Southern Style Cooking: My Dogs Are Frequent Fliers—Here’s How I Get Them Ready for Each Trip

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

My Dogs Are Frequent Fliers—Here’s How I Get Them Ready for Each Trip

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Pet Travel

My Dogs Are Frequent Fliers—Here's How I Get Them Ready for Each Trip

As someone who (in "regular" times) spends a disproportionate amount of time each year on a plane, it probably shouldn't come as a surprise that my dogs are well-traveled as well.

From Aruba to Paris, my pups have been faithful, well-behaved travel companions. While packing up your pet can seem daunting, with a little bit of preparation and planning, you will find a trip with Fido or Fluffy to be no more complicated than your typical journey and, often, a lot more fun. (And as a bonus, they don't typically cry on airplanes!)

First things first, assuming you're flying to your destination, you'll want a TSA-approved pet carrier that can fit beneath the plane seat. I've had great luck in the past with Sherpa bags, which are soft-sided, breathable, and lightweight—a must when you're running through the airport to get to your gate. Double-check your airline's specific requirements before you fly.

Spend time acclimating your pet to the carrier at home with lots of treats, and you'll likely have no trouble in the air. Similar to crate-training, most animals will cozy up on board and not make a peep. (I've had more than one seatmate exclaim, at the end of a flight, that they couldn't believe there was a dog next to them!)

If you're traveling internationally with your pet, they'll likely need a USDA-stamped health certificate. The USDA website is up-to-date with country-by-country regulations, and your local veterinarian should know what paperwork is required.

The other secret to a happy vacation is finding pet-friendly accommodations. While not every hotel will go to the great lengths that the Ritz-Carlton in Aruba did (I mean, a dog beach cabana is definitely a little extra!), plenty of hotels are known for going the extra mile for animals, providing water dishes, treats, comfy beds, and clean, safe relief and play areas. Be sure to ask about sneaky pet fees and weight restrictions—they can add up fast! In particular, Kimpton hotels are known for their fee-free stays for pets, and you can ensure that Rover will always get an ear scratch at check-in.

Once you take the plunge of that first trip with your dog or cat, you'll never want to leave them at home again. Arf revoir!

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