Planning Summer Travel?

Photo by wsilver

If you are thinking of bringing Fido or Fifi along, it might be easier than you think! There are several great websites to help you with your planning.

http://www.petswelcome.com - allows you to search for lodging in hotel chains, B&Bs, Cabins and Cottages for places that welcome cats and dogs alike. This site sticks to locations across the United States, however. Search by city, state, or route!

http://www.officialpethotels.com - searches cities worldwide. Start typing your desired destination and it auto-finishes it with the number of pet-friendly hotels and nearby airports.

http://www.bringfido.com - has a search of more than 10,000 cities worldwide ranked by dog owners for their general "dog friendliness". Determine your destination, find accommodations, dog friendly outdoor restaurants, dog events, pet services and more! There is also a forum to check out. 

Quick Tips:

• Check with the hotels for extra fees / deposits for bringing your pet.
• Remember to bring plenty of food and water when traveling in the car. 
• Keep them on the leash at all times outside your car or hotel. Traveling can be scary for them and they can bolt unexpectedly--even if that is not typical behavior. Always have their collar with contact information (a travel one may be necessary if you have your home phone on the collar) and rabies information.
• Carry a copy of your pet's vaccination records with you.
• Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.