Travel Tips

Everyone loves a holiday – especially Shirley Girl.Travelling with your dog can be an enjoyable experience or an utter disaster.Careful planning and the right attitude will make all the difference in whether your trip is a hit or a miss.The how, where and when questions need to be addressed before embarking on any journey with your dog, since not all modes of transport and destinations are pet-friendly.Different rules apply for traveling with your dog so do your research before hitting the open road to ensure a safe and happy adventure.If you will be traveling with your pet, here are some pet friendly tips to remember for safe and trouble- free travel.

Be sure that your pet has an identification tag and wears it while on the trip.
The tag should have your pet's name, your name and phone number. If possible,use your cell phone number, a home number and the number of where you will be staying.

Carry a photograph of your pet with you on your trip.
If your pet should ever become lost, you'll be able to show others exactly what your pet looks like instead of just relying on a verbal description.

When you make your reservation, double-check that pets are allowed.
An important advantage of reserving online is that you can see - in writing - whether or not pets are permitted and any restrictions. Online, you can print out your reservation receipt that includes the "pets allowed" information. Verbal reservations leave more room for misunderstanding and miscommunication.If reserving by telephone, ask the reservation person to mail you a confirmation receipt that includes the "pets allowed" information.

Check with your vet for any recommended vaccinations appropriate for your trip.
Exposure to ticks while hiking, exposure to other dogs while boarding or heartworm prevention if your dog will be exposed to mosquitoes are examples of important preventative measures to take before your trip. Have an up-to-date rabies tag for your dog's collar. If you decide to day board your dog while on vacation, you may be required to show paperwork proof of the rabies vaccination.

In your hotel room,
never let your pet use the furniture or beds to sit, lay or sleep on unless you've covered the furniture or bed with your own cover. Place your pet's food and water containers on a mat or newspaper in the bathroom, where cleanup will be easier.

If you'll be leaving your pet alone in the room,
make sure the front desk or rental agent knows. Be sure that you leave your pet secured in their travel container or crate if housekeeping staff will be entering the room at any time to clean. You certainly don't want a housekeeper to enter and be surprised or even attacked by your pet! A pet may also run out of the room when housekeeping enters if left unsecured.

Traveling with pets and staying in pet friendly lodging can be lots of fun —after all, your pet is part of your family too. Just using common sense and planning ahead makes for an enjoyable and surprise-free vacation.