5 tips for a dog-friendly vacation

What kind of vacation do you want to take with your dog?

• There are plenty of pet-friendly hotels or motels.


• You could be really adventurous and try a dog-and-owner camp, Dog paddling adventures, lodges that feature some dog training, and organized dog/owner hikes


• A lake or ocean front destination will suite your retriever or other swimming dog


• Your dog more of a couch potato? Then you might prefer renting a cottage or chalet, and your dog can chill while you and the family are more active.


• Love the outdoors? Although there are lots of important rules to follow, CAMPING with your dog can be a lot of fun! Or try an RV or houseboat.


• Besides camps and lodges there are also dog-friendly retreats where you can have a very relaxing and quiet time while you commune with nature.

O nce you've decided on the type of vacation, you'll want to confirm your lodging as quickly as possible.

Most hotels and motels charge an extra fee per stay (not per night) if you bring a dog. This has been explained to me as the fee to steam clean the carpet after you go, and that seems fair. It can range from $10 to $40.

Here are three great websites that can help you find the right accommodation:

The website Bring Fido lists literally thousands of locations across Canada and the United States where your dog is welcome. Besides hotels and motels, there are also B&Bs, cottages, campgrounds, restaurants, parks, historical sites and much, much more.

Pet Friendly Travel is another great resource, along with Official Pet Hotels

Once you've picked a spot, be sure to confirm their pet policy and get it in writing.

Whether you're traveling from Canada to the United States, or the U.S. to Canada, both countries require:

• that your pet is well and does not have any appearance of illness or sickness (runny eyes or nose, sneezing, wheezing, etc.), plus...


• dogs and cats must have certificates issued by a licensed vet identifying each animal and certifying that each pet has been vaccinated against rabies during the preceding 36 months.

By certificates, it seems there are different expectations, and nothing firmly written about what constitutes a "certificate." Virtually everyone who's commented on this on the internet, has said that a paid bill for the rabies shot, or a letter signed by your veterinarian, is sufficient.

For more information, check the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website or The U.S. Department of Agriculture's website

A dog relaxing quietly on the front seat can be a dangerous missile if there's a sudden stop or acccident. Like anything else loose in the car, he'll fly through the air, hitting you, the driver or the windshield, so keep him safe with a secure seating arrangement.

Plus, police in many states and provinces will give you a traffic ticket if the dog is near the driver, for "driving while crowded" or a similar charge. So you really need a good car restraint for your dog.

Here are 3 ways to keep your dog safe while you're in the car:

1. a special dog harness that hooks into your car's seatbelt system


2. a travel crate or cage, which is secured with a seat belt or tether, much like a baby car seat


3. a barrier or gate that closes off the back of your sport-ute vehicle or station wagon, keeping your dog securely in the back

See more car restraints for your dog here on Amazon.

Bring plenty of fresh water and bowls, as well as food, for the trip. And just in case your dog gets car sick, bring clean up materials including paper towels, bags and cleaning wipes.

And speaking of car sick, if you think your dog might be queasy, there are several good natural remedies you can try to sooth is tummy. Some are herbal or natural, others are available from your vet as a prescription.

If your dog is nervous, you can also try a calming remedy or medication.

Better safe than sorry so while you're thinking straight, write out this information to take with you:

1. your veterinarians name, address and phone number (don't count on yourself to remember in something really stressful happens)
   ensure your dog is microchipped and/or wearing an up to date ID tag and license tag


2. Take a photo of your dog with you, just in case he gets lost and you have to make a poster


3. Pack a small medical kit, complete with some rolls of gauze, antibiotic ointment, rubbing alcohol, tweezers and dog-friendly insect repellant.

Check out these resources at Amazon.com ....

Take Your Dog On Vacation Store

• Books for travel with your dog


• Leashes, harnesses


• Doggie seatbelts


• Dog travel accessories


• Calm your dog