hotel room.
- Pet Grooming: Schedule your pet for pre-departure grooming. Both you and your furry companion will have a more pleasant experience during travel and lodging. Hoteliers and fellow travelers alike will appreciate your consideration.
- Flea-Free: Schedule a vet visit to be sure your furball is healthy and in prime traveling condition. Are all vaccines, including rabies and any geographically specific treatments such as a rattlesnake inoculation up-to-date? Be sure your pet isn’t a threat with current flea and tick treatments.
- Hotel Pet Policies: Ask the hotel about their pet policies pre-arrival. Some properties require a pet-deposit and for all animals to be on a leash or in a cage in public areas. Being mindful of these guidelines ensures a positive visit.
- BYOB (Bring Your Own Bowls): If the hotel doesn’t provide pet bowls, buy a collapsible traveling food and water bowl. Many hotels such as Four Seasons, W Hotels, and Tarpon Inn, provide special pet bowls for furry travel companions.
- BYOB (Bring Your Own Bed): Hotel management and future guests won’t be pleased to find fur on their hotel linens, so bring your pet’s personal bed and blanket. If your pet typically sleeps with you, bring an extra blanket to protect the hotel linens from the “my pet was here” trademark.
- Keep it Down: Barking, howling and whining can disturb the adjacent hotel room guests. Make sure to train your dog to be a quiet traveler, or else be ready to take them outside to avoid disturbing others. Avoid leaving your pet alone in a hotel room.
- Wandering Pet: If your pet wanders off while you’re pouring coffee in the lobby, quickly retrieve them. Keep an eye on these scampering fluff balls. Be considerate as some hotel guests may be allergic to them.
Wherever your summer travels take you, enjoy these modern pet manners shared during Pet Appreciation Week!
Sharon Schweitzer, J.D., is a cross-cultural trainer, modern manners expert, and the founder of Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide. In addition to her accreditation in intercultural management from the HOFSTEDE centre, she serves as a Chinese Ceremonial Dining Etiquette Specialist in the documentary series Confucius was a Foodie, on Nat Geo People. She is the resident etiquette expert on two popular lifestyle shows: ABC Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend and CBS Austin’s We Are Austin. She is regularly quoted by BBC Capital, Investor’s Business Daily, Fortune, and the National Business Journals. Her best-selling book Access to Asia: Your Multicultural Business Guide, now in its second printing, was named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2015. Sharon is the winner of the British Airways International Trade, Investment & Expansion Award at the 2016 Greater Austin Business Awards.
Photo credit: Pixabay