Should you travel with your pet, or is it a bad idea for both of you? To decide, ask yourself a few simple questions.
Decide if you should travel with your pet
As a responsible pet owner, there are a few things to consider when deciding whether to bring your pet with you. Answering these questions will help you determine if the situation is fun and safe for you and your pet.
1. Are pets allowed?
First, ask if the place you want to go is pet-friendly. It can be frustrating if you don’t see a logical reason why a site bans pets.
You might be tempted to take your polite dog and pretend you didn’t see the sign and venture inside. Or sneak a cat or puppy into a building in a bag.
But it’s important to follow the rules.
Not only will you be ticketed for taking your pet to a place where it doesn’t belong, you’re also setting a bad precedent. I really don’t want owners to ban pets in more places.
Even if it is not immediately obvious, there may be valid reasons why dogs are not allowed. For example, the Cape May Point Lighthouse State Park Authority began banning dogs only after they were found to be harassing nesting birds. Cape May is located on a major flyway where birds feed on horseshoe crabs and hatch chicks. It’s a shame you can’t visit this beautiful beach with your pet, but it’s worth finding another playground to protect the birds.
Also, the pet policy is subject to change, so call or check the site’s website to see if pets are allowed before you go. After all, people have been visiting Cape May Point his beach with their dogs for years, even before the ban was enacted.
2. Is it safe?
Large outdoor events such as festivals and concerts are fun. Not always safe for dogs (especially small dogs) or cats. A medium sized dog is just the right height to carry someone at knee height. It may not be safe for your dog in large crowds where the general public is unaware.
I’ve seen people walking small dogs on leashes in crowds, and all I could do was hold back from scooping them up before someone stepped on them.
I’ve also seen pets waiting alone in cars for humans on days when the temperature is dangerous. If it’s too hot or too cold outside, or if you have to leave your pet while you run errands, it’s better to leave it at home.
read more ⇒ Is it illegal to leave a pet alone in a car?
3. Are my pets happy to eat?
Some dogs feel relaxed and comfortable around other dogs or in a crowd. The perfect companion to go out with most places. However, not all pets are comfortable dealing with new environments and crowds.
Pet travel means getting to know your pet and respecting her limitations, even if you wish things were different. If going with you makes your dog uncomfortable, fearful, anxious or bored, he may be happier at home.
4. Can my pet behave appropriately?
Eating at a pet-friendly restaurant becomes much easier once you’ve taught your dog to “go straight to bed.” Puppies don’t have to lie down the entire time we eat, but it’s the best and safest course of action when the waitstaff approaches the table with delicious-smelling food. And nothing makes me happier than hearing other guests mutter, “Oh, there’s a dog,” as you get up to leave. I didn’t even know he was there! “
read more ⇒ 5 commands every traveling dog should know
If your dog is unusually aroused by the smell of food, it’s probably better to wait at home. Or consider setting up a picnic where you’ll be the only one affected if he tries to steal something from the table.
5. Will bringing pets offend other people?
Believe it or not, not everyone likes pets. Some people have allergies. Some people are afraid of dogs. So keep the comfort of others in mind when deciding whether or not to bring a pet.
In other words, eating at a pet-friendly restaurant after hours makes it easier for the waitstaff to accommodate us and give space to other patrons. Always keep your dog on a leash around other people, even if you are allowed to take it off leash. In some cases, you may need to ask if it’s okay to include pets in your travel plans.
This is important even if you are only visiting family or close friends. As a matter of fact, it may be even more important if you want to keep your relationship happy.
read more ⇒ take your dog to a pet-friendly restaurant
6. Can you change your plans if things go wrong?
Many years ago I took my dog, Honey, on my first kayaking trip with a group of friends. She made an alternative plan for her before she left in case she didn’t like it. I packed a lawn chair, reading material, and some of Honey’s favorite toys so she could play at the beach if she needed to.
Having a plan B always helps when you decide you need to travel with your pet. That way, if things don’t go as planned, you can make up for the rest of your outing.
7. Can you focus on your pet?
Our first responsibility is to our pets. It is our responsibility to take care of them if they are uncomfortable or tired. After all, they didn’t ask us to take them to a ghost walk or a maritime museum.
At the beach, that means moving umbrellas to give your pet some shade. Make sure she has enough water. She then soaks in water to cool her body down. But if the activity you choose makes you too busy to take care of your pet, then your pet is probably better off staying at home. Alternatively, you can have a pet sitter in your hotel room.
If you’re traveling like a nomad in an RV or boat, there’s one more question you need to ask yourself when deciding whether or not to bring your pet.
8. Is it safe to leave my pet unattended?
when i was I live full time on a boat with my dog Honey, we also had to ask ourselves if it was safe to leave her on the boat without us. If you are a full-time traveler in her RV or on a long voyage, you should ask yourself the same thing.
Can I leave my pet in my air-conditioned RV? Otherwise, leaving your pet behind when temperatures soar isn’t an option.
When I needed to do some grocery shopping or do laundry and I couldn’t take Honey with me, I would run errands before it got hot or either of us would stay and see if Honey was okay. If neither option worked, Honey used to come along and have one of us wait in the shade while the other rushed to get what they needed.
read more ⇒ Summary of Pet Temperature Monitors – Protect your pets from the heat
What to do if you can’t bring your pet
No matter how hard you try to accommodate pets, sometimes you just can’t take them.
In those situations, you may find that a pet sitter is your best option. Your pet will be safe in its familiar surroundings. We also have pet sitters who will come to your boat, RV, or hotel room if you’re headed to an attraction that doesn’t allow pets.
Traveling with pets is fun and can take you to places you would never have discovered on your own. So let’s ask, “Should my pet travel with me?” And then come up with answers to the above questions until the conclusion is a clear and happy “YES”. You will have a great time exploring all kinds of wonderful places together.
read more ⇒ Pet boarding vs pet sitting – which one is best for your pet
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