Travelling with your dog (or a cat if you're a "cat person") can be a very stressful experience. Airline travel in particular is nerve-wracking.
I have two dogs; Farley - a small Jack Russell and Sadie - a large mutt, and as a result I have experienced both the process of carrying a dog on board in the cabin and have also had to send one off to the baggage compartment. On one ill-fated trip, poor Sadie never even made it on the plane and showed up eight hours later after "catching" a later flight and being delivered by Fedex from the Moncton airport to my cottage in Nova Scotia. Stressful!
As discussed in my most recent segment, Air Canada is now allowing pets on board again, which is great news. However, there are a large number of restrictions so make sure you read up before you book your air tickets. The most important caveat is that no dogs are allowed in the baggage compartment from June 20 through September 10, which basically means that if you can't carry your dog in the cabin (your pet must wiegh no more than 22lbs in their carrier to be able to go on board) you are out of luck. WestJet does not have the same restrictions over the popular summer travel period.
In order to ensure your pet has a comfortable flight, consider the following:
- Buy a proper travel kennel. For larger pets traveling in the underneath baggage compartment that means it should be hard-sided -- no wire or mesh area which would allow a part of your pet to protrude from the kennel. Kennel should also be leak proof and secure. It cannot be a "collapsible model". It also -- according to international regulations -- has to be big enough to allow the animal to stand, turn around and lie down.
- Feed the pet four - six hours before traveling -- a full stomach can cause discomfort.
- Consult a veterinarian before giving your pet a tranquilizer.
- Cover the bottom of the kennel with an absorbent material like a blanket or towel (hay and straw are not accepted.)
- Leave an empty water dish inside and attached to the door -- not full otherwise may spill and cause discomfort, but leave one there in case the flight is delayed or there is a problem and crew have to feed and/or water your pet.
- Do not lock the door of the kennel, to ensure that crew can access your pet if need be
- Label the kennel with your pet's name to assist crew in caring for the animal if need be.
The good news is that hotels are becoming more and more accommodating toward pet guests. In today's economy they can't afford not to be. Major chains like Sheraton, Westin, Holiday Inn, Fairmont and Ritz-Carleton are pet-friendly. There are some hotels out there that really do go above and beyond.....
At Vancouver's Pacific Palisades Hotel every type of pet is welcome; regardless of size or species. Treats, toys, food bowls, and pick up bags are provided, and the hotel gives you and your pet a list of nearby pet-friendly areas. The hotel charges no fee or deposit, has a designated pet corner in the lobby, and offers Pooch Packages (wellness packages for pets that include massages for both pet and owner).
In Banff, Alberta the Juniper Hotel & Bistro ensures pet friendly guest rooms are all located on the first floor. They also include pet treats, clean-up bags, pet beds and water and food bowls for their four-legged guests. And 15 per cent of your guest room rate will be donated to Friends of Banff National Park for their wildlife education and interpretive programs
Over on the other side of the country, Halifax has over 16 pet-friendly hotels. Check out the Pampered Paws Bed & Breakfast. Located in Hammonds Plains (Outside of Bedford), this B&B specializes in accommodation for people & their pets. Complete with Doggie Day Care Facilities with on staff Dog Handlers, Spa Services and homemade dog ice cream.
Here are some good websites to help plan your next holiday with your pet:
www.petswelcome.com - lists airline and hotel pet policies across North America
www.tripswithpets.com - ditto
www.dogfriendly.com - lists dog friendly hotels across North America
www.petfriendly.ca - Canadian site
