Survey of those who travel with Fido and Fluffy

 
BY CHUCK MAI, AAA Oklahoma | Modified: July 19, 2012 at 10:47 am | Published: July 19, 2012    Comment on this article Leave a comment

For many Oklahomans, taking pets along on vacation can make the experience more fun for the whole family.

Nationally, 51 percent of travelers with pets say they would bring their pets along on every vacation if they could, according to a recent AAA/Best Western survey of those who traveled with pets in the last 12 months. So, why don’t they?

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Finding room at the inn

The survey says among the top considerations are:

· finding places that accept pets (95 percent)

· learning about pet policies such as size limits and fees (49 percent)

· getting details about available pet services (22 percent).

Pet etiquette considerations

Those who responded to the survey also had some gripes about other pet travelers:

· Owners not cleaning up after pets (77 percent)

· Dogs that bark constantly (57 percent)

· Unleashed pets (49 percent)

· Pets not obedience trained (43 percent)

· Owners not notifying others that pet is aggressive toward people/other pets (41 percent)

· Pets not trained to relieve themselves outside (29 percent)

Advice from pet expert Cesar Millan

“Traveling with your dog can be a wonderful experience. Remember, a balanced dog makes a better traveling companion. Always nurture a balanced state of mind. Plan your vacation with your dog in mind.

· Before you start your trip, take your dog for a walk.

· Feeding your pet in the car is not a good idea.

· As you head out on the road, make sure you crate or harness your dog for safety.

· When stopping for a break, never leave your dog in the car, especially when it’s warm outside. Even if the window is cracked open, the car can still heat up and be dangerous to your dog.

· Remember to bring your dog’s scent with you. Having a favorite toy will comfort and relax him.”

More pet traveler survey results

· 93 percent of respondents said their pet makes a good travel companion, identifying these reasons:

o Good cuddle buddy when away from home (27 percent)

o Always lets the owner select the destination (18 percent)

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