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Tips to make traveling with Fido a treat

The dog days of summer are almost upon us, and so is vacation season. It’s the time of year when pet owners plan to visit parks and campgrounds or stay in hotels and motels with their furry friends.

But before making those plans, remember: Not all of those destinations will welcome your pet. Careful planning and some research can help avoid vacation complications resulting from an unwelcome or stressed-out pet.

Before taking your pup on any outing or vacation, carefully consider the activities that the family is planning. Even dogs that are normally well-behaved at home can have difficulty when confronted with the stresses of a new environment. With pup along, some last-minute ideas or side trips may have to be abandoned. Your pet should never be left alone in the car, even for a short period. Even on overcast days, radiant heat from the sun can raise the temperature inside an automobile to dangerous levels within minutes.

Visiting parks is a good way for you and your pet to get some fresh air and sunshine. Pets are allowed at some parks if they’re kept on a leash and accompanied by an owner. Pup should never be left unattended or tied to a park bench or table. This is unfair to both the dog and other park guests.

And before you head to the campgrounds, know the rules: The National Park Service doesn’t allow pets.

Also, consider your pet’s personality. For some, time in the woods is exciting. For others, changing their normal routine can be disorienting. Dogs are territorial, and some display the need to protect their turf more than others. Even if your pet’s guard duties are restricted to your travel trailer, his barking at every passer-by may drive the family and your neighbors nuts.

Many hotels also have pet restrictions. If your travel plans are flexible and bringing your pet along is the family choice, consider staying at one of the new pet-friendly resorts. Some hotels, specialty resorts and even cruise lines are finally offering a variety of pet packages to wonderful vacation destinations. A few places to check out are petvacations.com, takeyourpet.com, cruisecat.com and petswelcome.com. There you’ll find places where furry friends are treated with the same courtesy and warmth as their human companions.

You may decide not to travel with your pet. If you plan to leave your pet with a pet sitter or a pet-boarding business, plan ahead to find the best choices in your area. It’s important for both you and your pet to be comfortable with the person and the location you choose.

Pet sitters are increasing in popularity and ideal for families with multiple animals and elderly pets. They offer a variety of services, including walks and playtime for your pet. There are even some services that pair your pet with a compatible family while you’re away. Check out http://www.petvacations.net.

Boarding facilities can be another choice, offering everything from the most basic accommodations to themed suites where animal members of the same family can room together. The housing should be clean and odor free, and ask about the health requirements: Tougher policies mean better protection for your pet. Most reputable facilities offer exercise programs and special diets. Plan to tour the facility. The kennel owners should be happy to show you around. If they won’t, don’t leave your pet.

Also, ask your veterinarian who they would suggest, and ask the caregiver for references.

Next column: Spring is a great time to get back into shape for both pets and their owners. We’ll talk about activities that both can enjoy and get fit at the same time.

n Christine Hamer is a certified canine behavior consultant who has been helping dogs and their families for 30 years. She would love to answer your questions about training and behavior. She can be reached at .