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Susie has shared many different aspects of preparing to take a road trip with your best friend. A few others are worth mentioning as well – the old scout maxim of “Be Prepared!” definitely applies here.
In planning your road trip be sure to do thorough research. Don’t make any assumptions based on possibly old information. Most of us do much of our research on the web, but it is important to realize that much of what is out there is old, dated material. First be sure that the information is recently posted. Don’t expect hotel web sites to be up to date.
First, determine if a hotel venue claims to be pet friendly. Note all of the requirements for having your pet stay with you there, but then call or contact the venue directly to confirm that the information is accurate and current. This applies in particular to pet fees, breed and size restrictions and leaving your pet alone in the room. Upon confirming the current pet policy, ask that a copy be sent to you by email or FAX to prevent problems later.
Also be sure to research possible restaurant venues along your route of travel, in particular the spots you might want to stop for lunch on your journey to your overnight stays. This is particularly important when the weather is warm or hot and you don’t want to leave your pet in the vehicle even with the windows cracked. Always better to be safe than sorry. I would rather go through a drive through and eat in the car than jeopardize the life of my best friend(s). Susie and Beau appreciate it too!
At your hotel stay ask for a ground floor room. Many hotels will readily accommodate a patron with a pet on the ground floor anyway. Also ask to be near an exit with a grassy area for your pet to take their potty breaks. This is even more important with a puppy or an older dog. Of course be careful about taking a puppy on a trip until they are old enough to have been both potty trained and also used to traveling in the car.
Also be sure to have a crate with you to confine the pet in the room and provide them with the security of a familiar place to rest and sleep. At home Beau regularly goes into his crate just to sleep.
Make your trip a joy for both you and your pet by proper research and planning.
April 2, 2023
