Pets have become a part of the American family.
No longer just someone to play with in the backyard, pets watch TV with us, go with us to the store and even can go with us on vacation.
Michelle Donati from
AAA Arizona shared tips from the
The AAA PetBook® which contains everything you need to know before taking your pet on vacation.
She says according to the US Travel Association, 14 percent of all U.S. adults (29.1 million) say they have traveled with a pet on a trip of 50 miles or more, one-way, away from home in the past three years.
While motor vehicle is the most popular mode of travel for pets, there has also been an increase in airline bookings for pet passengers.
Not surprising, the travel industry has really picked up on this trend.
Donati says more than 13,000 AAA-RATED® hotels and campgrounds are pet-friendly.
Before embarking on a vacation with your pet, Donati offers these things to keep in mind:
• Get a clean bill of health from the veterinarian and update your pet’s vaccinations.
• Ask the vet about potential health risks at your destination (such as Lyme disease or heartworm)
• Learn about your destination and find out what types of documentation will be required and check into quarantines or other restrictions well in advance.
• If driving to your destination, make sure your pet is comfortable being confined to the back seat for safety reasons, either in a carrier or a harness attached to the car’s seat belt. If your pet isn’t accustomed to this, this is something you might need to practice several weeks leading up to your road trip.
• If flying, decide where your pet will fly. Most animals fly in the hold as checked baggage when traveling with their owners, or as cargo when they are unaccompanied.
Small pets may be taken into the passenger cabin with you as carry-on luggage.
This places the animal’s welfare squarely in your hands but is feasible only if he is very well-behaved and fits comfortably in a container that meets standard carry-on regulations.
• Reconfirm all travel plans within a few days of your departure, especially with lodgings and airlines; their policies may have changed after you made the reservations.
If you plan to visit state parks or attractions that accept pets on the premises, obtain their animal regulations in advance.
