Traveling With or Without Pets: Options and Resources

Got travel plans? What about your dog, cat, bird, rodent or other pet? Will your pets travel with you, or must you leave them behind? If they cannot go along, what quality arrangements can you make for the care of your precious pets?

Actually, traveling animal lovers today have multiple options.

Take Your Pet Along.

Many individuals and families do decide to pack up their pets and take them on trips. If you are loading up the family vehicle for a road trip to a pet-friendly destination, then this may be a reasonable choice.

However, if you are heading for a fancy resort or a business destination, you may have to leave your pooch, pussycat or parrot at home.

Airports, trains and even buses are able to accommodate domesticated animals (for additional fees), but travelers must weigh the costs and benefits carefully.

How long will the trip take? Under what climatic conditions will your pet be traveling? Can you keep your animal in a pet carrier in your own possessions for the duration of the journey, or will he be stowed in the cargo hold of the aircraft or vehicle?

Once you arrive at your destination, will you have sufficient leisure time to care for and interact with your animal? If not, you may choose to leave him behind while you travel.

Take Your Pet to a Kennel.

Kennels vary dramatically. Some facilities offer top-notch animal care. Others are abysmal. Be sure to plan ahead. Visit several local kennels in person, and request tours. Meet the managers and employees. Find out what special services they offer. Customized feeding plans, exercise programs and even housing options may be negotiated for varying rates.

Pet boarding companies provide kenneling services at a range of costs. Average fees may range from $10 to $100 a day, depending on the sort of animal you have and the options he needs. For example, a caged hamster or guinea pig may be boarded quite cheaply. However, a large dog may cost a lot more to kennel, particularly if he requires a larger compartment. Some kennels offer both economy and luxury accommodations. Believe it or not, theme suites may even be available!

Examine the facilities closely. Are animals kept in individual rooms, runs or cages? How much space does each pet have to occupy? When are the facilities cleaned? How often are animals fed and exercised? Are animals released to play together or individually? Are dogs, cats and other animals kept in separate areas? Does the facility accept exotic animals, birds or reptiles for boarding?

If you choose to board your pet while you travel, be advised that you will have to provide proof of your animal's health and all required immunization records. Refuse to board your pet at any facility that does not ask for these. (Who knows what the other tenants may be carrying in such a place?)

Make your kennel reservations at least two weeks before you plan to leave, and even earlier during peak vacation or holiday seasons. When you call, why not request a pet grooming appointment for your return date, if such services are offered? Wouldn't it be lovely to return home to a freshly bathed pet?

We learned this lesson firsthand, after bringing home a cagey-smelling long-haired dog after one extended trip. From now on, if we board an animal, we have him groomed and flea-dipped before pickup!

Hire a Pet Sitter.

If you have a shy pet, who is terrorized by noises and other animals, or if you simply prefer to leave him in his own element, you might choose to hire an in-home pet sitter. Using a key or security combination that you provide, these folks enter your dwelling while you are gone to care for your animal.

Of course, an animal's presence in the home can certainly provide an excellent deterrent to would-be burglars!

For security purposes, pet sitters should be carefully screened. Ask for several references, and call each one to ask about the pet sitter's reliability and dependability.

At least several weeks before you plan to leave, you will want to interview several potential pet sitters. Ideally, you will have received their names from people you trust, such as neighbors, your veterinarian or you pet groomer. Ask your best candidate to meet with you in your home, so that you can outline what you will require. This will also give your pet sitter a chance to meet your pet and establish his trust, while you are still present.

Walk your pet sitter quickly through your daily routines for walking or exercising, feeding, watering and cleaning up after your animal. Show him or her where to find all needed supplies, including clean-up supplies, just in case.

Clearly explain your expectations. Some pet sitters are willing to water plants, turn household and outside lights on and off, bring in mail and newspapers and do other assorted tasks while you are away.

Skilled and dependable pet sitters are to be prized. If you find a pet professional who provides excellent care for your pet, while offering the additional home security of a daily presence, you will know the value.

Generally, pet sitter services cost a bit more than kenneling. Most of these professionals charge $15 to $20 per visit, with two or three stop-ins per day.

We have employed pet sitters many times. Often, this has been a wonderful convenience for our family. However, on those occasions when we have returned to muddy paw prints all over the house or rearranged jewelry boxes, we have had some second thoughts about our pet sitters.

What About Hiring a Neighborhood Kid?

Many people do commission a preteen or teen, often a friend's child, to watch their pets while they travel. If this youngster is particularly dependable, then this may be a viable option. Often, a young adult will pet-sit for about $10 per visit.

However, such a relationship often is not enduring. And, if this younger pet sitter is not reliable, the relationship may not be endearing either! In far too many cases, either the animal is overlooked, or the youth's parents end up shouldering much of the responsibility for your pet's care.

Of course, we have also heard of instances in which young people actually held social gatherings in clients' homes, while caring for their pets. Can anyone say, "Liability"?

In the long run, animal owners are wise to establish a more permanent and professional plan for the care of their beloved pets.