Dear Dr. Robin: We are making a trip later this fall. I have a 3-year-old golden retriever who is very well-mannered (she’s actually a therapy dog). She does OK in the kennel, but I’m thinking about alternatives.
I haven’t found a housesitter/petsitter in our area who I really like, but I read somewhere about a business that matches up pets with “host families.”
One of our options is to take her with us. She is very good in the car, and she is quiet and good in strange locations. Our travel itinerary has some built-in flexibility, so we are not yet locked into reservations at specific locations. Any suggestions?
– S.D., Denver
A: There are many options for people with pets who need to travel. Boarding facilities for pets have become quite sophisticated.
Pets can be housed in multi-room suites, scheduled for baths and massages, have day-care play time with other pets – the list goes on. Some facilities even offer the opportunity for the pet owner to watch the pet on the Internet via a closed-circuit camera.
One alternative to boarding facilities and petsitters is a business called “Pets Are Inn.” This organization arranges temporary lodging for pets in the homes of local host families.
The host family feeds the pet, exercises the pet appropriately, and administers necessary medications. It is a very personalized service.
The host families are carefully screened and matched to the pet. Its website, petsareinn.com offers location information and details.
I was surprised to learn that in recent years, 14 percent of all United States adults traveled with a pet on trips of 50 miles or more away from home. That translates to approximately 29.1 million people who shared their travel experiences with their pet. About 76 percent of these travelers were in cars or trucks – so it isn’t simply motor-home owners who take their pets along.
Cats should travel in carriers. Dogs should be restrained either in a carrier or using a restraining harness. If you are driving early in the morning, don’t feed breakfast (or offer just a bite or two a couple of hours before travel), allowing the pet to travel on an empty stomach.
Then feed once you reach your daily destination. Ice cubes during the travel day are easier on the pet’s stomach than lots of water. Be sure the pet has ID on its collar, and that the collar is slightly tighter than usual to prevent loss. Consider permanent ID via a microchip. Also, have all relevant health information with you.
Check out the following sites for more information: petswelcome.com, petson thego.com, tripswithpets.com and pettravel.us.
Dr. Robin Downing will respond to your questions only in her weekly column. Send questions to Robin Downing, DVM, P.O. Box 460, Windsor, CO 80550 or drrobin@windsorvet.com.
