posted by Travel Cat on Aug 11
The first thing you need to ask yourself is - Why am I taking my pet?
I know this seems like an obvious question, but really think this through before you make any other plans. Are you taking your pet because you would rather not leave it with anyone else, you don’t want to pay fees for someone else to watch them, or because they are an essential part of your family and taking them will make the vacation 100 times better?
Travelling with an animal can be very time consuming on your part - it can also be quite restrictive and some times more expensive than leaving them with qualified and insured carers while you are away. So this must be considered very carefully.
Opposition On Vacation:
Many holiday locations will not accept pets of any kind in their accommodation - so you can forget 2 weeks on the beach in an all inclusive vacation resort if you want to take your dog with you. That weekend break in the city will be off your list of choices if you want to bring your cat along. And don’t even think about taking your parrot to Las Vegas……
These may sound like silly choices, but when you travel with animals, there are only certain types of locations, accommodation types and activities you can partake in. From experience - even going into a restaurant for a spot of lunch during a long drive meant leaving my dog alone in the car.
Also, theme parks and restored grand houses and castles are off limits for pets - and you certainly can’t take them into zoo’s, shopping malls and children’s parks.
Will They Enjoy Their Time Away?
Small animals, such as hamsters and rabbits wouldn’t be taken with you on day trips while on vacation anyway, as with budgies, etc - for fear of losing them - so they would spend the entire time inside the vacation home, caravan, RV or the car - and the latter choices will not only get very hot in the summer months, but can be very dangerous too.
Many holiday parks outside of towns readily cater for clients with pets and are usually self catering and miles away from any dangers. So, if you don’t mind a peaceful reading holiday or an energetic walking or cycling vacation away from the modern world, then you and your pet can have the best time.
I combined my annual vacation time between several local dog-friendly cottages with miles of walking space, with a couple of people-only trips overseas. You shouldn’t feel guilty about leaving your pets at home as long as they are in good hands.
Always consider what is best for the pet involved, rather than what is easiest for you.
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