Travel and Leisure

Pets are friendly companions for many people. Dogs and cats in particular form bonds with their owner such that many have come to consider them as part of the family or even as another child. It is obvious that when going on a trip they would like to have their pet along. Traveling with your pet requires advance preparation to make the trip a pleasant experience for yourself and for the pet.

When travelling by plane, you need to do some research and find out the requirements for different carriers. Each airline company has its sets of rules. The costs obviously vary. Most of the times, the cost for taking a pet on a flight is much more than that for a child; airline carriers also make a distinction with regards to the breed of the pet. Some airlines for instance will not allow bulldogs or Persian cats to be taken as cargo because they are prone to breathing problems.

Important is the documentation required for the pet. Certainly, you need to have your pet examined by a veterinarian and obtain the necessary vaccinations. There are different choices of how you can take your pet along on an airline carrier. It of course depends on the carrier and if they provide such possibility. Your pet can travel either as a carry-on baggage, a checked luggage or as cargo.

To have your pet as a carry-on baggage,the pet need to be small enough to fit under the seat. Some airlines have special cargo areas for pets that are well adapted. The least convenient method of taking a pet along is to have it as a checked luggage. Some suggestion before taking your pet on a plane trip is to prepare the pet for the trip. For instance; taking your pet to a long walk just before a trip will have it tired enough and resting for the most part of the journey.

Other suggestions involve placing the pet on the floor of the car so that it gets used to the vibration. You should also get your pet associated with an airplane environment. Recommendations are to use lavender oil as an association scent that usually works to calm down pets.

Of course, pets travel more comfortably and the requirements are less stringent when on a train or a boat trip. You still have to have the proper documentation and vaccination given to your pet if going abroad. Your pet may be used to your car. You still have to be certain that it is comfortable especially for long journeys. Frequent stops will give both you and the pet well needed rest and the chance to refresh.

There are many restrictions and laws for pets that vary depending on the country your going. If the pet is an exotic pet or a protected animal, you need to find out by obtaining proper information as to what is allowed at the destination country that you are going.

Traveling with your pet can be a lot of fun. There are many lodges and hotels that accept pets. Searching for such places will provide you with a wonderful experience and your pet will also feel more at ease because such places have facilities to accommodate them.