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Y! MyWebFive great places to vacation with your pets
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
We've all been there. You've planned a fabulous family vacation, ironed out all the details, when suddenly someone brings up the only thing you've overlooked: what to do with your pet.
There are several options. Many kennels around the area offer affordable boarding programs where your cat or dog can be fed and exercised daily. You could also ask a friend or a neighbor to look after Fluffy, whether it's in their house or yours.
Or, if you just can't bear the thought of leaving a member of your family behind, many vacationers take their pets along with them. No doubt Spot will add fun to your trip, and you can be sure that your beloved animal is getting the treatment it deserves and is used to. Before you go, make sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date and he's been cleared by your vet to travel.
Although many popular vacation spots have options for pets, here's our top five:
1. San Francisco, Calif. This travel destination tops our list because of its compact city design, its many dog-friendly hotels, transportation and attractions, and its beautiful dog-friendly beaches. San Francisco features quite a few off-leash dog parks, including the Golden Gate Park, where your dog can run free. Leashed dogs can ride the famous cable cars and Muni busses, or sail on a ferry to Alcatraz or Angel Island. If you're looking to pack your pooch without sacrificing your vacation, San Francisco is the way to go.
2. New York, N.Y. Similar to San Francisco, most of New York's attractions can be viewed from the street, where your pets are always allowed. Most restaurants and stores will allow pets as well, so take advantage of New York's wide selection of cuisine and great shopping. If you really want to pamper Fido, take him on a carriage tour of Central Park!
3. Key West, Fla. The best part of Key West is its outdoor orientation. Almost all restaurants have a pet-friendly patio area, and sometimes they'll even have menu options for your pup. Dog Beach is another great reason to visit Key West; it's a sprawling shoreline where dogs can roam leash-free.
4. Washington, D.C. Teach your pet about American history! Dogs are allowed to tour the Capitol and all the monuments, as long as they can pass through the same metal detectors and inspections humans are subject to. Don't miss the Congressional Cemetery, which has several doggie-dedicated acres.
5. Myrtle Beach, S.C. At Myrtle Beach's Barc Park, your pup can meet and greet other dogs and roam leash-free as he pleases. Myrtle Beach State Park, one of the most beautiful beaches on the Atlantic coastline, also welcomes dogs. Just remember to clean up after Sparky!
Once you figure out where you're going, you'll have to come with how to go. If you're vacationing somewhere within driving distance, toting your pet can be relatively stress-free. Make sure your car is big enough that your entire family can fit comfortably. This may mean renting a car-top carrier and storing your luggage on the roof in order to make room for your pet.
While driving, make sure your animal has lots of water and you make frequent stops so your pet can relieve himself. If it's hot out, don't leave him in the car alone; in fact, a good rule is never to leave your pet anywhere you wouldn't leave your children.
A vacation that includes a plane ride is more complicated with an animal, but is certainly doable. If you have a cat or small dog breed like a Chihuahua, many airlines will allow you to travel with your pet either in-cabin or in-cargo on your flight. Most have requirements about the container the pet travels in, and your pet must stay in the container at all times. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines and United Airlines will allow pets in the passenger cabin or as checked baggage, although Delta will not allow animals as baggage between May 15 and Sept. 15. AirTran Airways, Continental Airlines, JetBlue Airways and US Airways allow small pets in the passenger cabin only, and Frontier Airlines only allow animals in-cargo. Southwest Airlines does not allow pets at all. All airlines allow service animals in the cabin at no cost.
If you plan on flying with your pet, it's important to make a reservation over the phone rather than online, just to make sure you know exactly what your particular airline requires. Bring along some treats and your pets favorite toy to relieve the stress of flying.
Cruises, international travel, and vacations to Hawaii are not recommended for pets. The only cruise line that offers a kennel is the Queen Mary 2, run by Cunard, and the on-board kennel only allows short visits from owners. Most international countries require a quarantine period, if they allow foreign animals at all. Hawaii is a rabies-free state, and although they have a program to get your pet out of quarantine in five days or less, it's not worth the stress on your pet.
Wherever and however you decide to travel, factoring your pet into your plans can be a great way to add enjoyment to your vacation.
Contact this reporter at atiedge@DaytonDailyNews.com.
