TRAVELING WITH—OR WITHOUT—PETS

Tips and tricks for vacationing with your furry friends— or leaving them at home

BY MELISSA WISTEHUFF

Tis the time of year when we start dreaming of summer getaways; an opportunity to leave our daily routines behind, spend quality time with family and seek rejuvenation. For some, planning a vacation is as easy as booking a flight and hotel, but for those who count furry friend as part of their household, a decision must also be made as to

whether your four-legged buddy will tag along with the rest of the family or stay behind with a caregiver.

Nearly 70%, or 90.5 million households in the U.S. own a pet, according to the American Pet Products Association.

Many pet parents consider their beloved furry friends to be members of the family and could not imagine abandoning them, even for a brief respite. On the other hand, bringing a pet on vacation adds its own checklist of to-dos, therefore making it easier to leave Fluffy at home. Whether you decide to pack your pooch or leave her in the dog house, we’ve got you covered.

ANYTHING IS PAW-SIBLE If you are a dog owner, chances are you’ll be traveling with your pet at some point. Whether a quick overnight at the in-laws or a weeklong journey, there are countless destinations across the state of North Carolina where pets are not only welcomed, but encouraged. Generally, campgrounds and national parks are perfect spots for pets, with endless open areas to sniff around, plenty of fresh air, and room to roam.

The North Carolina mountains also offer an ideal destination for dogs, as hiking spots and scenic views abound. Dogs love to cool off in streams during the summertime, and idyllic spots for picnics are infinite

On the flip side, the Noth Carolina coast is hard to beat in terms of offering picturesque locations for jaunts with a dog in tow. You can enjoy long walks on the beach, jumping waves, and canoeing or boating together.

THE TECHNICALITIES

Chances are if you travel with your pet, it will be in some sort of motor vehicle.

Here are some tips for safe and stress-free car/van/truck/SUV/RV travel with your pet(s).

1. KEEP YOUR PET IN THE

BACK SEAT. While you may be tempted to snuggle while driving, having a pet in the front seat of the car is dangerous for you both. Let’s face it, Rover can be distracting when he’s excited or scared—and airbags are helpful to humans but can be harmful

to pets. The safest place for your pet is in the back seat, wearing a harness with a seatbelt attachment, or in a carrier that has been strapped to the seat. Make sure the carrier is large enough to allow your pet to stand up, turn around and lie down. Put your pet’s favorite blanket or toy in the carrier with her so she feels more comfortable.

2. TAKE A FEW PRACTICE RUNS.

Acquaint your pet with being in a car by going on several short trips before the big event. Gradually increase the length of these shorter trips to work up to long-distance travel.

3. GET THE SILLIES OUT. Be sure to go for a long walk or stop by the dog park before you hit the road. This way, your pup will be ready for a nap during the first leg of your jouney. 4. PLAN MEALS AROUND CAR TIME.

Feed your dog a light meal a few hours before you put him in the car.

If your drive will last three or more hours, schedule pit stops along the way. Always feed your dog outside of the car—perhaps at the same time as a potty break—and avoid feeding him in a moving vehicle, which could make him nauseous.

5. WHEN IN DOUBT, TAKE HIM OUT.

It is against the law in many states to leave your pet in a parked car, as temperatures are far higher inside the car than out, causing your pet to get overheated. According to akc.org, the inside of a vehicle parked in 70-degree weather can reach 100 degrees in just 20 minutes, and a dog can become overheated in less than 10 minutes.

TRAVELING BY PLANE?

Most airlines have pet-friendly policies, with some applying across the board. Service, psychiatric or emotional support animals fly for fee. Airlines typically require documentation showing the animal’s status as such, along with proof of vaccination, and an indemnification or waiver fom the traveler.

Most airlines also allow carry-on pets, such as small cats and dogs, and household birds. Each airline may have different guidelines for this, so be sure to check the airline’s requirements before you book your flight

PET PACKING TIPS

Whether your furry pal is traveling with you or checking in to a pet hotel, here’s a packing list of recommended items for his doggy suitcase.

• Food

• Bottled water (in case fresh water is hard to find

• Bowls

• A collar with identificatio

• A leash

• Medications

• Immunization records

• Waste bags

• Toys

• Blankets

• Towels (for wet paws)

• Cleaning supplies

• Health certificate (if you’ e traveling across state or international borders, or if your pet will stay in a kennel)

• Kiddie pool (to provide a place for your pet to cool off, if you’re going somewhere hot)

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Photo by Capuski/Getty Images ABOVE

Photo by Li Kim Goh/Getty Images RIGHT

Rendering courtesy of Care First Animal Hospital Some pets are simply not good travel companions. They may be susceptible to car anxiety or motion sickness, or their size may make traveling with them difficult. If you’e visiting a destination where pets are not welcome, you’ll also need a plan B. Fortunately, there are some great pet-care options here in the Triangle if you need to leave your pet behind.

Asking a teenage neighbor to pet sit is cost-effective and allows your pet to stay in the comfort of her own home. Services like rover.com can help you find local pet sitters, dog walkers and even housesitters who are willing to spend the night at your home, if that better fits your needs.

Whether you are boarding your pet or leaving him in a sitter’s care, make sure you leave contact information for a friend or family member who lives nearby in case of an emergency.

Doggie day care resorts have grown in popularity and offer an entertaining alternative to taking your dog on vacation with you, since most facilitate fenced play areas in which dogs can run around and play with each other. Here are some tips for how to find th best day care for your dog.

• Check your pet in for a trial run.

Most doggie day cares require an initial screening visit to make sure your pet is comfortable with the setting and employees.

• Make sure the facility has a veterinarian on staff or on call.

• Find out about health requirements, and make sure your pet is up-to-date on all vaccinations.

• Make sure the business is bonded, licensed and insured.

• Ask if there is outdoor space for fresh air and room for your pet to run and play.

• Pack all of your dog’s favorite comfort items—lovies, toys, blankets, etc.

CARE FIRST ANIMAL HOSPITAL

ENERGY-EFFICIENT ANIMAL HOSPITALS

The nation’s first passive house animal hospital, Care First Animal Hospital, is set to open in Raleigh this fall. A passive house designation status is applied when a facility meets the standard for energy efficienc, which reduces the building’s ecological footprint. Passive house buildings need little to no heating or cooling due to their airtight insulation, which prevents infiltation of outside air, as well as loss of conditioned air. Passive house windows provide significant insulation and an air exchange system allows for superior air quality, since the indoor air is exchanged with fresh outdoor air several times each hour.

Buildings with passive house technology save as much as 90% on utilities. Care First Animal Hospital administrator and owner Debbie Gordon describes the new building’s science and technology as having a zero net energy process, and says she feels a “moral and ethical obligation to try to help turn global warming around.”

“We are the first passive house animal hospital in the country, but I truly hope that we’ll be a model for future buildings, and that more follow our lead,” she adds.

Care First Animal Hospital will also house a boarding facility and day camp, and offer bathing and grooming.