Kennels and Catteries: $20-$60 per day, plus $10 per day additional charge for holiday boarding

If there’s something you should be more Fab than Fru about is leaving your pet at a kennel or a cattery. Boarding your pet will be more expensive but may be the only option if your pet needs full-time attention.

When Boarding Your Pet

• Some vets also offer boarding services so check with your vet first or ask if they recommend any particular kennels or catteries.
• To determine whether a kennel or cattery is right for you, visit the premises and get a tour. Then go for a surprise visit later on.
• Make sure all the facilities (including the office area) are clean and tidy.
• See how large your pet’s sleeping space will be and if its clean.
• See if other animals housed there seem happy and healthy, and how the staff interacts with them.
• The Pet Care Services Association (PCSA) offers listings of kennels and catteries with their certification across the country.
• Not all boarding facilities have on-site vet services or overnight staff, so make sure you inquire about this if its important to you.

Traveling with Your Pet

If you do decide to take your pet along for the ride, you obviously need to consider quite a few things depending on your mode of transportation and where you’re staying.  Also, keep in mind the cost of proper carriers, water bottles, treats.

Domestic Air Travel: $100 to $300 plus the cost of a Health Certificate

Each airline will have its own travel restrictions and fees when it comes to bringing your pet on board or checking them in cargo.  You must check with the individual airline for policies and fees.

Standard Requirements Include:

• A Health Certificate will be mandatory for both domestic and international flight. You may need to bring a record of shots, too. -This is usually the cost of a visit to the Vet.
• Book in advance. Most domestic flights only allow a limited amount of animals in the cabin. For international flights you may have months of paperwork, special blood work or shots, even a quarantine period.
• Airport approved carriers for small animals like cats or small dogs that may be allowed to sit with you in the.
• Travel supplies like food dispenser, portable litter box, waste bags, leash, collar with tag, etc. lso, have extra blankets ready in case the cabin is cold or if they have an accident on the one they are lying on in their carrier.

**Flying a pet in cargo is not recommended if you have a connecting flight or flying during the holidays which are hectic—they are being treated like luggage so they may be lost like luggage.  Yikes!

Hotel Accommodations: $10 to $150 per night, plus deposit ranging from $50 to $150, per stay

While pet-friendly accommodations are becoming more and more frequent, they still aren’t the norm. If you are staying with relatives or friends, make sure they know your pet is traveling with you and that there isn’t anyone with allergies in the house. If you decide to stay at a pet-friendly hotel or motel, keep in mind that they may ask you to put down a deposit in case your pet damages anything. Some will include amenities like a pet room service menu, a pet bed, and dog walking. For a listing of pet-friendly hotels go to petswelcome.com.

Trains and Buses

No Greyhound for you if you’re bringing your greyhound with you!   Unless you have a service animal, it is prohibited to bring your pet on a bus or train in the US.

Road Trips

While this will be your most affordable option, do keep in mind that you should travel with your pet in a kennel or carrier. It is dangerous to allow them to wander freely around the car where they can get under your feet while driving or accidentally open a window or door. Under no circumstances should you leave them alone in the car for any amount of time, even if the windows are open.  And if you have a nervous nelly on your hands, you may want to the Vet to give you some medication for anxiety before you get on the road.

For more pet-related travel advice, visit www.pettravel.com and petfriendlytravel.com. Always consult your vet before taking your pet on any extended trip or leaving him alone for longer than a weekend. Happy holidays and safe travels to you and all your furry friends!

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