Travel with pets without the hassles
By Sue Manning |
November 17, 2012, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
TRAVEL for humans during holidays is tough enough: Long lines, crowds everywhere, extra bags full of presents. Throw a pet in the mix, and it's a recipe for disaster.
But Sheron Long, a frequent traveler and author of "Dog Trots Globe - To Paris and Provence," say it's worth the trouble.
"Every trip was better when Chula could be with us," she says of her Shetland sheepdog. "She was so excited, I could imagine her dog's eye view of the world. It causes you to explore and go see different things and meet people."
The US Department of Transportation estimates more than 2 million pets and other animals are transported by air each year in America. Pets aren't allowed on Amtrak trains, Greyhound buses or cruise lines, but they can go on many regional train, bus and boat lines.
The majority of four-legged carry-on passengers are dogs, but some airlines allow rabbits, birds and other small animals. Experts say before including a pet in travel plans, consider whether it would enjoy the experience.
"Some dogs don't like to travel, some love it," said Kelly E. Carter, the pet travel expert for AOL's Paw Nation and a Chihuahua owner. "You have to know your pet."
Caroline Golon's two Persian cats "are not big fans of car travel" - the only way that they can travel since their breed is banned by many airlines - so they don't go on trips. The founder of High Paw Media said when they travel, the family stops at pet-friendly hotels rather than drive nonstop.
Gwen Cooper, the author of "Homer's Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale, or How I Learned About Love and Life with a Blind Wonder Cat," says animals pick up on their owners' moods and the best way to avoid being nervous is to prepare you and your pet ahead of time and think through as many contingencies as possible.
During the holidays, though, when planes are fuller and lines are longer, some airlines ban pets in cargo, as well as times when the heat or cold is intense. Certain breeds can never fly on some airlines, including those considered to have bullying characteristics, like pit bulls, and snub-nosed animals like shih tzus or Persian cats because of potential breathing problems.
Animals that travel on Amtrak, Greyhound or cruises get a ticket to ride through their roles as service animals. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, trained helper animals such as guide dogs or signal dogs must be allowed.
Pet accommodations at airports differ, though every airport has animal-relief areas. Some are easy to find - San Francisco's has paw prints on the floor leading to them - and most or all areas are located outside of security checkpoints. Federal transportation guidelines require animals to be removed from carriers, so pets should be collared and leashed - especially cats. Pet carriers are not X-rayed, but owners' hands may be wiped for chemical testing.
The hassle of traveling is only half over once the plane lands. Carter, who once canceled a trip in which she and her dog were hoping to try a new hotel in northern California, recounted how the hotel worded its pet policy online: "We are smoke-free and pet-free."
"My God, are pets being considered killers, like smoke? That's a sign people don't want to be around pets," she said.
Lisa Porter, CEO of a website that lists pet-friendly places to stay and activities around the country, says more businesses are catering to customers with a pet in tow than ever before.
In France, where Long and Chula spend four months every year, so many people take their dogs to restaurants that there is an "under-table culture going on," she said.
The French hospitality for dogs stops at museums, though: "The French prize their dogs, but they prize their art work even more," she said.
Chula has been such a good travel buddy that she inspired Long's book, which is a travelogue written from a dog's point of view. Long says having Chula around means never being lonely - partly because of all the people who stop to admire the dog. "If you want to be a hermit, go traveling alone," Long said.
Tips for traveling with a pet
Traveling with a pet isn't easy, since there are more rules than destinations. Kelly E. Carter, president of thejetsetpets.com and AOL's resident pet travel expert, and Sheron Long, frequent international traveler and author of "Dog Trots Globe - To Paris and Provence," share their tips:
Research before you go and make reservations early. Airlines offer a limited number of cabin spots for pets, and they are first-come, first-served.
Know the weight, age and kennel size and closure restrictions for the airline you're flying.
Fees vary for pets, so have your checkbook or credit card ready at the airport.
Know how much room you will have under the seat for your pet and your legs. Seatguru.com lists the dimensions on any seat on any aircraft.
Ask for a window seat so your pet won't get kicked if fellow passengers leave their seats.
To prevent accidents, don't give your pet food or water on the flight. Ask for ice cubes and let the animal lick them as needed.
Carry a portfolio including proof of rabies, vaccination records, a photo, your vet's name and number, a list of medicines and references from managers of hotels where you have stayed.
Try to fly nonstop.
For international travelers, every country has its own regulations, paperwork and quarantine periods. Be prepared and patient.
Don't give your pet a sedative; most airlines won't take a sedated animal.
Food is not allowed in pet carriers but tape it to the outside in case the flight is delayed or if it lasts longer than 12 hours.
If your pet is in cargo, ask how it will be transported from terminal to plane. Some airlines have air-conditioned or heated vans.
Pack a toy or a piece of your clothing to reassure your pet while you are separated.
Check Petflight.com for individual airline safety rules involving pets.
But Sheron Long, a frequent traveler and author of "Dog Trots Globe - To Paris and Provence," say it's worth the trouble.
"Every trip was better when Chula could be with us," she says of her Shetland sheepdog. "She was so excited, I could imagine her dog's eye view of the world. It causes you to explore and go see different things and meet people."
The US Department of Transportation estimates more than 2 million pets and other animals are transported by air each year in America. Pets aren't allowed on Amtrak trains, Greyhound buses or cruise lines, but they can go on many regional train, bus and boat lines.
The majority of four-legged carry-on passengers are dogs, but some airlines allow rabbits, birds and other small animals. Experts say before including a pet in travel plans, consider whether it would enjoy the experience.
"Some dogs don't like to travel, some love it," said Kelly E. Carter, the pet travel expert for AOL's Paw Nation and a Chihuahua owner. "You have to know your pet."
Caroline Golon's two Persian cats "are not big fans of car travel" - the only way that they can travel since their breed is banned by many airlines - so they don't go on trips. The founder of High Paw Media said when they travel, the family stops at pet-friendly hotels rather than drive nonstop.
Gwen Cooper, the author of "Homer's Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale, or How I Learned About Love and Life with a Blind Wonder Cat," says animals pick up on their owners' moods and the best way to avoid being nervous is to prepare you and your pet ahead of time and think through as many contingencies as possible.
During the holidays, though, when planes are fuller and lines are longer, some airlines ban pets in cargo, as well as times when the heat or cold is intense. Certain breeds can never fly on some airlines, including those considered to have bullying characteristics, like pit bulls, and snub-nosed animals like shih tzus or Persian cats because of potential breathing problems.
Animals that travel on Amtrak, Greyhound or cruises get a ticket to ride through their roles as service animals. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, trained helper animals such as guide dogs or signal dogs must be allowed.
Pet accommodations at airports differ, though every airport has animal-relief areas. Some are easy to find - San Francisco's has paw prints on the floor leading to them - and most or all areas are located outside of security checkpoints. Federal transportation guidelines require animals to be removed from carriers, so pets should be collared and leashed - especially cats. Pet carriers are not X-rayed, but owners' hands may be wiped for chemical testing.
The hassle of traveling is only half over once the plane lands. Carter, who once canceled a trip in which she and her dog were hoping to try a new hotel in northern California, recounted how the hotel worded its pet policy online: "We are smoke-free and pet-free."
"My God, are pets being considered killers, like smoke? That's a sign people don't want to be around pets," she said.
Lisa Porter, CEO of a website that lists pet-friendly places to stay and activities around the country, says more businesses are catering to customers with a pet in tow than ever before.
In France, where Long and Chula spend four months every year, so many people take their dogs to restaurants that there is an "under-table culture going on," she said.
The French hospitality for dogs stops at museums, though: "The French prize their dogs, but they prize their art work even more," she said.
Chula has been such a good travel buddy that she inspired Long's book, which is a travelogue written from a dog's point of view. Long says having Chula around means never being lonely - partly because of all the people who stop to admire the dog. "If you want to be a hermit, go traveling alone," Long said.
Tips for traveling with a pet
Traveling with a pet isn't easy, since there are more rules than destinations. Kelly E. Carter, president of thejetsetpets.com and AOL's resident pet travel expert, and Sheron Long, frequent international traveler and author of "Dog Trots Globe - To Paris and Provence," share their tips:
Research before you go and make reservations early. Airlines offer a limited number of cabin spots for pets, and they are first-come, first-served.
Know the weight, age and kennel size and closure restrictions for the airline you're flying.
Fees vary for pets, so have your checkbook or credit card ready at the airport.
Know how much room you will have under the seat for your pet and your legs. Seatguru.com lists the dimensions on any seat on any aircraft.
Ask for a window seat so your pet won't get kicked if fellow passengers leave their seats.
To prevent accidents, don't give your pet food or water on the flight. Ask for ice cubes and let the animal lick them as needed.
Carry a portfolio including proof of rabies, vaccination records, a photo, your vet's name and number, a list of medicines and references from managers of hotels where you have stayed.
Try to fly nonstop.
For international travelers, every country has its own regulations, paperwork and quarantine periods. Be prepared and patient.
Don't give your pet a sedative; most airlines won't take a sedated animal.
Food is not allowed in pet carriers but tape it to the outside in case the flight is delayed or if it lasts longer than 12 hours.
If your pet is in cargo, ask how it will be transported from terminal to plane. Some airlines have air-conditioned or heated vans.
Pack a toy or a piece of your clothing to reassure your pet while you are separated.
Check Petflight.com for individual airline safety rules involving pets.
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