Guest Author - Kimberly Misra
Should you travel with your pet or leave him at home? Consider all the pros and cons before making your decision.
Pros of Traveling With Pets
1. The kids won’t miss them. If your kids would be upset at the thought of leaving their pet, you might consider bringing your pet along. This can also help a child unused to traveling feel more comfortable.
2. The pet may be happier. If your pet likes traveling (many dogs do), a vacation may be preferable to being left behind. Even the best kennels aren’t a replacement for home; animals usually spend more time indoors and more time alone than they do at home. Having your pet with you will give your family peace of mind during your trip.
3. You may save money. Good kennels can be pricey and pet sitters may be even more expensive. You’ll avoid these fees by bringing your pet with you.
4. It’s fun. Having a pet along can make a vacation more exciting, especially if it’s an active vacation. Camping, kayaking, fishing or hiking are often more fun with an energetic dog along.
5. Pets help break the ice. If you’ve traveled with children, you know they are great ice-breakers. Locals are often more willing to help out or just talk to a family with kids. Pets can create the same atmosphere of approachability and give you reason to strike up a conversation, even if it’s just to ask where the nearest dog park is.
Cons of Traveling With Pets
1. Bringing pets along complicates a vacation. If you’re flying you’ll have to make special arrangements for your pets. If you’re traveling by car you’ll need to plan more frequent rest stops and may even need to sedate an anxious animal. You’ll need to search out pet-friendly lodging and even if you find it, you’ll often need to supervise your pet constantly to meet the regulations of the property.
2. Pets may be happier at home. Not all pets enjoy traveling. Many pets get motion sickness and some pets (like cats) just don’t like changes in their routines. The best choice may be to leave them at a familiar kennel or hire a pet sitter to care for them at home.
3. It can be expensive. If you fly with your pet, you’ll usually have to pay extra fees. Depending on your destination, your pet may be required to get extra vaccinations or even remain in quarantine for a certain amount of time upon arrival. You may also need to purchase sedatives, medications, leashes, harnesses, travel bowls, or other items to make your pet more comfortable.
4. Your pet may limit your activities. If you’re bringing along a dog, a backpacking trip may pose no problems. But if you want to visit a city for the day, take a day trip to a no-dogs-allowed beach, or just visit a local museum, you’ll need to consider alternative care for your pet. One option is to enroll your dog in a local kennel for just a day or two during your trip.
5. There’s no escape from pet chores. If having your pet along would create more work than you want on a vacation, reconsider bringing them along. You’ll need to find places to walk your dog (easier in some locales than others) and you’ll probably have to be more cautious about your pet’s impact on your rental condo or hotel room than you are at home.
