Travelling With Pets
To most pets, traveling ranks somewhere beneath a bath
and a visit to the vet. Many cruise lines don’t allow
pets on board and airlines aren’t pet-friendly, as a rule.
But here are two unusual programs for clients who want
to travel with their pet by either sea or air.
Three cats sailed on Cunard Line’s maiden voyage in
1840 and today Queen Mary 2 continues the pet-friendly
tradition. As the QM2 travels weekly this summer between
New York and Southampton, the line’s “Pets on Deck” kennel
program assures that pets will make the crossing in comfort
with a choice of beds in two sizes, fleece blankets and
even a nightly turn-down service of freshly baked treats.
Cunard’s full-time “Kennel Master” feeds and walks the
pets and cleans the ship’s 12 kennels. Toys keep pets
entertained, and passengers may interact with their pets
in indoor and outdoor walking areas adjacent to the kennel.
Dogs and cats will chow down on premium pet foods and
also receive a complimentary gift pack with a QM2-logoed
coat, a Frisbee, name tag, food dish and scoop; a complimentary
portrait with their owner; a transatlantic crossing certificate
and a personalized cruise card. Reservations for kennel
space may be made at the time of the passenger’s booking
and are based on availability. Pet cruise fares range
from $300 to $500.
Most airlines accept reservations for carry-on pets ahead
of time, but some companies may have a limit of three
pets per flight. Confirm the policy and book as early
as possible.
One of the major hotel chains welcomes pets in its hotels
in the US and Canada for a fee of $25 per stay. An example
of the “Outward Hound” package includes a guided hike
with a personal trainer, limo transfers and a personal
web photo gallery of the dog’s vacation. Pets can also
participate in doggie day care, group playtime, supervised
swim and even Reiki sessions.
One tour operator is offering specially designed dog-walking
tours that are combined with vineyard and gastronomic
walks through France that are between 7 – 11 days in duration
and under $2,000 per person, not including air fare.
Below are some tips on making the experience easier for
both pets and owners:
-
Be sure
your pet’s crate has extra hooks or latches so the door
doesn’t jostle open if it gets bounced around in transit.
-
Request
to be on the hotel’s first floor so you can be closer
to the outdoors and avoid disturbing other guests. Ask
where the correct exercise area is. And always bag it!
-
Bring
your pet’s rabies certificate and health certificate
that has been issued within 15 days before you travel
that lists up-to-date inoculations and before you leave
search online for animal hospitals related to your itinerary.
-
At most
locations, Red Roof Inns and Baymont Inns don’t charge
additional fees for pets.
-
Tip baggage
handlers well, as they’re the ones who are mainly responsible
for your pet.
-
For hotel
stays, seek written confirmation that pets are welcomed
and rules specified about sizes and surcharges. Don’t
rely on what’s on the website. And, if you leave the
hotel, confine your pet to the carry crate so there’s
no chance it will destroy the room, which could end
up costing you a small fortune.
