20 Jul Pet-Friendly Transportation: Tips to Ease Your Trip
Ever since the world shut its borders and subsequently opened them back up, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of pet owners travelling with their furry friends. The demand for pet-friendly accommodation has risen since 2021, far outdoing the worldwide demand before the international border closures to try to curb the spread of the pandemic.
Fast forward to 2023, and pet travel is high in demand. “Pet-friendly” options are among the most sought-after and inquired about when it comes to hotels and flights, and since pet travel has seen a post-pandemic boom, you should know these tips to make your travels that little bit easier.
Rules for Flights Must be Followed
While the rules may have been different and a tad more accommodating before world travel was disrupted, the rules now are stringent and must be complied with if you wish to fly with your pet. Gone are the days of passing your pet off as a service animal and travelling free of any extra charges. Now, if you’re travelling with a pet, you must pay a fee and make sure your pet and their carrier can fit under your seat.
The charges for pet travel in the cabin vary from airline to airline, and some airlines will refuse to fly pets in the cabin outright. In such cases, pets can travel as cargo, which means buying an IATA-accredited fibre crate and paying the fee associated with travel in the cargo hold. Depending on the nature of your journey, there may also be other regulations you must comply with.
For instance, if you’re embarking on international pet travel, the airline may not require a rabies titer test from you before travelling, but the destination country may list it as a mandatory requirement, which could lead to problems if you don’t plan for it. Thus, research your destination and the airline you’re planning on using to get there before making any bookings or commitments.
Check for Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Finding a hotel while on a trip to an unfamiliar setting is tough in itself, never mind making sure it is pet-friendly. Different establishments have different definitions of the term “pet friendly”; while some will offer services to pamper your pet like a massage service or a gourmet pet food room service, others will need to be asked whether pets are allowed on the premises at all.
Before setting off, make sure you inquire about details like weight limits, the price per pet, the number of pets allowed, and if there are any breed restrictions. You’d be surprised how often the term “Pet Friendly” is used at a location where cats are not welcome. If a property or chain is pet-friendly, you will be able to find basics like water & food bowls, treats, and poop bags.
Pet Transport by Rail is a Good Alternative
If you’ve been online and looked at the flight fares for a complete journey with your pet, chances are the fares are more than anyone could justify for a holiday. Don’t be discouraged though; the railways are a wonderful way to travel with a pet, albeit a slow one compared to air travel. Apart from making a booking in advance and keeping the relevant documentation, you should be good to go.
Pet travel by train will help you spend some quality time with your pet while en route to your destination, letting you relax and enjoy the scenery close to a loved one. Such a medium is especially useful if you have an elderly pet or a pet with physical ailments or impairments.
Teach Your Pet Table Etiquette
No, that doesn’t mean you teach your pet how to drape a napkin over their lap in a fine dining restaurant. Since the world has opened up, so have establishments that will happily serve both humans and their pets.
Before eating at a restaurant, fine dining or otherwise, your pet must be trained to understand what is required of them outdoors. You can train your pet to behave in a restaurant by teaching them to stay in one place using a mat or furniture, before gradually moving outdoors to eat in real restaurants. You may also have to desensitize your pet to loud noises like the ones made by a packed restaurant and socialize them so they aren’t fearful around other people.
As with any form of learned behaviour, this is not an overnight process. There will be times when the behaviour of your pet will leave something to be desired, but with a little patience, you should be well on your way to eating comfortably with your pet in any establishment.
Follow Safety Laws when On the Road
Few things are as enjoyable as a road trip with your pet. Lovely weather, beautiful scenery, and your trusted companion by your side. What’s not to like? When planning for pet travel by road, there are a few things you should bear in mind.
For one, you should crate-train your pet. A crate acts as a safe space for your pet when on the move and is also required to fulfil legal obligations (most parts of the world require pets to be in a container or harnessed when inside a moving vehicle).
Before setting off, make sure you carry food and water bowls, along with plenty of dry pet food and water. You never know when something may come up or go wrong, so it is best to be prepared and pack the essentials in the first place. Make sure you never leave your pet locked in the car alone, especially with hot climates, as this is a death sentence for pets. Make sure to plan your stops 7 overnight halts in advance and always call them to clear any doubts you may have, lest the resources on the internet be redundant.
To conclude, a journey made with your best friend is a journey worthwhile. Planning is key when travelling with a pet, so as long as you plan and keep these simple tips in mind, you should have a wonderful and enjoyable experience with your pet on the move.
