Pets 101

If you are thinking about traveling with your pet:

• Consider whether the pet would enjoy the trip. If not, perhaps it would be better to leave him or her at home.
• Think about all the food and other supplies your pet will need. Take enough for a few extra days "just in case."
• Be sure your pet has a collar with a legible identification tag. It is preferable if your pet has a microchip in case it gets loose or lost.
• Buses and Trains: Contact the bus or train company to find out about restrictions. Some trains, such as AMTRAK, do not allow pets.
• Hotels: Contact hotels in which you are planning to stay. Ask about restrictions concerning pets.
  • More hotels are letting guests bring pets. 
  • Some hotels limit the size for dogs, forbid puppies, and restrict breeds. 
  • You may be asked to sign an agreement that you will be liable for damage to property or people due to your pet. 
  • Check your homeowners insurance policy to see if it will cover any damage your pet does in a hotel or otherwise outside your home.
  • If a facility prohibits pets:
    • If your pet is also a service animal, your animal cannot be prohibited in the U.S.because the refusal to accommodate you and your pet may be a violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act..
    • If your pet is an emotional support animal, you do not have a right to have the pet in a hotel. Still, it cannot hurt to tell the hotel ahead of time you have an emotional support animal prescribed by your doctor and that you want to bring him/her with you. 
• Airplanes: 
  • As a general matter, one pet that fits under the seat is permitted on each airplane. 
  • Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals are also allowed in the cabin (though not in emergency rows). Other pets have to fly with the luggage 
• Ask your veterinarian for a canine health certificate which confirms the dog's good health in case you are asked for it. Also, take a copy of your pet's shots and immunizations -- and registration if required (such as a dog license.)
• In case your pet wanders:
  • Carry a current photo of your pet.
  • Be sure he or she has a sturdy collar with emergency contact information and a rabies tag.
  • Consider inserting an identifying chip under the skin (from your veterinarian.)
  • Think about purchasing a global positioning collar. One source is www.globalpetfinder.com .
• If you are looking for a place to stay with your pet:
  • There are web sites which  provide information on pet friendly accommodations among other useful information for traveling with a pet. For example:
    • www.BringFido.com
    • www.DogFriendly.com
    • www.PetsOnTheGo.com
    • www.PetsWelcome.com
  • Pet-friendlylodgings and campgrounds, dog friendly parks, and emergency animal clinicsin the United States and Canada are listed in AAA's guidebook: "Traveling With Your Pet" (free to members; available at AAA branches for non-members for a fee. You can find a branch through www.aaa.com ).
  • There are travel companies which specialize in making travel arrangements for pets. For example, DogTravelCompany.net .
• If you are going to use a commercial flight:
  • If you have a small pet you can carry onboard: window or center seats have more under-the-seat space than aisle seats
  • Large dogs fly as checked baggage or in the cargo hold of the plane.
  • Direct, nonstop flights without stops or layovers are preferable to help avoid delays and reduce the stress on your pet.
  • During the summer, it is preferable to book a flight for a time when the temperatures are cooler, such as early in the morning, in the evening or at night.
  • Read the Department of Transportation regulations for transporting live animals at http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/publications/animals.htm
  • Check on the record of airlines you are considering using with respect to pet transportation at http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov/reports/index.htm .
  • Don't give your pet food for four to six hours before the flight, except for a small drink of water before flight time.
  • A new airline flies pets in a cabin rather than in a cargo hold. For information see www.petairways.com  or call 888.PET.AIRWAYS
  • Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals are permitted on commercial flights.
• If you are planning on taking a pet to another country, learn about quarantine or other health requirements at www.pettravel.com or contact the country's embassy or consulate. Don't be surprised if you need to have a microchip implanted in your pet and/or a blood titre test which checks your pet's immune defenses.

NOTE:  If you have a car, check your automobile insurance policy to find out if there is coverage for pets injured in your car. At least one automotible insurance company, Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, includes such coverage. Coverage for cats and dogs is free.

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