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My Pet World: Pet travel products make it easier to take all family members on vacation

By Steve Dale, Tribune Content Agency on

When families take a vacation, increasingly, it's the entire family enjoying the get-away. Nearly a third of all dog owners now take their pets along on vacation, according to the 2013-2014 American Pet Product Association National Pet Owners Survey.

Additionally, six percent of cat owners tote their kitties on vacation. In both cases, that's about twice as many pets taking road trips compared to 10 years ago. Travel with pets is most common over the summer or between Thanksgiving and New Year's. But the process isn't free and easy.

More than three quarters of traveling pet owners who don't take their animals on vacation might if there were more pet-friendly accommodations, according to a recent survey commissioned by AAA and Best Western International.

Some chains are totally pet friendly, such as Best Western Hotels with 1,600 locations that welcome pets. Other chains are listed at http://hotels.petswelcome.com/chains/.

Many hotel/motel policies regarding pets depend on the individual management. When making reservations, get confirmation in writing (via fax or email) that your pet is welcome.

Some hotels/motels have weight restrictions, so only pets under a certain number of pounds are welcome. Some accommodations charge extra fees for a pet stay (sometimes refundable if the room isn't damaged and there are no complaints about the pet). No wonder, according to the AAA and Best Western survey, that about a third of all pet owners, at one time or another, have surreptitiously snuck their pets into their rooms.

Since most pet owners travel by car, certain precautions are in order. Pets should never sit in lap of the driver or front seat passenger; in fact, in some locales this is illegal. Stop suddenly, and the animal smashes into the front window. When stopping abruptly, an unrestrained pet in the back seat becomes a projectile unless restrained by seat belts or a doggy car seat. Cats should always be kept in a carrier.

Touted as the first dog safety car harness or seat belt for dogs, the Roadie, by Ruff Rider, was developed 15 year ago. The equipment was first conceived by Carl Goldberg after he slammed on his brakes to avoid a collision and his 125-pound Labrador Retriever was ejected from the back seat and thrown through the windshield, landing on the car's hood. After this frightening incident, a new windshield, and a trip to the veterinarian, Goldberg realized the threat an unrestrained dog presents in a moving vehicle and decided to do something about it.

The Roadie has passed examination at facilities that do crash safety tests for people. For info, check http://ruffrider.businesscatalyst.com/; $77.95 to $83.95

 

Kurgo features a myriad of products designed for pet travel, including four pet restraint options: http://www.kurgo.com/car-restraints/; $10 to $25.

For small dogs, another option is a booster seat, and Kurgo offers several choices: http://www.kurgo.com/booster-seats/; $36 to $70.

When you arrive at your destination, the PetMate Portable Pop Up Den couldn't be handier. This lightweight portable crate features a zippered mesh door and side ventilation panels that can be rolled up to promote air circulation, while allowing your pet to see what's going on. The heavy-duty canvas construction is durable and water resistant. The den features storage pockets for all your dog's travel essentials. It can be set up anywhere in seconds, and includes a carrying case and four ground stakes (except mini-version). Available in a variety of sizes: http://www.petmate.com/portable-pet-home; $37 to $70.

Of course, it's important to always carry water for your pup. Kurgo offers a variety of collapsible travel water bowls for $6 to $10: www.kurgo.com.

In fact, perhaps your dog should carry all his or her own supplies. Kurgo offers a couple of canine back packs: http://www.kurgostore.com/dog-packs/; $35 to $50.

Keep in mind that while some pets travel well in the car, others get so stressed out that the kindest thing you can do is let them pass on road trips.

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