Let us teach YOU a few new dog tricks.... for traveling with pets that is.
As we get ready to Spring Forward our clocks this weekend and begin to see signs of life come back to our gardens, that means it’s also time to prepare to peak conference and travel season. In Columbus, we welcome humans and their pooches with open paws, and we’ve put together some recommendations for anyone traveling with a furry friend.
When traveling with a pet, it’s not as simple as just loading up the car and hitting the road. Rachel Finney, CEO of the Capital Area Humane Society, shared a few tips with us on how to prepare for the journey.
- Check to make sure your pet is welcome at your destination: Hotels that advertise as pet-friendly don’t always mean that pets are allowed in rooms, so be sure to do your research. In Columbus, you’re covered by numerous lodging options. However, pet accommodations often fill before others so be sure to reserve a room early.
- Schedule a visit with your veterinarian: Make sure vaccinations are up-to-date and that you have copies of vaccine records. If crossing state lines or traveling by air, you may need a health certificate, dated within 10 days of travel. Also be sure to research emergency veterinary care in your destination and program the contact information into your phone so you’re ready if something goes wrong.
- If you like it than you should have put a collar on it: Animals may panic in new or unfamiliar places, causing them to bolt through an open door. At the very least, make sure your pet is wearing a collar and current ID tags with your cell phone number in case you get separated. Best case scenario would be a pet with a registered microchip that offer permanent identification.
- Snap a pic: Carry current photos of your pet with you on your phone that show identifying markings that will help others recognize your pet if you are separated.
When traveling for a conference, there’s an added layer of planning and preparation for pet travel, as you may be spending some long days in meeting sessions. If that’s the case you’ll need to set up dog care for your four-legged traveler. Local dog-mom Laura Hughes and her companion, Mr. Bojangles (@mrbojanglesthedog), clued us in on a few great options in Columbus.
- Pet Sitting: Le Pooch Columbus, Top Tier Pet Care and WOOF! Downtown Pet Care offer one-on-one attention with pet sitters who will come to your hotel to look after, walk, feed and play with your four-legged family member. Text and picture updates will give you peace of mind that you pooch is well taken care of. Pet Sitters International lists important questions to ask a prospective pet sitter.
- Doggie Day Care: Doggie day care increases exercise and socialization, relieves boredom and decreases destructive behaviors that may occur if your pup is left alone. Out-of-towners are welcome at Camp Bow Wow Grandview Heights whose live web cams make it fun and easy to watch your pup romp around. Your four-legged family member can play all day at downtown’s Wonder Dog Society, featuring a large play space and lots of toys.
Learn more about dog-friendly travel in Columbus here.
