Pet Travel

People who travel with their pets are always looking for pet friendly destinations. In this article, we are also including information that will help you pass through immigration with ease if you are visiting another pet friendly country. Keep in mind that this information is subject to change. You can always send an email to Pet Travel inquiring about the latest requirements for travel to an international destination with your pet.

The travel industry knows that pets mean profits. The airlines also want your business as fully 95% of the world’s airlines will now transport your pet animal. If your pet is small enough you can even take it in the cabin with you on many airlines.

The grand cities of Europe are all very pet friendly. Here are four countries and cities that deserve to be on the top ten list.

Belgium, France, Switzerland and Italy are four of the most pet friendly countries we have visited. Traveling with your pet in Europe is easy as there are no longer any borders, so you can travel freely. Distances are small between the cities and even between countries. Getting around is easy as almost all European trains, buses and ferries accept pets on board.

PARIS is easily the most pet friendly city we have visited in Europe. You can dine at any of the thousands of sidewalk cafes in Paris, and you will see pets sitting by their masters or under the tables in nearly all of them. What’s more, in this the city of lights well behaved pets can dine inside the restaurant with their owners.

On a Sunday morning you will see well-dressed men and women walking with their very well-groomed pets on a leash out for a Sunday stroll and headed for the nearby park.

Visit the Montmartre district where artists have set up their easels on the sidewalk. For a few francs an artist will create an original painting of your favorite pet.

Immigration into France: To take your pet into France from the United States, Canada, or Mexico, you need just three things. Your pet must be micro chipped with an ISO 15 digit microchip, be vaccinated for rabies, and have the EU form of a veterinary health certificate for France. The immigration officer will just pass you through.

LAKE LUCERNE in Switzerland is well known for its beauty and the quality of its skiing. Rent a chalet for you and your pet near the lifts and you will have a great ski vacation. Just down the street will be a sidewalk cafe with a pet under nearly every table. If your pet does not have a thick coat, you will want to purchase it a nice warm coat to wear.

While visiting Switzerland you will want to see the famous banking capital of Zurich. But Zurich is famous for more than banks it is the home to many of the famous watch makers and chocolatier’s.

Switzerland is one of those countries where pets are just a part of everyday life. Due to its location it is just a short drive in a rental car or by train to either France or Italy.

Immigration into Switzerland: To take your pet into Switzerland from the United States, Canada, or Mexico, you need just three things. Your pet must be micro chipped with an ISO 15 digit microchip, be vaccinated for rabies and have the EU form of a veterinary health certificate for Switzerland. The immigration officer will just pass you through.

BRUSSELS is also on our list of top ten destinations. Although your pet may not be welcome in the museums, it will be welcome almost everywhere else. This is a walking city, and if you stayed for a month you would never run out of different places to visit with your pet. There are magnificent parks everywhere, take a walk through the famous antique flea markets, or stroll into Belgium’s past at Cinquantenaire Park.

Have you ever ridden a Segway? They look like an oversized skate board with a handle and an electric motor. Brussels is famous for the availability of these little devices that will scoot you around the city at a speed suitable for your pet to run alongside.

Brussels is also known for its exotic night life but you will need to hire a pet sitter as pets are not allowed in the night clubs.

Immigration into Belgium: To take your pet into Belgium from Mexico you need just three things. Your pet must be micro chipped with an ISO 15 digit microchip, be vaccinated for rabies and have the EU form of a veterinary health certificate for Belgium. The immigration officer will just pass you through.

MADRID is one of Europe’s oldest cities and worthy of a ranking in our top ten pet friendly places to visit. This is a city of plazas with fountains and statues everywhere. Spaniards love their pets, and they will love yours too if it is well behaved and friendly.

Take your pet on a walk to the Plaza Mayor the so-called “aristocratic centre” of Madrid, home to the stunning Royal Palace, a 17th century monument that combines Baroque and Classical styles. Next to the palace you can find the Plaza de Oriente (square), the Opera House and the modern Almudena Cathedral, consecrated in 1993 by Pope John Paul II.

Another option while visiting Spain is the beautiful Costa del Sol with beautiful white sand beaches running as far as the eye can see. And yes, your pet will be welcome on most of the beaches in the area so if you have a water dog, they will have a chance to sample the warm waters of the Mediterranean.
Immigration into Spain: To take your pet into Spain from the United States, Canada, or Mexico, you need just three things. Your pet must be micro chipped with an ISO 15 digit microchip, be vaccinated for rabies and have the EU form of a veterinary health certificate for Spain. The immigration officer will just pass you through.

The hotels in Europe are much more likely to make your pet welcome as it is such a common practice to take ones pet along on holiday. Or, you can book a lovely home or apartment, which are readily available if you are staying for a week or longer.

PLAYA DEL CARMEN in Mexico is a great destination for the lover of brilliant blue waters and white sand.

My little Shih Tzu named Ruggles and I lived there for a while, and there was virtually no place he was not welcome. If you need exercise there is a small partially outdoor gym where Ruggles would lie in the shade and wait for me. Down at the beach were dozens of small patio restaurants where Ruggles and I would share lunch.

On at least one occasion, we took the deluxe inter-city bus from Playa Del Carmen to Cancun. Ruggles occupied the seat next to me. Not sure if it was legal but no one said a word about it either way.
Nearby by are the Mayan Temples of Chichen-Itza. I do not believe that pets are allowed inside the grounds.

Within two or three kilometers are several caves with underground pools of water. I saw several pets during my visit to these caves.

COSTA RICA is a popular destination for traveling pet owners. Going through customs with your pet is little more than a wave of the hand. If you are looking for exciting gambling and night life, then San Jose is the place for you. The Pet Travel website has a choice of hotels where your pet will be welcome.

Most people who visit Costa Rica head for the rural areas where tall trees, beautiful birds and magnificent waterfalls are around every corner. Of course, don’t forget the rain forest where the brilliant blue butterflies flitter about the lush vegetation. Accommodations in these areas are less elegant but you will find several who will welcome you and your pet.

Immigration:
To enter pet friendly Costa Rica you will need a certificate of good health indicating that your pet if free from disease and has been properly vaccinated. Dogs must be vaccinated for rabies, distemper, hepatitis, lestospirosis, and parovirus, and cats must be vaccinated for rabies.

Rounding out our top ten favorite pet friendly destinations, we travel to the United States. You can bring your pet into the US with only a health certificate stating that it is healthy and has been vaccinated for rabies.

KEY WEST is probably the most pet friendly city in the States. This small town can only be called “laid back” where life goes at slower place. Your pet will be welcome in virtually every hotel, bed and breakfast and motel in the city. Every restaurant has an outdoor dining area where your pet will be welcome and some restaurants even allow small well behaved pets inside.

I visited the city a few years ago and while Ruggles and I were out for a walk I stopped in front of a somewhat elegant restaurant. I was studying the menu and the maitre de came out to speak to me. I asked if Ruggles would be welcome and his response was: does he like beef or chicken?

THE BIG APPLE - NEW YORK deserves a place on our list. It seems that everyone living in this bustling city has a pet. There are so many that the pet walkers will each have six or eight at one time on leashes out for their morning stroll. Sunday in Central park is doggie heaven. Your pet will meet and greet a hundred other pets during your stroll. Then you can stop at one of the outdoor cafes for “coffee and a roll”.

This is also the city for the elegant hotel and nowhere is pets more welcome than in an elegant hotel. The higher the price of the room, the more welcome the pet. However, there is a wide range of places where your pet will be welcome. Pet Travel lists over a hundred hotels that welcome pets.

A few years ago Ruggles and I stayed at one of the nicer hotels on Central Park. Late in the afternoon I went down to the bar for a cocktail and took Ruggles along. We were sitting in the bar when the manager came in. He gave Ruggles a little pat and said “I would much rather have a well behaved pet in my hotel than a small child who is not well behaved. ” This hotel, like many others, sent a bellman up to my room each morning to take Ruggles for a walk.

Some of the hotels in New York even have room service menus for pets!

ASHEVILLE, North Carolina well deserves a place on the top ten list. More than 50% of the accommodations in Asheville accept pets attesting to its claim as one of America’s most pet friendly cities. For the traveling pet owner who loves golf this is a top choice.

During the summer Asheville features a number of outdoor concerts, street fairs, and festivals where your pet will be welcome.

SAN DIEGO is only a short distance from our border. This metropolitan city on the ocean has not one but two “doggie beaches”. There are hundreds of pet friendly accommodations in the city and in the surrounding areas. On a recent visit with my new pet also a Shih Tzu whose name is Bear; we stayed at the Sophia Hotel which could not have been more pet friendly. The young women who manned the front desk always stopped to talk with Bear and even offered to babysit him.

Each day we walked to one of the dozen or so outdoor cafes for lunch or dinner. Almost the first thing they would do was to bring Bear a bowl of water.

Here are two more BONUS places to visit.

ORLANDO, Florida Orlando, the home to Disney world, and dozens of other major amusement parks is very pet friendly. Pet Travel lists almost a 100 pet friendly places to stay in Orlando.
Disney World even provides their own special pet care facility so that you don’t have to leave your pet at the hotel. This ultra modern facility is manned by caring Disney staff that will make sure your pet has an ample supply of exercise and belly rubs.

MIAMI, Florida is one of the most sophisticated hotel venues in the world. Many of these ultra deluxe hotels on or near the beach welcome pets with open arms. Some offer doggy beds, free pet treats, a pet room service menu, even a pet massage. If you and your pet are looking for elegance and luxury then consider Miami and Miami Beach.

BEING A COURTEOUS TRAVELING PET OWNER
The range of accommodations and traveling options available to the traveling pet owner continues to expand because these businesses recognize the value of your business. However, you have a responsibility to be a courteous and caring pet owner. Don’t let your pet be a nuisance by letting it roam loose or by barking. And, rule number one, be sure to pick up after your pet.

PetTravel.com is the pet traveler’s resource for information about traveling with a pet. We have been serving the traveling pet public for over 12 years. Over 26,000 pet friendly hotels and services, and pet passport and immigration information on over 190 countries worldwide can be found on Pet Travel. Our Pet Travel Store has must have items for the traveling pet: microchips, scanners, in-cabin and cargo carriers and much more. Whatever you need for traveling with your pet can be found on Pet Travel.

Traveling with your pet, whether it is a summer vacation or any weekend get away, requires careful planning.

First of all, it is important to know your pet’s disposition outside of their normal environment. We all assume that pets will be social and well behaved wherever they go, and this may not be the case. Before you travel, take your dog to the dog park and observe their behavior. Are they good with other dogs, both male and female, and those larger and smaller than themselves? Also, does your dog respond to your commands while in the presence of other dogs or humans they don’t know? 

If you plan to travel to an urban area, take your pet to a nearby city and expose them to the rules of waiting at the corner before crossing the street. Keep your pet close to you when you walk so as not to intrude on others. It is hard to understand, but there are many folks who are not “pet friendly.” Have a drink or lunch in an outdoor cafe and train your pet to rest at your feet. It is easier to do this alone with your pet than when the family is with you.

 If you are traveling by car, be sure and get your pet familiar with the car beforehand. Take pleasurable trips with your pet before your vacation so that your pet will associate the car with fun. Be sure and confine your pet in the car in a carrier, crate, or harness. Even at low speeds, a sudden brake can cause the dog to hurt itself or others in the car. And, NEVER leave your pet in the car alone. In the summer, the temperature in a car can heat up to deadly temperatures in a matter of minutes.

If you are traveling by air, you will need an IATA compliant pet crate. This crate meets the specifications set for airline cargo travel. You can find them here: http://www.pettravelstore.com/store-pet-airline-cargo-crates.html. Leave the crate door open in your home in a familiar place to your pet. Put a toy or blanket in the crate and a treat so that your pet will explore and not feel trapped. Over several weeks, you will be surprised at how your pet will enjoy the crate. That way, it is not a strange place when it comes time to fly.

All of these tips should be considered far in advance of traveling with your pet. Being aware and practicing these techniques will help insure that your trip with your pet is fun for both of you.

Hotel Resource Guide to Becoming Pet Friendly

It is no secret that the business of pets is booming. In 2008 alone, over $43 billion was spent on pet purchases and related products and services. Over 63% of households in the United States have a pet (75 million), and over 29 million traveled with their pet. More than 30% of that number sought out lodging that welcomed their pets. That amounts to a lot of revenue for pet friendly accommodations.

My name is Jerry Hatfield and I founded PetTravel. Com almost 16 years ago. I am reminded of an incident at a New York Hotel several years when I was traveling with my pet, Ruggles. I was having a drink in the bar and my Shih Tzu was sitting on the stool next to me. The manager came in, and I was not sure of his reaction. He gave Ruggles a pet on the head and said “I would rather have a well behaved pet in my hotel that a 4 year old child. They don’t cry, they don’t write with crayons on the walls and they don’t punch all the buttons for every floor of the elevator.”

BENEFITS OF BECOMING PET FRIENDLY

The most obvious advantage to accepting traveling pet owners is the increase in bookings. People who travel with their pet seek out pet friendly accommodations who will welcome their pet. They usually stay longer and more often become return customers. For the most part, they are considerate travelers who want their pets to be on their best behavior.

Another benefit to becoming pet friendly is the additional exposure it brings. Chambers of Commerce usually designate pet friendly lodgings as such on their websites. PetTravel.com as well as other websites offers both free and paid advertising to pet friendly accommodations. Taking advantage of these offerings is important because they attract targeted visitors who are not just browsing; they are actively searching out a pet friendly hotel, motel, rental or B&B.

Oftentimes event organizers in your city will refer people to your accommodation for those people attending with pets. In times of evacuation, when pet owners cannot take their pet to local shelters, they will look to you for shelter. Most importantly, pet owners who have a positive experience in your accommodation will recommend you to other traveling pet owners.

THINGS TO CONSIDER

There are important things to consider when making the decision to be pet friendly.

• Building layout
• Pet Policy
• Expenses & Deposits
• Cleaning
• Get to know your pet guests
• Amenities
• Legal Issues
• Marketing

Does the layout of your building allow for easy entrance and exit for pet owners?
This is a great convenience to pet owners, who will need easy egress, especially in the mornings when a walk is necessary.

Is there ample area to walk and exercise pets that is located away from guest traffic?
Even though most pet owners pick up after their pet, it is important that this area be clearly marked and separate from normal traffic areas if possible. Fenced in areas are particularly appealing to pet owners as they can keep their pet confined while allowing for exercise.

Are there rooms that are furnished with a pet in mind?
If you have rooms that are spectacularly furnished, it may not be wise to open these rooms to pets. Keeping furnishings simple with not a lot of breakables will keep potential damage at a minimum.

Do you have a pet policy?
The most important thing to do when becoming pet friendly is to write a PET POLICY that your staff understands, and each guest reads before they check in. It should be specific and understandable. Any weight or breed restrictions need to be clearly stated in your pet policy as well as all deposits and charges.

A suggested format for a sample pet policy appears later in this document.

What type and size pets will you allow?

The easy way out for many innkeepers is to set a limit of 15 or 25 pounds - dogs only. That’s fine but it eliminates about 75% of your potential guests. A well behaved Labrador can be just a good a guest as a tea cup pet. Owners have fewer of these places available, especially in the chain hotels, so it is a wide open market.

As for allowing cats, most places don’t allow them because of something called cat dander. It’s really not as big a problem as people make out of it assuming you vacuum the room carefully, change the linens and use a special spray. If necessary charge an extra fee for cats. There are a lot of cat owners out there would love to vacation at your inn.

Calculate your expenses & deposits

There are extra expenses that need to be covered when being pet friendly, such as an extra thorough cleaning of the room after the pet has departed. Pet owners understand this, and if you need to add $25.00 to $50.00 per visit as a pet cleaning fee, they will
understand. Many hotels consider this a source of extra revenue, but, unless these rooms can be dedicated to pet owners, staff should take extra time cleaning for the next guest. If there is potential for damage, pet owners also will understand a refundable pet deposit.

Cleaning

Thoroughly cleaning a room that a pet has occupied is extremely important. There is equipment that is specifically made to address allergens, but there are also other options. Changing HVAC filters, cleaners, air purifiers, and laundering goes a long way to cleaning a room that a pet has occupied.

Get to know your 4-legged guests

Ask LOTS of questions about the pet when checking in.

• Does the pet sleep on the bed with you?
• Is the pet crate trained? (An investment in a crate that is available to your traveling pets can also assist the traveling pet owner to care for your furnishings.)
• Does the pet have chewing habits? (A bag of rawhide chews behind the counter or included in a doggie bag of treats can help with this.)
• Is the pet neutered? (unneutered males can “mark” territory)
• Is the pet social? Are there issues with other pets or humans?
• Do you intend to leave the pet in the room alone? (you may have rules against this) If you do not want your guests leaving their pets alone, you need to furnish them a list of pet sitters in your area.

The more you get to know your pet guests, the better both you and the owner will feel.

Consider Getting a Pet

Although the decision to own a pet is totally an individual one, a “canine ambassador” is a wonderful way not only to greet traveling pet owners but to measure the social level of their pet. If their pet socializes well with your pet, then chances are that their pet will socialize well with other guests. In addition, it is a great way to start a conversation with your guests and make them feel more at home. Be sure that your pet is from a breed that is noted for social skills, and that they are exposed to other dogs and humans on a regular basis.

Another benefit to having a canine ambassador is for marketing purposes. Your pet can be part of the brand of your accommodation. You may even consider donating a part of your bookings to a rescue league or non for profit pet related organization. The effort shows your commitment to the pet community and will further garner the pet owner’s support.

If your pet is a pure-bred, others who own that breed of dog will be drawn to your accommodation. That said, whether your canine ambassador is a pure mutt or pure bred, who can resist the sweet face of dog or cat?

Pet Amenities

As accommodations vie for pet travelers’ business, accepting pets is not the same as welcoming pets. Offering amenities to pets is something your guests will remember, and it does not have to be at a great cost to you. Pet treats (homemade is especially appreciated), portable water bowls, “pet in the room” door hangars, and chewy balls or rawhide are such a personal touch, and something the traveling owner can take with them that will foster fond memories of their experience while staying at your accommodation. Providing your guest with a walking map of pet friendly restaurants, parks, and attractions nearby will also be greatly appreciated.

Of course, clean up bags should always be a part of the package you hand out to traveling pet owners when they check in. Additional bags should be available at or near your pet walking area.

Legal Issues

A well thought out pet policy will not only help limit your accommodation’s liability, but it will help your guests know what is expected of them. It will not guarantee against lawsuits, but it will go a long way toward avoiding litigation. You may want to consult with your lawyer if you have liability concerns.

Marketing

Now that you are pet friendly, you need to market yourself as such. Put a picture of a paw on your website that will take the viewer to a secondary page that tells about your pet policy, and what you have to offer pets and their owners. If you have a pet, put pictures of them on your website. This will impart to the viewer the love you have for pets, and encourage further interest in your property.

Call your city’s Chamber of Commerce and let them know. Also advise breeders and animal shelters in your area. Put an indication in front of your accommodation that you welcome pets. Lawn ornaments in the likeness of dogs or cats can be found in a variety of stores and on the internet. Another nice touch is a seasonal flag that can be mounted anywhere. Many designs include animals.

Advertise on pet friendly websites such as http://www.PetTravel.com. Sites such as Pet Travel attract a targeted audience looking specifically for pet friendly accommodations and services.

There is no doubt that you will enjoy new customers and make new friends by becoming pet friendly.

DEVELOPING A PET POLICY

If you are considering accepting pets, it is vital that you have a clear and concise pet policy. It must be understood by your staff and it must be clearly understood by the guest before he checks in. Post it on your website. Have a printed copy at the front desk for the guest to sign. Mail the traveling pet owner a copy after they make their reservation.

What types of pets will you accept?

Dogs

Cats

Birds

Anything (Yes, people do travel with gerbils, fish and even pet snakes!)

Is there a limit to the number of pets allowed per room?

Are there size limitations?

Under 25#

Under 50#

Any well behaved pet

Are you going to charge a pet fee?

Is it a one time fee for cleaning?

Is it a refundable deposit?

Is it a nightly fee?

Is it a nightly fee per pet if you accept more than one?

Do you provide pet items?

Treats

Water Bowls

Dog Beds

Pick up Bags

Where can the pet owner walk and exercise their pet?

Can the pet be left in the room alone? (If you do allow this, suggest crating the pet.)

Do you offer pet sitting, either yourself or through a pet sitter?

Off Limits

Make sure your pet policy states where the pet is allowed both inside and outside. Are there parts of your property that are OFF LIMITS to pets?

When is check in and check out? If you are charging a refundable deposit, explain the terms and requirements of the refund.

You may want to include a liability statement to protect you should a pet harm another guest or an employee.

Be specific: You can walk your pet here but not here. You can have your pet in your room and in the lobby but not in the restaurant.

A clear and concise pet policy will reduce misunderstandings and lead to a pleasant experience for you, the pet and the pet’s owner.

When planning a family vacation, there is no reason not to take the family pet along for the ride. It wasn’t until recently that many hotels worldwide began offering accommodations for pet owners and their beloved companions. In the past it was difficult to find such hotels, but through several different internet search sites, finding pet friendly hotels is now quick and easy.

Located in the United States, Mexico, several nations in Europe and Asia, pet friendly hotels can be found just about anywhere you would like to travel. Using the site PetTravel.com, it is easy to track down many types of hotels and even some restaurants where the family pet will be welcome. Reservations at most of these establishments can be made online and provide instant confirmation.

Many pet friendly hotels offer excellent amenities for both dogs and cats. From food and water bowls to personalized identification tags and bandannas, these are just a few of the things you can expect when traveling with your pet. Exercise areas are frequently provided. Some of the more upscale hotels, including the Wyndham in Telluride Colorado, Nine Zero in Boston Massachusetts, and Las Ventanas in Mexico even offer pet message and room-service menus catering to every pet’s needs. Many of the top rated pet friendly hotels are seeking to pamper their pet guests in a variety of ways which include spa services, dog beds, monogrammed dog blankets, dog friendly mini-bars, and dog walks in the park.

Rates vary for pets, whereas some pet friendly hotels may charge a per night fee, others may charge an initial deposit, and some hotels do not charge any extra. Most hotels do require advanced notice that a pet will be staying with the guest in order to prepare the room before arrival. Some pet friendly hotels have weight requirements for dogs and also may require the pet to be crated when in the hotel room for safety during housekeeping.

It does not matter where you would like to vacation or travel for business, you can be sure that your pet will be well cared for when staying at one of the many pet friendly hotels available worldwide.

A dog is more than just a man’s best friend. In some families, the dog is another family member. A family’s relationship and connection with their dog is unique and wonderful. More and more companies are realizing the importance of dogs to the and have accommodated with pet friendly pet stores, accessories for pet travel and pet friendly hotels. More and more places are catering to the traveling dog and it’s owner.

For events like Christmas, Thanksgiving, birthday parties, weekend trips or extended vacations your pet can enjoy the special occasions away from home. Many franchises and chains offer dog friendly hotels for just a small refundable or nonrefundable deposit. They will present you with the very strict rules and regulations regarding your dog’s stay at their establishment. These rules govern what places in the hotel the dog is permitted, where to walk your dog, clean up of your dog’s fecal matters and liability for damage or injury your dog may cause for the duration of the stay.

There are websites that are completely dedicated to providing the most current and helpful information regarding dog friendly hotels and other pet services for traveling animals. There you will find a list of all the hotels in the area you intend to travel to that will accommodate your pet and also a plethora of other resources that may aid in your travel like pet insurance, local animal hospitals and the state laws regarding dogs. If you are traveling out of the country, also access the information related to pet passports. Yes, pets need legal international identification as well.

There are many advantages of booking dog friendly hotels. Save money on kennel services. Avoid having to ask someone to house sit or take your pet into their home. Avoid the separation anxiety many pets suffer when they are removed from their owner’s custody for long periods of time. This anxiety can cause illness and poor eating habits. For animals that require constant medical attention, rest at ease knowing you can remain responsible for this very important task.

Your dog may just be your very best friend, or closer, like family. Never leave your dog behind by booking dog friendly hotels each and every time you travel.