(c) Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash
Approximately 78% of Americans travel with their pets every year, with dogs making up 58% of travel on a global scale. The travel and tourism sector has reacted with aplomb to this demand, with airlines, resorts, and the hospitality sector all doing their best to capture pet-loving travelers. If you are planning a vacation with your furry friend soon, ensure you make choices that will benefit both you and your pet, so that your travels are fun and stress-free.
Choosing Pet-Friendly Airlines
If you will be traveling by plane, make your reservations with airlines that have a trusted reputation for pet-friendliness. Some of the best-rated companies in this respect are American Airlines, JetBlue, Air Canada, Delta, Swiss Air, and Lufthansa. The latter, for instance, allows up to two small cats and/or dogs in the cabin, provided they are familiar with each other and they fit in the same carrier. Countries like Australia have new regulations regarding pet travel. Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority has finally overturned the rule that forbade pets in airline cabins. Now it’s up to individual airlines to start allowing clients to take their pets onboard.
Availing of Pet-Friendly Resort Services
Most hotels and resorts have special features in pet-friendly rooms (such as bowls, pet beds, and pee pads), but some are taking it a step further, offering an authentic pampering experience for your pet. For instance, Blackberry Farm in Knoxville, Tennessee offers canine companions home-made dog biscuits, special towels to dry muddy paws, toys, and crates. Dog are welcome to join their humans in all activities, including geocaching, water sports, and car drives. The Kona Kai Resort & Spa in San Diego, meanwhile, has a dedicated dog massage department, with masseuses offering doggies massages on the beach. In some luxury resorts, pets can even enjoy a ‘pawdicure’ and other grooming treatments.
Is Your Destination Pet-Friendly?
Your chosen destination is arguably as important as the resort you will be staying in. After all, you will probably enjoy a little sightseeing as well as nature activities, and you may want to take your pup along. Just a few lauded pet-friendly destinations include Italy (where you will find a beach for dogs close to Rome), the UK (whose National Trust has developed a fantastic list of activities you can enjoy with your pooch), and the Azores (perfect for families that enjoy walking along trails and crossing natural pools where your dog can enjoy a swim). If you will be travelling within the US, check out the National Park Service website, which indicates the specific parks pooches are allowed in.
Pet travel is bigger than ever, with many resorts offering special features to entice people who wouldn’t dream of vacationing without their canine friend. When planning your stay, keep factors such as the destination and resort in mind, prioritizing accommodation that respects and has a special love for pets. Read up on various airlines traveling to your chosen destination, to make sure your pet travels comfortably and safely.
