Travel and Boarding During the Holidays

Travel and Boarding During the Holidays

Posted in News on December 20, 2009 | no responses

I have been lucky enough to have a wonderful pet sitter, Faith, take Meeko in when I’m away.   I was doubly lucky to have one of my good friends take Meeko for the holiday.  While there are some wonderful pet hotels, I have never boarded Meeko but would if I had to.  If you need to board your pet while you travel this holiday, our friends at VCA Animal Hospitals has some tips for boarding or traveling with your pet.

images-1The following tips can help you choose the best facility for your pet:

  • Ideally the boarding facility has an excellent relationship with a veterinarian or veterinary clinic to assure your pet will be well cared for in the event of an emergency. Include a copy of your pet’s medical history and a signed medical consent form with emergency contact information.
  • Make sure the facility maintains proper climate control (temperature and humidity) to insure your pet is comfortable both day and night. This is particularly important for small and exotic pets.
  • Ask about the cleaning protocols. It is imperative that facilities are sterilized between boarders and a rigorous daily cleaning schedule is followed to prevent spread of infectious diseases. Viruses like canine influenza (dog flu) can live in boarding kennels for 2 days and even on hands and clothes for 24 hours!
  • Make sure the boarding facility requires that participating pets are free from contagious disease and are current on heartworm preventative and fully vaccinated.  Required core vaccinations for dogs include rabies, parvovirus, distemper, and canine adenovirus-2.  Bordatella and the new canine influenza (dog flu) vaccination may also be recommended for the safest boarding experience. Required core vaccinations for cats include rabies, panleukopenia, rhinotracheitis and calicivirus.
  • It is recommended that you take your pet’s food and any special bedding or toys to make their boarding experience as stress-free as possible.

If your pet is going along with you this holiday season, the following tips can make travel as stress-free as possible:

  • If you will be staying in someone’s home, make sure your pet is invited.  Don’t start the holiday off by surprising your host with an unwanted pet.
  • If you are not staying with friends or family, inquire about pet friendly hotels or facilities in the area. Pet tolerant facilities often require a deposit and there is usually no special treatment for your pet. Pet friendly hotels and facilities go out of their way—offering special treats at check-in, play programs, day care and sometimes even special spa treats and turndown service.
  • If you are flying, call the airline and reserve a space for your pet.  There is a fee and there are a limited number of pets on each flight. Depending on your pet’s size, they may be unable to fly in the cabin and this will require further information from the airline. Your veterinarian can also give you information about an airline that caters to pets only.
  • If you are hoping to include your dog in the holiday festivities make sure to inquire about local leash and dog laws. Can your dog be on the beach? In the woods? On or off leash?


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