According to a survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 58.3 percent of American households had pets in 2002, but what happens to these fuzzy friends when families go on vacation?
Sadly, many of these pets are left in the care of kennels and family friends, but thanks to changing policies, you can now bring cats and dogs along with you.
“We usually just bring our dog over to my grandmother’s house when we go on vacation,” said Joe Calabrese ’08. “We have taken her to a kennel once or twice, but we prefer to have her stay with someone we know.”
Some airlines, in fact, allow dogs and cats under 20 pounds to ride in the cabin as carry on luggage, but make sure you check with the airline in advance because many limit the number of pets permitted on each flight. Even larger animals can fly in the belly of the plane as checked luggage, but either way it will cost you between $80 and $200 depending on the airline.
“Dogs on a plane are not too bad, but animals should not be allowed in the cabin,” said Todd Bingham ’08. “I was on a plane with a guy who brought his cat but refused to leave it in its cage, then wouldn’t move from the exit row because he didn’t see the cat as being a problem.”
Cunard’s QE2 is redefining how a cruise ship can pamper its guests with a conveniently located kennel mid-ship on the sun deck. Pets are not permitted in the individual rooms, but owners can visit them during visiting hours on their shielded deck complete with a fire hydrant, lamppost and plenty of exercise room.
“(My dogs) Bear and Socks would be great on a cruise,” said Bingham. “We could get off at ports and enjoy the beaches and go fishing together.”
If your vacation involves going abroad, however, there are some major steps you have to take to ensure that your dog isn’t turned away at the gate. Most airlines require pet owners to get a certificate from a veterinarian within 10 days of the flight and a rabies vaccination certificate.
According to the AVMA, dogs should never be sedated prior to the flight and muzzles shouldn’t be used. Also, be sure to bring identification tags for your pet and make sure that the information on you pet’s microchip is correct.
Some information in article provided by U-wire article by Lauren Marshall of the The Miami Hurricane (U. Miami)
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