Rover.com, the largest pet sitting service, discovered many pet owners won’t travel or vacation without their dog, while others will make big sacrifices to take their furry friend on holiday with them.
Has your dog ever gotten in the way of your travel plans? According to a brand new survey of 500 pet owners conducted by Rover.com, 37% of respondents have chosen NOT to travel so they could stay home with their dog.
Others, however, take the opposite approach.
Some pet owners will do just about anything to bring their pups on vacation rather than missing out:
38% have driven instead of flown to their destination
10% have hidden their dog in their luggage to sneak them into a hotel
3% have tried to disguise their dog as a baby when boarding a plane (seriously!)
Rover.com member Murphy Newgen Philbrick Photo by: Heather Newgen
RELATED: Road Trippin with your Pet? Here’s Some Tips!
Rover.com Summer Travel Survey Highlights
Young pet owners (ages 21-24) go the extra mile when it comes to staying connected and pampering their dog when they travel:
27% schedule day and evening care while 17% create a music playlist.
22% of dog owners ages 21-24 and 11% ages 25-34 have hidden their dog in their bag or luggage compared to 7% of pet owners ages 35-44 Baby Boomers are more likely to take their pet with them when they travel (42% of dog owners ages 55-64)
If they do decide to leave their pet at home, 25% of Baby Boomers make homemade treats for their dog to enjoy when they are away and a whopping 75% leave behind an article of clothing with their scent on it.
Rover.com member Murphy Newgen Philbrick making friends Photo by: Heather Newgen
Females are more likely to take their dog with them when they travel (25%) compared to men (14%) 15% of paw-rents arrange special play dates for their dogs with other dogs when they’re away; the same amount schedule video call sessions with their pup when they’re out of town
Don’t forget to remember me: 3% of pet parents have left an enlarged or over-sized photo of themselves that their dog(s) can see when they’ve been away from home
7% of pet parents have dressed their furry friends as service animals when they’re really not service pets when traveling together.
For pet owners who do love traveling with their dogs, Los Angeles animal trainer Nicole Ellis offers these tip
Nicole Ellis Photo courtesy of Nicole Ellis
- Plan early! Call ahead and book your dog on your flight as early as possible. Each airline has a maximum number of pets they will allow on board or in the cargo hold.
- Check your carrier dimensions on the airline’s website. Dimensions and regulations vary from airline to airline. Don’t show up with the wrong size only to be turned away at the airport.
- Avoid giving your dog calming medication unless prescribed by your veterinarian, especially if they’re flying in cargo. These drugs can interfere with your pup’s critical ability to regulate their body temperature.
- Make sure your crate has your contact information for both your home and destination. Plan for the worst-case situation – you can neverhave too much information attached to the crate.
Before you leave for the airport, take a nice long walk with your dog. It will help calm them down and can relax you as well.
RELATED: Six Tips on Dealing with Post Vacation Blues
And if you do plan on vacationing with your four-legged BFF, consider this stylish DJANGO Brand gear for your pet.
The Django Carry Bag is a waxed canvas and leather pet carry bag designed for you and your pup’s daily commute or next weekend adventure. A soft and sturdy footpad and bag-to-harness tether ensures your pup’s comfort and security. Four exterior and interior zip pockets ensure essentials (poop bags, keys, your passport) don’t get lost in the fray.It is available in olive green, navy blue and black.
The Django City Slicker is a lightweight and versatile performance rain jacket. The sleek weatherproof exterior is built to withstand water, wind, mud and dirt. Lined with supple sport mesh cotton, your dog will stay comfortable and dry throughout any adventure. The link is below. It come in cherry red, pink and topaz blue. The City Slicker is also available for sale through Amazon. The City Slicker is meant for adventure with your pup – whether crossing creek or combing hiss, the City Slicker has you covered no matter where you are!
The Django Puffer Coat: The Puffer is an uber comfy dog coat that offers the warmth of synthetic insulation and comfort of natural lining. Oversized arm holes enable maximum range of motion whether walking down the street or running up a mountain trail. Reversible, you say? Yes. The Puffer delivers two distinct looks in one comfortable, warm jacket. The water-resistant and windproof outer layer is ideal for cold-weather activities. Velcro closure for easy on and off. Machine washable.
The Django Hoodie: The Classic Hoodie is something to bark about. A blend of top tier fabrics that are usually reserved for human apparel, our design is modern and lightweight with a structured opening for your adventure dog’s leash. Machine washable.
Comment and tell us which category of pet owners you fall into.