When traveling by car with your dog or cat, be sure the pet carrier is seat-belted. Large dogs should be restrained with a harness. Try not to leave your dog or cat alone in the car. |
Today more than half the population of the United States - 63 million households - includes a canine or feline family member. A recent survey showed that 84 percent of dog and cat owners consider their pets as their children. With the deep affection that comes with caring for a pet, animal lovers in growing numbers are loathe to travel without them. In addition to sharing a fun-filled experience, many people no longer see leaving their dog or cat home alone with a house-sitter, dog-walker, or caged in a kennel as their only option.
In response to this burgeoning new market, hotel chains, from Hiltons to Holiday Inns, and from the luxurious Ritz Carlton to the world's finest spas, are now accommodating pets. Choosing a destination, however, is only half the equation. The other concern is humane transportation: how to make sure the journey itself is worry-free and enjoyable for pets, people and fellow travelers.
The ease of traveling with pets these days is due in no small measure to one woman: Gayle Martz. Gayle revolutionized the way people travel with their pets by creating a line of soft-sided pet carriers named for her Llaso Apso, “Sherpa.”
A former flight attendant, Gayle used her travel expertise to design totes and bags that would comply with regulations and fit under the seat in airplanes. She then personally persuaded the airlines to modify their policies, allowing small pets to travel in the passenger cabins rather than to be checked as luggage.
Small pets can now fly in the cabins of Delta, American, Air Canada, America West, Continental, Northwest, TWA, Alaska, West Jet, United and US Air. Secure in their plush, well-ventilated and cozy home-away-from-home, pets enjoy the reassuring presence of their owner and vice versa.
Whether in the air, on the road, or around town on sightseeing or shopping expeditions, advance planning will ensure that taking your pet along is a delightful experience. Here are some etiquette rules for people traveling with pets:
- Familiarize your pet with its carrier before leaving home.
- Maintain a low profile. Do not call attention to the pet or disturb fellow passengers. Also in consideration of your fellow passengers, do not take your pet out of the carrier. Your pet must stay in the bag under the seat.
- Carry a current health certificate from your veterinarian, dated within seven to ten days of departure.
- Make sure your pet has a collar with a name tag listing owner’s contact information.
- Pack a travel kit with your pet’s food and treats as well as favorite toys, any medicines and health documents.
- When making your reservations, be sure to make one for your pet. Only a small number of pets are allowed in passenger cabins on any given trip. Check reservation and fee policies for individual airlines.
- Airlines require that pet carriers have absorbent liners - be sure you have a spare.
- At the security checkpoint, request that the agent use the hand-held metal detector.
- When traveling outside the United States, contact the appropriate embassy far in advance of your trip for quarantine or health requirements.
- Do not feed your pet within six hours of departure or provide water within two hours of takeoff, and never use tranquilizers unless advised by your veterinarian.
🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia