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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, November 4, 2006

How pets affect vacation plans

By Dr. Rolan Tripp
McClatchy-Tribune News Services

Is your pet going on a vacation this year? Probably so, according to a new survey by the travel site TripAdvisor.com. The results of a poll of 1,500 travelers revealed how pets affect vacation travel.

For openers, 13 percent of respondents report that their pets prevented them from going on vacation at all, so one wonders how they ended up taking the poll at the travel site. Twenty-nine percent said they take vacations, but fewer than if they were pet free. More than one-third (38 percent) reported they shortened their vacations so as not to be away from their pets too long.

There is some good news for hotels. Thirty-seven percent of those polled would be willing to pay more for pet-friendly lodging. The most frequently requested accommodations are pet kennels, but dogs appreciate interactive doggie daycare where they can play with human sitters, and mingle with others of their own kind.

Here are tips for traveling by car:

With a few exceptions, leave the cat home. Cats bond to territory, and a feline will generally do fine for a couple days with dry food, lots of fresh water and a couple of clean cat boxes.

Start with short trips with your dog, and alternate between fun places like the park, and boring errands so he doesn't get his hopes up every time. Praise calm, relaxed behavior.

Every dog should be kennel trained, as a kennel is both the safest way to travel and the best chance the hotel or motel will allow Fido to stay the night in your room.