Should I Bring My Pet on Vacation?

Bringing your fuzzy friend with you on vacation definitely has its ups and downs. On the positive side, you get to bring your purring/barking/licking companion with you on a wonderful journey. On the downside, it can be costly and a bit overwhelming. Consider these pros and cons when planning your next vacation and then ask yourself if bringing a pet is the right decision.

Pros
You Know She's Safe: When you're vacationing, it's only natural to think about what may happen while you're basking in the sun/skiing down slopes/exploring the world. If you bring your pet with you, you can keep an eye on it the whole time. That means no leaving your dog with strangers (an act that leaves any pet-parent stressed out)!

More Fun For You: Depending on the type of vacation you take, bringing a pet along can make your vacation a whole lot more fun. For example, camping trips or cabin trips often provide a great way for extra pet-bonding time. And if you have children, your pet can serve as a source of entertainment.

Happy Pet: So long as you have a pet that's easy going, people-friendly and ready to explore, a vacation may be a great way to make your pet happy. Not only will your fuzzy companion get a break from the mundane, but they may get good exercise, and relief from too cold/too hot weather.

Cons
More Expensive: If you're driving a long way or are required to fly, prepare to pay a little extra. Airlines undoubtedly charge to bring a pet, and with all those stops you'll have to make on the road, you can expect to increase the amount you spend on gas. Not only that, but pet-friendly hotels often require non-refundable deposits or charge extra for the room.

Causes Stress: Forget about the added stress you'll feel when bringing your furry friend. Think about the stress your pet will experience. Perhaps your pet adapts well to all sorts of situations, but many times a canine or feline simply wants to be at home lounging around.

Limited Activities: If you bring Sir Bark-a-lot or Madame Purr on vacation, you'll have to think about the activities you'll be able to do. Either that, or leave your furry friend behind in your hotel room (which sort of defeats the purpose). That means your vacation will require much more time devoted to research before you leave.