When planning a trip, you want everything to go according to planned and not to forget any of the important details. Saying goodbye is always hard, specially when you have pets and you do not want to leave them behind, as the separation generates a lot of stress for owners and pets alike. Lately, airlines and hotels have adapted to the new trend of people who like to travel with their pets; because let’s face it, there is nothing better than traveling as a family.
Nowadays, there are more and more places that offer adequate accommodations for pets. Places like this, can allow owners to save money that otherwise would be spent on expensive pet sitting services, and to have a piece of mind knowing that their companion is also enjoying a getaway along with them.
Cat and dog owners go out of their way to make sure their pets are well cared for. Pet friendly signs are more common now than ever at home rentals, hotels, restaurants, hostels and more. Places like this usually go beyond simply allowing access for pets, but also having areas and amenities specially made for them; like food and water bowls, toys and special areas for their enjoyment.
The Westin Resort & Spa Whistler
Whistler, Canada
The Westin Resort & Spa is one of our premier destination that allows you to stay along with your furry friends. The place stands in perfect balance with the beautiful mountainous scenery, the Westin houses a swimming pool, indoor and outdoor hydrotherapy baths, a full service fitness center, spa, sauna and steam room. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and will assure you the perfect getaway for the whole family. During winter and summer, the hotel offers the coziest of accommodations and the chance to visit the amazing Village of Whistler just down the road.
Check our website for more deals and look in the details section to find our many options for staying along with your pets.
Image courtesy of Hardian Muljadi at Flickr.com
Tips for preparing to travel and for traveling with pets.
Days prior to the trip.
– The first thing one must have in mind is to make sure the pet is in capacity of traveling. Nervous, elderly and sick animals may not benefit at all from travel and perhaps even be negatively affected by it. A specialist must be consulted about it in order to analyze options like medicine to help you ease their nervousness or other ways the trip can be made more soothing for the animal.
– Make sure all vaccinations are up to day; make sure you find out if any additional shots are required in the area where you are traveling. Make also sure also they have ID chips installed if it applies and that the pet is properly tagged in case they go missing.
– Ensure you check what they particular requirements imposed by your hosts are. Some hotels may have size, weight and breed restrictions on pets, as well as some documentation requirements.
– Book ahead. Pet friendly hotels usually get book first, so make sure you book in advance, ever more so than you are used to. Finding a pet friendly hotel on short notice can be quite difficult.
– If you are traveling by airplane, make sure you speak with the airline about their pet policies, be sure you comply with all requirements to avoid any issues.
– Find out about vet offices and any type of emergency pet services available in your destination.
On the day of the trip.
– Arrive a couple of hours earlier to the airport if you are flying out and walk your pet to allow them to get used to the new environment and to let them get a bit tired so they can rest during the trip.
– Pick your pet up when you arrive as soon as possible to minimize stress.
– Don’t feed your pet to close to departure time so they have less of a change to get sick due to movement and stress.
– Is best not to sedate pets. Sedatives may bring about cardiac arrest in some isolated cases. Is better try to use natural methods for stress relief and to get them used to travel enclosed training them at home before the trip.
– If you are traveling by car, make sure you make regular stops to let them relieve themselves.
Upon Returning.
– Make sure you make adjustments according to how everything went on the first part of the trip and be prepared for any last minute changes.
– Monitor the health of your pet and watch for any unexpected changes in behavior and eating habits.
For more tips, check out this post on our blog at Royal Holiday Travel.