Westgate Pet Friendly Vacations
Share the joys of traveling with your pet
Vacations offer an opportunity to get away from the house and the daily routine. But you may not want to get away from your pets. Although traveling with pets by car can have its difficulties, it can also provide a rewarding experience for all. That’s why Westgate Resorts offers a variety of pet friendly vacation where you can share the joys of traveling with your pet.
Pet Friendly Vacation Tips
If you’re planning a pet friendly vacation, it’s best to be fully prepared for the road ahead. That starts with planning ahead.
Before you leave, be sure to pack your pet’s essentials. At the least, your pet-pack should include veterinary records, food, water, bowls, leash, grooming brush, bedding, treats, any medication, plastic bags and a favorite toy.
A trip to the veterinarian for a healthy pet checkup is a good idea and offers an opportunity to ensure your pet’s good health while getting updated records and vaccinations. Proof of vaccinations such as rabies or Bordetella may be required by your hotel or any other place you may board your pet during your getaway.
Be sure your pet also has a collar and an up-to-date identification tag imprinted with your home address and phone number and/or a microchip. It’s also a good idea to carry a photo of your pet in the event he gets lost during your trip.
If your pet friendly vacation will have you staying in a hotel, resort or some other accommodations, it’s wise to also call ahead and verify all information for your pet. Let your hotel know you are bringing a pet, and verify any details such as weight limits or number of pets allowed.
If you are planning a long ride, you might consider first taking your pet on some shorter drives around town to help him adapt to a moving vehicle. Never let your pet sit on the driver’s lap or ride with his head outside the window.
Instead, pets should be limited to the back seat area and kept safe by utilizing some form of well ventilated pet crate, carrier or a harness. For added safety, crates and harnesses should also be securely attached to a seat buckle. Remember, crates should also be large enough for your pet to sit, stand, lie down and turn around comfortably.
When traveling with a pet, it’s important to always keep your leash handy. Pets need to get out of the car and stretch their legs, just like you. Whether you are stopping for gas, grabbing a bite to eat, or just taking a pit stop at a rest area, you’ll want to be sure your pet is leashed before opening your car doors.
Pets also get hungry during a trip, but it’s best not to feed them in a moving vehicle. Instead offer up some light meals and a little bit of water during rest stops. Should you decide to stop for some food, be aware of the weather and don’t leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle. Even with the windows open, a parked car can quickly overheat on a hot day. On the flip side, a car can also hold in the chilly temperatures on a cold winter day.
