Travel Pro Samantha Brown's Genius Tips Will Make Traveling With Your Pet A Breeze
For many, cats, dogs, and other furry friends are not just pets; they are family. Samantha Brown, host of "Samantha Brown's Places to Love," agrees. The former Travel Channel star is a self-proclaimed animal lover. Brown, who lives in Brooklyn, even told The New York Post that she and her family enjoy watching dogs at Prospect Park's Dog Beach. Similarly, her blog recommends Portland, Maine, as a dog-friendly destination. Drawing on her experience, Brown has some advice for those planning to take their fur baby (cat or dog) with them on their next trip.
On her blog, Brown says you must inquire about pet policies to ensure your pet has a perfect vacation. If you plan to stay in a hotel, she recommends calling the establishment to ask about fees, requirements, and restrictions. Some hotels may be ready to pamper your pet, but not all. Note that Airbnb has a pet-friendly search filter.
You should also follow this advice for any attractions or spots you plan to visit with your pet. If you have a dog, Brown suggests checking out BringFido to search for dog-friendly eateries, attractions, and more. As a precaution, Brown urges pet owners to microchip their fur babies and ensure they have a tag. Having a recent photo on hand also wouldn't hurt. Brown is all about safety for those planning to hit the road with their pet.
Road-tripping with your fur baby
If you bring your cat or dog in your vehicle, Samantha Brown states on her blog that you should provide adequate breaks. She also expressed the importance of keeping animals secure. She wrote, "Pets loose in a car are a danger to the driver. I learned this the hard way when I let my cat roam free in the car and she came under my legs by the gas and brake pedal. Pets can also become a projectile object if you have to suddenly brake or in the case of an accident-I learned this the hard way as well."
If you have a dog, she advises purchasing a seat belt for them, an affordable item widely available online. Similarly, Brown advises against placing your dog in the front seat, citing airbag concerns. If the airbags trigger, they can injure your canine or cause fatalities. Do you plan on using a pet carrier on your road trip? If your pet is not a fan or accustomed to pet carriers, Brown says to get them acclimated long before the big day to avoid mishaps. The PBS host says (via the Travel Channel) to keep cats in their carriers. In this case, use your car's seat belt to keep them strapped in. And, of course, don't forget essentials like toys and anything else your fur baby might need for the long journey.
Prep thoroughly before flying with your pet
Samantha Brown notes that flying with your pet is a different ball game altogether. Things can get complicated. That's because pet policies differ from airline to airline. For example, Delta Airlines passengers will be charged $95 to fly with their cat or dog from the U.S. and Canada. However, stipulations include that a pet must travel in an airline-compliant carrier that can be stored under a seat. On the other hand, United Airlines has similar rules but charges $125 each way. So, make sure you do your homework.
Take the initiative and contact the airline you plan to fly through to learn more about the costs of flying with pets, the carrier size you need, restrictions, and more. Some pets might be too big and must fly in cargo. Brown does not necessarily endorse this but writes on her blog, "If cargo is the only option do you and your dog a favor by flying direct." She also says to be wary of traveling with your pet in cargo when temperatures are extreme. This can be detrimental to animals.
Wherever or however you decide to travel with your fur baby, the key is to plan for every aspect of your trip with your pet in mind. Having the proper gear is also a must. To learn more, check out the best pet carriers for airplanes.