Pet-Friendly Winter Vacation

Pet boarding kennels are filling up quick and some are even booked through the winter months as people make plans to leave town for vacation. Before you start planning your winter vacation, research some pet-friendly accommodations that will allow you to take your pet with you!

Instead of spending $25-30 a day on basic pet boarding with little one-on-one attention, you can include your pet in your vacation. Pets Welcome offers listings of pet-friendly hotels, resorts, campgrounds, and vacation rentals that are perfect for your entire family. With ideas ranging from local travel to out-of-state travel, you can pick one that suits your family and your budget.

If you are traveling by car, make sure your pet isn't prone to motion sickness. There are multiple rest stops and vista points along interstate highways for your pet and yourself to stretch your limbs and get some fresh air. Also, make sure your pet is buckled up. Seat belt harnesses can save your dog's life in the tragic event of an accident. If you have a larger dog who sits in the cargo area of your vehicle, Pet Barriers keep your pet safely in the rear and prevent your pet from jumping to the front driver area.

Other things to pack:
Bed & Bedding from home - You want to keep it home-like and comfortable for your pet. For dogs, wire crates are collapsible for easy traveling so they can be comfortable in their own space.

Food & Water (bowls too!) - It's important to stick to the same feeding schedule, even on vacation. This is one of the advantages of taking your pet with you on vacation rather than leaving it in a boarding facility since pets tend to lose their appetites when their owners are away.

Towel - Wipe off dirty paws after being outside as paws tend to collect dirt and debris that can be harmful if ingested.

Leash, Collar, ID Tags - Always keep your dogs on a leash when you are traveling as they might get lost in an unfamiliar setting.

Other things to consider:
Changes in Weather - If you're going to areas with very cold temperatures, your dog may need a coat or booties to keep them bodies and paws warm. See paw-rescue.org for more tips on protecting your dog in cold weather. If using a crate, covers can offer some shield against the coldness without the stuffiness of a huge blanket over the crate.

*Photo by Bonnie MacPherson via Boston.com

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5 Tips On Introducing Your Dog To A Crate

1. Make sure the crate has enough space for your dog to move around. Crates are not meant to be confining. Your dog needs their own personal space to hang out, especially when you are away.
   
2. Use a crate cover to protect your dog. Dogs are easily distracted and can get overwhelmingly excited when they sense motion. It is important to protect your dog by blocking out any distractions within the environment.
3. Tie your dog's favorite toy in the rear of the crate so your dog can concentrate in a laying position on the toy.
4. Make the crate comfortable for your dog. Crate mats offer padding for your dogs to lay on comfortably. Padding provides insulation to protect the dog's bones and joints from a hard surface. Pick a crate pad that is easily washable to keep your pet's crate clean.
5. Encourage good behavior with treats. Dogs are conditional learners who need constant positive reinforcement in order to promote good behavior.

Adapted from material originally developed by applied animal behaviorists at the Dumb Friends League, Denver, Colorado. All rights reserved

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