For many of us who consider our furry friends to be second children, the idea of traveling presents the age-old dilemma: what will I do with Fluffy and Fido? Most of the time it means shelling out extra cash to board a pet or find a trustworthy pet-sitter – and stressing on your vacation about whether your beloved family member is getting proper care.
But there's another option: These days, it's getting easier and easier to simply take your four-legged pal along for the ride. What better travel companion than one who requires minimal packing, acts as a built-in-security system, electric blanket and snuggle buddy?
Only you truly know your pet, so if you do decide to take your furry BFF on vacation, make sure you feel like they are able to handle traveling and plan ahead: Pets need frequent pit stops, lots of water and an extra vigilant eye when you're in a new place.
Still, taking a pet along on vacation offers some pretty awesome benefits. Here are seven reasons to consider taking your fluffy companion on the road.
1. Avoid that look. You know the one. Those big sad eyes. Every pet owner knows our fur babies have an uncanny ability to shatter our hearts with one sad look.
We know it’s not the end of the world when we travel and that we'll be home soon enough to cuddle with our pet BFFs. But they don't. Separation anxiety can be a real threat to more sensitive animals. Avoid the possibility of stress-induced illness by taking your pet along.
2. Stay active on the road. When you have your pup in tow, finding the closest park or outdoor walk isn't just an excuse to sight see, it's essential. So grab a leash and let Fido lead the way. You may just end up seeing a part of the city or countryside you hadn't intended to visit.
But just like at home, remember to keep pets on a leash. A new environment can cause some animals to spook, and losing your beloved companion far away from home would make for a pretty nightmarish vacation.
3. Connect with the locals. You know your pet is the cutest darn thing in the world. So find a pet-friendly cafe in a cool part of town and bring your furry companion along for a meet-and-greet. Just plant that friendly fluffball on a crowded patio and wait for people to say hello.
Not only will you and your pet get some fresh air, you might walk away with some new, animal-loving out-of-town friends.
4. Experience the pure joy. Animals have a way of finding immense enjoyment in the small stuff: Lolling their tongues out the window on a warm spring day or sniffing every inch of a new environment. While we humans tend to stress during travel, our pets can remind us to relax and take in the moment.
5. Save money. Boarding a pet can be a huge drag on your wallet, especially if you're gone more than a few days. But luckily, enjoying a luxurious hotel stay isn't just limited to two-legged guests anymore. Most major hotel chains offer animal-friendly rooms. The best ones offer dedicated pet amenities like doggie spa services, puppy happy hours, fancy pet beds and gourmet meals and treats.
Make sure you do your homework though. Some hotels charge a hefty fee to clean a room after our four-legged pals have been guests. To find the best pet-friendly places to stay anywhere you travel, check out the Ruff Guide to the United States: 365 of the Best Places to Stay & Play with your Dog in All 50 States.
6. Join the crowd. Traveling with pets has become a growing trend. According to a 2012 survey by PetRelocation.com, 85 percent of dog owners who responded said they were planning to vacation with their canine companions that year (though only 25 percent of cat owners said they would). Maybe that's because hotels and airlines are making it easier and easier to bring our fluffy friends along. New York's Kennedy Airport is even building the world's first luxury animal terminal, dubbed the ARK. Scheduled to open next year, it will include bone-shaped splashing pools for dogs, climbing trees for cats, climate-controlled stalls for horses and cows and a vet clinic.
But before you fantasize about making your hound a high-flyer, if you're just going on vacation, the best way to travel is by car. The Humane Society recommends that you don't fly with a pet unless it's absolutely necessary. If you do have to travel by air, check out their tips on how to prepare your pet for his or her first flight.
If you travel by car, it may be tempting to keep Fido up front as your navigator, but the Humane Society recommends keeping your puppy pals in the backseat and kitties in their carriers. Pets Weekly also offers some great tips on how to prepare to travel by car for cats and dogs alike.
7. Don't miss any snuggles. For most of us, our animals are part of the family, bottom line. And no one wants to leave a beloved family member behind. Traveling with a pet can be a bonding experience for you both, especially if you plan ahead and make sure to focus activities around your pet's needs. Because there's nothing like waking up to kisses and furry snuggles, no matter where you are.
This article was brought to you in collaboration with the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce. Visit the website for more information.
