Traveling with furry, four-legged friends is rapidly becoming easier, as more hotels and lodges beef up their pet-friendly amenities. But while honeymoon destinations are probably not the most popular places to tote a pet, many dog-lovers may find it difficult to leave their pooches out of such a grand excursion. When you think about it, a honeymoon is really the first family vacation taken in adult life. Furrier family members might not be pleased when newlyweds head off without them. For those who are less than willing to leave little Max behind, here are a few tips for luxury travel with pets.
Know Your Dog’s Temperament
Before considering taking your dog to a luxurious atmosphere, honestly assess his or her behavior. “If manners are not up to par, you should hire a dog trainer,” says Charlotte Reed, a pet care and lifestyle specialist based in New York. She advises dog owners to think about whether their dog can be left in a hotel room alone without barking incessantly. It’s important to consider whether your pet can adjust easily to a new environment. Dogs raised in the country, for instance, may not fare well in a bustling, crowded city.
Stay Obedient
Be sure to call the airline and hotel or lodge before leaving home to check on amenities and regulations. “Don’t rely on your travel agent because hotel policies change,” Reed says. Some hotels have base fees for pets. Others require owners to sign waivers, claiming such responsibilities as payment for damages to hotel property. Also, don’t even think about sneaking pets into hotels. Many hotels have rooms designated for pets so people with allergies won’t suffer, Reed says.
“Feed your dog no sooner than an hour before traveling,” says Nancy Cribb, owner of Furry Travelers Inc., a pet product company. “Some dogs do get carsick,” she warns.
“On the road, most people do not take any precautions in restraining their pets,” Cribb adds. “The easiest thing for people to do when they’re in the car is to buy a safety harness.” When traveling by car, Cribb is sure to bring chew toys, a leash and travel water bowls.
Keep Cleanup Easy
For quick and easy clean-ups for mishaps in the car or a hotel room, purchase dog wipes, which are pH-balanced for dog’s skin. Reed is sure to pack a dry wash-cloth with soap on it for cleaning tasks, so she can easily wet it when in less-convenient spaces like on a plane.
Forethought is key to safe and happy travels with your pets. Reed advises pet owners to bring a picture of their pet in case they get separated during the trip and to scope out the area around the hotel for pet stores and walking areas. Of course, if travelers are heading off to one of the more pet-owner-friendly luxury hotels, walking could be taken care of for them.
5 Stars for Canines
Some luxury hotels go beyond pet-friendly to give dogs the royal treatment
Paris: Le Meurice
• Complimentary dog-walking service in the historic Parisian site of Tuileries Garden
• Custom-designed bowl with the name of the pet can be easily arranged in advance
London: The Dorchester
• Chaise-style beds made with the hotel’s special dog fabric
• Washable Pucci collars
Miami: Mandarin Oriental
• In-room pet dining with meals fortified with protein, vitamins and minerals
• Doggie Boot Camp with a certified trainer
Nantucket, Mass.: The Woof Cottages at the Boat Basin
• Welcome basket of pet treats and play toys
• Doggie sunscreen, 15 SPF
Chicago: Affinia Hotel
• Pet psychic
• Pet taxi
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