Pets
Pets And Owners Find Creature Comforts Away From Home
By
Jul 8, 2008, 21:34

p(NAPSI)-There's good news for pet owners who want to travel with their furry friends.

It turns out they are part of a growing trend.

According to the Travel Industry Association, "more than 29 million Americans have traveled with a pet on a trip of 50 miles or more, one way, in the past three years."

Millions of Americans are pet lovers, but it can sometimes be a challenge to find appropriate accommodations while away from home.

Fortunately, some hotels are throwing travelers a bone.


For instance, Hilton Hotels & Resorts' new Hilton Pet Friendly program makes traveling with cats and dogs easier.

From information on local pet parks and veterinary offices to food bowls and pet beds, the hotel chain is dedicated to making a pet's stay as comfortable as its owner's.

Here are a few tips for making your trip more enjoyable when traveling with your pet:

• Trim Before Travel:

Clip your pet's nails before you leave. Pets with freshly trimmed nails are less likely to damage items in strange surroundings and, if necessary, are easier to restrain.

• Heal Your Hound:

When traveling by car, pack a simple pet first-aid kit. Be sure to include assorted bandages, antiseptic cream, an anti-diarrhea medication that is safe for pets (ask your veterinarian to suggest a product), gauze squares, and the phone numbers of your veterinarian, a national poison control hotline and a 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.

• Forgo Feeding:

Air travel on an almost empty stomach is usually recommended for your pet's comfort. However, always ask your veterinarian for specific feeding instructions.

The age and size of your pet, time and distance of the flight, and your pet's regular dietary routine will be considered when feeding recommendations are made.

• Research the Road:

If planning to travel by bus or train, research and consult your local transportation in advance for information.

Most states prohibit animals from riding on buses and similar regulations restrict travel on trains, with exceptions for guide and service dogs accompanying blind and disabled persons.

• Pamper Your Pet:

Vacations are not just for owners. Before traveling, check the area for dog-walking routes, pet shops and groomers to indulge your furry friend.

If you don't have the time to research, take advantage of your hotel's pet services. As part of its pet program, Hilton Hotels conveniently provide information on all the services above, as well as additional information on veterinarians, doggy day care and kennels in the area.

• Don't Let Your Pet Stray:

Unfortunately, pets can get separated while away from home. So, in addition to their standard identification tag, your pet's collar should include a travel tag with information on where you are staying while traveling. In case your pet becomes lost, you can be contacted locally.

To learn more about Hilton's Pet Friendly program, travelers can call (800) HILTONS or contact the hotel of their choice directly for pet policy information.

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