Taking Your Pet on a Family Vacation
The costs involved for pet boarding or in-home pet sitters can be substantial; therefore, it may be more cost-effective to arrange your vacation to accommodate taking your pets along with you. There are many things to consider when arranging a family vacation with your pets. The preparation needed will depend on the type of pets you own and the type of vacation you wish to have.
If you will be staying in a hotel, campground or other similar vacation abode, it is important to check the pet policies for your accommodation of choice. You may find that, although the accommodation allows pets with no extra per-night charge, a non-refundable deposit must be given in order to accommodate your pets. This will vary, depending on your chosen venue.
If you will need to fly to your destination, many airlines allow pets to fly with you in a pet carrier. This largely depends on the size and type of pet, and the airline of choice. Airlines can also accommodate pets in the cargo area of the aircraft, and it is likely that the pets will have to travel in this area if they are a large size. Pets travelling in the cargo area will require an airline approved container for safe travel; so ensure you do your research regarding the regulations and requirements. Some airlines offer a flat-rate fare for pets travelling anywhere in the US, which makes it a little easier to budget your pet-friendly vacation.
If your vacation destination is anywhere outside the US, then it is very important to research your destination country’s quarantine laws. For example, if you will be vacationing in the UK and travelling with your pets from the US, it is likely your pets will not be able to go with you, due to quarantine restraints. This is due to animal diseases present in the US, such as rabies, which are not in the UK at this time. There are steps you can take in order to prevent the need for quarantine at your destination, and information regarding this can often be sought from your Veterinarian.
With some careful preparation, your next family vacation can be fun and enjoyable for both you and your pets.