I have been in the travel business for over 40 years now and just recently have been asked by several of our clients, “Can I travel with my Pet?”. More and more, pet owners are looking for vacation experiences that allow pets. Over the years, I never noticed pets in Westin Hotels, Sheraton Hotels, Holiday Inn Express, nor Marriott’s, unless they were service dogs. Well, now more and more hotels are catering to pet owners and allowing these family members to travel with them.

From experience, as I now have two dogs, I find myself looking for hotels in cities that allow pets more and more, instead of leaving them with family or at pet country clubs.

Just the other day, I had a client as about taking their pet overseas and I thought it would be good to let others know what I found in my research

Without question, taking your pet abroad has specific requirements that vary by destinations. Check with the embassies of the destination countries as to the specific requirements for bringing a pet into that country. Many countries have strict health, quarantine, agriculture, wildlife, and customs requirements and prohibitions. The US Department of State has posted a list of foreign embassies and consulates on their website at http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/dpl/32122.htm.  Foreign embassy and consulate contact information can also be found on the Country Specific Information for each country.

In doing my research, I did find a note for emergency evacuations of Americans from a danger area that have pets. While this notice may change from time to time, it is worth keeping this in mind.

During a crisis in which chartered or military aircraft or ships are used to evacuate Americans from a danger area, pets will not normally be permitted on the carrier. The pet owner will need to make other arrangements in order to remove the pet from the area. (Service animals, such as guide dogs, are not considered pets and will be accommodated if possible.) Check with local authorities for their current policies.

Traveling with our family pets in the US has become more common and travel providers are getting more and more accomodating. While traveling abroad with our family pets is possible in may countries, there are policies and procedures that need to be taken. When taken properly, your family pet can enjoy your vacation experience. Be sure to take the camera and take many pictures. You will cherish your travels.