Travels With Your Canines

Pet spending is at an all time high, reports the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA). A study conducted by APPMA in 2006, demonstrates that pet spending has more than doubled from 17 billion spent by Americans on pet products in 1994, to an established $38.4 billion in 2006. Other innovative new services continue to rise according to the APPMA, including market penetration with pet spas and hotels, therapy and related services. In other words, the pet industry is going to the dogs! Of course, these numbers including customers buying Fido-friendly guide books to ensure a fun-filled travel experience for the whole family including Spot.

Norm:



Are there any particular hotel chains that cater to canine companions and if so, which ones and what do they do for their guests with their canines?



Shelley:



Good question, Holiday Inns all allow dogs (there are some size restriction varying by particular hotel), La Quintas and Motel 6. Loew's hotels have a specific Pet policy that is very accommodating they provide special dog dishes and do everything almost but roll out the red carpet, for you and your hounds.



Norm:



How easy or difficult is it to find cruise ships that cater to canine companions? How are canines dealt with once aboard the cruise ship?



Shelley:



Cruise ships? Norm, this is one area that I have been chomping at the bit to see happen. Unfortunately there is not one cruise ship line that accepts canine passengers, but I predict there will be, there is too much pressure from the industry. The Queen Mary 2 cruise ship a transatlantic ship, does accept dogs, but they are not allowed in cabins all dogs must stay in crates for the duration of the cruise.



Norm:



Are there any travel companies that specialize in canine companion adventures? If so, please tell us which ones and what exactly are these trips about?



Shelley:



In today's Fido-friendly world, you can find travel agents who specialize in making reservations for you and you dog(s). Also there is a wealth of information online, my favorite site is Dogfriendly.com.



Norm:



Do you have any important tips to pass unto our readers pertaining to canine travel?



Shelley:



If you have a small and friendly dog, traveling should be relatively smooth, just make sure you have checked with the hotel/venue in advance (don't rely on the person who answers the phone, invariably problems will arise).



If you have a dog with a questionable temperament obviously travel can be a bit more difficult. I am not sure how many people with dogs who have temper/obedience issues would want to travel with their hounds, but I suppose this has happened.



If you have a large, but friendly dog (think Labrador retriever) it is more difficult to find accommodations but again more and more places are accepting dogs of all sizes. If I was traveling with a large dog, I would prefer to stay in one to two story motel where you could park just outside of your room, with a large grassy park area nearby.



Norm:



Are there any Internet sites that our readers can refer to pertaining to canine travel?





Shelley:

Again, Dogfriendly.com is a winner. Also try, Petfriendlytravel.com. There is also Petswelcome.com.





Norm:



Is there anything else you wish to add that we have not covered?



Shelley:



If indeed you do want to travel with your pooch and have found a new place that accepts dog, please share your knowledge, dog-lovers need to stick together! Oops, almost forgot if you are traveling to a new area that has specific temperature issues (I'm thinking Central Texas, it is summer here and the temperatures are extreme) be sure to take special precautions, extra water, dog booties for hot pavement, that sort of thing.



Thanks once again Shelley.