The first question you need to ask yourself is, will taking your pet with you to your vacation rental enhance your experience, or will it add stress?
Let's be honest, sometimes pets can be a handful, and sometimes it's relaxing to have a little time away. Further, think of it from your pet's vantage point. Traveling is stressful for animals. Comfortable, in-cabin airplane travel is usually limited to smaller pets, and even then it can be a terrifying event in a pet's life.
That being said, there are more pet friendly vacation options than ever before, especially if you're not leaving the country. While most hotels and resort-style hotels don't allow pets, you'll find a huge number of vacation rentals by owner that are not only pet friendly, but actually run by pet owners who make every effort to ensure you and your pet's stay is pleasant.
Types of Pet Travel
Airlines generally offer three options for pet travel: checking your pet as baggage, pet shipping, and co-location in the cabin. Cabin fees range from $50 to $200, and while probably the most comfortable for your pet, some with some pretty hefty restrictions. Pets generally must fit comfortably in a kennel that will slide under the seat in front of you. For pets to travel in the main cabin, they must remain in their kennels for the duration of the flight, and there can be no more than one or two (depending on which airline you fly) in each cabin.
Pet travel as checked baggage means you'll be separated from your pet until you get to your destination, at which point you can travel to your vacation rental together. Strict size requirements for kennels goes into effect for this type of travel, the minimum size usually being so your pet can turn around easily without touching the sides of the kennel. Airlines generally have temperature controlled holding facilities at their hubs, so pets will be taken care in a comfortable environment in the event of a flight delay. Fees for this method of pet travel can be as much, or more, than carry on.
Pet travel as cargo means your pet will not be on the same flight as you, but rather on a cargo plane going to your same destination. They'll generally be afforded all the perks and benefits of pet travel as checked baggage, and will be delivered to the cargo terminal of your destination airport within 60 minutes of arrival.
Pet Travel Tips
The following list contains tips to ensure your pet's comfort during air travel:
* Familiarize your pet with the kennel to ease the stress of travel.
* Keep your pet as calm as possible prior to the flight. Take along a leash and collar for walking your pet prior to departure. Do not place the leash inside the kennel.
* Include identification tags with your home address and telephone number, as well as the address and phone number of the person receiving the animal at destination.
* Never send your pet with a muzzle or choke collar on. Both can be dangerous when an animal is alone.
Finding a Pet Friendly Vacation Rental
Don't panic - it's not as bad as it all sounds. With one trip under your belt you'll be an old pro at traveling with your four-legged best friend. Most large vacation rental property websites have options to search with a pet friendly filter on, and I think you'll be surprised at the number of options. If going somewhere warm and near the water with your dog, look for a leash-free beach where you can both run and play. If going somewhere cold, look for snowshoe or cross country ski vacation rentals so you can get some hiking and good exercise in.