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Bringing Your 4-legged Kids Along for the Holidays?
For many of us it is inconceivable to think of kenneling our fur babies when we’re travelling for the holidays. For those of us that feel that our dogs are a part of our family, it’s a good idea to be thoughtful of how best to manage our pets when it comes to staying in hotels or with family and friends. In all matters relating to dogs, I seek the advice of Shannon Brennan, owner of Barks of Bayfield. Shannon has three dogs of her own and vast knowledge of both dog training and grooming. When it comes to good behaviour, for both people and pets, Shannon really knows her stuff.
If you are expecting company to arrive with a dog this holiday season, you may want to consider sharing this post in advance to set the ground rules for what is expected of your canine visitors and their owners.
Etiquette for the Travelling Pooch by Shannon Brennan
Are you among the 75% of pet parents that are travelling with your pooch this holiday season? Whether you are staying with family, in a vacation rental apartment, a bed and breakfast, inn, or an extravagant boutique hotel, the following etiquette rules are a MUST-read:
- It’s a given that your dog must be friendly, well-mannered, and trained. However, even the most well-trained pet can succumb to the stress of an unknown environment, constant noise and even separation anxiety. If you are unsure that you can provide constant monitoring of your pet, perhaps it’s best to find a dog sitter to stay at your home or a reputable kennel to leave your dog with.
- Always confirm that your destination is pet-friendly, and inquire about any particular pet policies. For example, some hotels have weight restrictions, limits to the number of animals in the accommodation and, depending on the location, the province or state may have specific rules or bans for “bully breeds.”
- Bring your dogs’ essentials from home, proper identification, dog bed, food and water dishes, toys, ample poop bags, and cleaning supplies should an accident happen. Many locations request no animals on the furniture, therefore it may be a good idea to cover the furniture with old blankets from home.
- Always, always, always have your dog on a leash: not every person is comfortable with dogs. Also, should your dog get away from you in an unknown environment, they could become lost in seconds.
- Clean up after your dog quickly and thoroughly. Confirm if there is a designated area for your dog to frequent.
- Travel responsibly and courteously so that pet-friendly accommodations will continue to welcome pets.
If you would like more information or a list of pet-friendly accommodations throughout Ontario click here.
- Erin
The post {Try} Etiquette Tips For Travelling with Your Dog appeared first on Ruralist.