On vacation with a pet? The Oakland couple wants advice on how to prepare – The Mercury News

Dear Joan: My wife and I plan a vacation that will take us to different cities and states, and we want to bring our 1 year old dog with us. It is a small dog, but it is definitely a Mutt.

Currently, we are trying to decide to fly to our first location, then rent a car to visit the other places, or if we have to drive the whole trip. Our first stop would take two days to reach, but the other places are more reasonable to drive.

We would like to know your reflections on the flight compared to driving and what we have to do to make sure everyone has the best experience. We have never traveled with a pet before. Will having declared it a dog of emotional support will make it easier for you to airlines and hotels?

– G. and R., Oakland

Dear G. and R.: You have a lot to understand before packing your suitcases.

If you decide to fly, there is a good chance that you can take your puppy with you on the plane and not have to put it in the freight area. However, the dog must be in a carrier approved by the airline, and the carrier must adapt under the seat in front of you.

You will probably have to pay a little more on your price. These vary from $ 100 to $ 150 per animal, per flight.

Contact the airline well before making your reservations to make sure they can welcome you, what the costs and any other requirement will be. Most airlines require proof of rabies vaccination and a certificate or letter from your veterinarian reaching your dog’s good health.

Traveling by car also requires prior planning, the first of which is to see if your puppy can tolerate travel by car. My dog ​​absolutely hates that. I would recommend a dry race, maybe with a day trip to see how it does.

As you stay in hotels, you must make sure they accept pets. Many do it, but they often charge you daily costs that can be expensive.

Overall, you will need to consider that you will not be able to take it with you at every stage of the trip. Dogs are not welcome everywhere, so you will have to decide what to do with him while you visit sites or dine. You should start training in the checkout now, so you have a safe place to keep it for a few hours at a time.

Animals of emotional support do not enjoy rights that ordinary animals to be in places where dogs are not allowed. Only assistance animals have this right. Vests and so-called emotional support certificates do not make sense, so do not waste your money on them.

Finally, be sure to wrap food, water, dishes, toys, medicines and a box.