Features
Bone Voyage
By Nicole Pointon, Danyael Halprin, Collen Seto and Allison LeBlanc
Sep 1, 2007

We grilled the experts, poured over the research and chatted with pet owners to find out the obvious: your four-legged best friend prefers to go with you, whether you’re camping overnight or flying out on business. Keeping your pal’s sense of adventure (and loyalty) in mind, up! presents a pet travel primer that will make you think twice about heading to the kennel on your way to the airport

We grilled the experts, poured over the research and chatted with pet owners to find out the obvious: your four-legged best friend prefers to go with you, whether you’re camping overnight or flying out on business. Keeping your pal’s sense of adventure (and loyalty) in mind, up! presents a pet travel primer that will make you think twice about heading to the kennel on your way to the airport

On a sunny spring day in the lobby of the Fairmont Vancouver earlier this year, a brother and sister visiting from Quebec stared at the empty cushion by the concierge desk, fighting back tears. “Where’s Beau, mama? He was supposed to meet us,” sobbed the younger boy.

Just as mom knelt to console her son who told her how he missed his own dog back home, the Fairmont Vancouver’s resident Labrador retriever, Beau, trotted in. The guest who’d been walking him handed the concierge the leash and soon the family was on their way, temporarily forgetting that their own friend was three time zones away.

Perhaps mom and dad didn’t know that all Fairmont properties allow pets under 20 pounds, or that even while they left the family dog at home, an increasingly sensitive North American travel industry continues to make the connection that ultimately, going pet-friendly is good business.

“Pets represent and manifest that feeling of unconditional love and spirit of play that is so lacking in the human race,” says author Dr. Marty Goldstein, one of North America’s foremost integrative veterinarians. “The human-animal bond is becoming that much more vital to us so we want them around us more than ever.”

Travellers are so adamant about pet-friendly travel options that according to a recent Starwood Hotels & Resorts survey, 76 per cent said they would be more loyal to a hotel chain that accepted dogs.

“Many pet owners are more inclined to stay at accommodations that allow pets, even when they’re not travelling with their own, because they prefer places that recognize and welcome every member of their family—pets included,” says Angela Lynch, who in 2001 founded petfriendly.ca, after not being able to find hotels that would accept her two dogs in one place online. Since then, there’s been an explosion of similar sites trying to track the lifting of the pet embargo by a travel industry aware that, much like in the U.S., nearly half of Canadian households have companion animals, and are increasingly expecting to bring them along for the ride. —NP


PREPARING YOUR POOCH FOR THE ROAD

Psychology professor Dr. Stanley Coren reveals what dogs want when they travel

Dr. Stanley Coren must be part dog. And, when it comes to man’s best friend, all ears.

Coren’s uncanny ability to understand the language, behaviour, emotions and myriad delightful quirks of the Canis familiaris has resulted in international renown for the jovial University of British Columbia professor of psychology and his exploration of the human-dog bond. He’s the author of about a dozen dog books, including Why Does My Dog Act That Way? (Simon & Schuster, 2006) and the children’s book, Why Do Dogs Have Wet Noses? (Kids Can Press, 2006).  —DH

How can you make your dog comfortable for a plane trip?

“First and foremost, get your dog used to being in his kennel. Crate well ahead of his journey. Take your dog for a really long walk before leaving for the airport and make sure he’s well emptied out. Pad the bottom of the crate with towels or an old blanket. 

Most importantly, never sedate your dog or give him medications that cause drowsiness. High altitude and sedatives can be a dangerous combination. ”

Why do dogs make good travel companions?

“ Drs. Alan Beck and Aaron Katcher have shown that, if you pet a familiar and friendly dog, your heart rate slows, your breathing becomes more regular, your muscles relax—all signs of de-stressing. So when you’re travelling, even though you think it’s a great vacation, the truth is you’re away from home and you’re facing some unfamiliar situations and that tends to stress us. Dogs de-stress us and that makes them terrific travelling companions."

If your dog is not kennel-crate trained, where is the next safest place for your dog in the car?

“There are harnesses that are the equivalent of seatbelts for dogs, which allow them to sit up and lie down but basically keep them in one place and prevent them from ricocheting around the car. Nets and gates also keep the dog in the very back of the vehicle. A dog should never be on the driver’s lap. It’s also not safe for your dog to stick his head out of the window because flying grit can cause grave damage to his eyes. The compromise: leave your window down about two inches so he can stick his nose up to it. ”

What is an ideal vacation for a dog?

“The truth is that dogs really don’t care very much as long as they’re with you. If you’ve got a dog who loves water, like a Labrador retriever, then a chance to jump in a pond or a lake is quite wonderful. Most dogs like exploring new places. Walks in the woods are also quite wonderful.”

Do dogs appreciate these new great places we take them to or do they prefer their familiar daily walks at home?

“In their day-to-day life, dogs prefer the familiar. They prefer doing the same thing at the same time. They feel quite comfortable in their own surroundings and having everything predictable. At the same time, they like doses of novelty, so as long as you’re not overwhelming them, like going to a different place every day of your two-week holiday. But, having said that, the most important thing is you, because you are the continuity. You are what gives him comfort and the dog is relatively adaptable.”


UNLEASH YOUR HOUNDS

Let your puppy make some local friends at these off-leash parks at your favourite Westjet destinations

MONTREAL
Ahuntsic-Cartierville Park ( Saint-Benoit 521, Sauve West/Meilleur)
Ahuntsic offers a spacious, enclosed grassy park for dogs to roam and socialize in a safe environment. There is a $10 annual fee (the bowl-equipped water fountain doesn’t pay for itself), but well-mannered doggies can go for a free trial visit.

TORONTO
Totoredaca Leash Free Park ( 2715 Meadowvale Blvd., Mississauga, Ontario)
Ranked fifth on helpinganimals.com’s poll for the best dog parks in North America, this four-acre, totally fenced park offers a challenging agility course, a wading pool and tons of room to romp around or to play fetch. In winter, there’s an area for lighting fires to stay warm.

ORLANDO
Paw Park of Historic Sanford ( 427 S. French Ave., Sanford, Florida)
As Central Florida’s oldest off-leash dog park, the Paw Park features a small dog play zone, a time-out area, poop-bag dispensers, dog showers, self-watering bowls and a community bulletin board. Bordering Sanford’s historic downtown district, this park is revered by Florida’s dog owners.

CALGARY
Acadia Dog Park ( 9800 Blackfoot Trail S.E.)
Calgary has more than 110 designated off-leash areas, a number rumoured to be the highest in Canada. Acadia is one of the best—an open, spacious area where hounds can run along dirt trails and grassy fields, take a dip in the river to cool their paws, then do it all over again.

KELOWNA
Cedar Creek Dog Park ( 5200 Lakeshore Rd.)
In this beach town, even dogs have their own beach. Rover can swim, bound along the shore and test his climbing ability while darting up and down the hillside. As a bonus, owners can pick up a bottle of wine at one of the nearby wineries.

PHOENIX
Cosmo Dog Park ( 2502 E. Ray Rd., Gilbert, Arizona)
Named 2007’s “Best Dog Park in the U.S.” by Dog Fancy magazine, Cosmo sits on four acres boasting a swimming area with a dock for doggy dives, a dog beach, climbing obstacles and tubes. The fire hydrant-shaped fountain in the wading pool helps your pooch stay cool in the hot desert sun. Owners can chill under the covered patios.

PALM SPRINGS
Palm Springs Dog Park ( 222 Civic Dr. N.)
Dogs can frolic on the 1.6 acres of fenced rolling grass, complete with fire hydrants and a separate play area for small dogs. Park highlights include drinking fountains built for both canines and humans, picnic tables and benches made from recycled materials, and solar lighting. Best of all, this park never closes.

WEST VANCOUVER
Cypress Falls Park ( 4698 Woodgrove Pl.)
This 40-acre nature getaway features waterfalls in a rain forest setting with easy hiking trails. The full circuit only takes about an hour, and you and your pup can enjoy gorgeous scenery, including 300-year-old trees.

LOS ANGELES
Barrington Dog Park ( 333 S. Barrington Ave.)
In this people-watching capital, this is where you go to see and be seen with your pup. Known for its varied events such as the summer barbecue (complete with on-site chef), Barrington prides itself on its annual Bow Wow Ween. The canine costume contest is judged by celebrities like Tori Spelling and Kathy Griffin.

HONOLULU
Bark Park ( Diamond Head Rd. & 18th Ave.)
Open from sunrise to sunset every day, the Bark Park is Honolulu’s pau-hana (after-work social gathering place) for pooches and their humans. Located right next to Diamond Head Memorial Park, there’s an acre of romping space and on-site poop bags.  —DH


CAT NAPS AND SLEEPING DOGS

From hotels running commercials lauding their pet amenities to the explosion of books and online guides to animal-friendly accommodations, everyone seems to be champing at the bit to ensure that Fluffy enjoys her trip as much as you do yours. Here are a few hotels embracing the pet-friendly revolution with various degrees of creativity and comfort.

Loews Hotels (various locations)
The “Loews Loves Pets” program welcomes animals at all Loews properties, including the Hotel Vogue in Montréal and Universal Orlando Resort’s Portofino Bay Hotel, the Hard Rock Hotel and the Royal Pacific Resort. Every pet receives a personal note at check-in, including a map of the area with dog-walking routes. Pet-walking and pet-sitting services are also available. A “Puppy Pager” is given to pet owners during their stay in case of emergency. And pets need not go hungry with the specialty room service menu, including Chow Hound Chicken and Whisker Licking Liver
( loewshotels.com)

Starwood Hotels & Resorts (various locations)
“Love That Dog” is Starwood’s pet program in its Westin, Sheraton and W hotels. Your pooch can lounge in smaller versions of the designer bed you’re sleeping in. Each property supplies temporary I.D. tags with hotel contact info, and some Westins offer plush doggie robes, leashes and collars. At W hotels, such as in Honolulu and L.A., the “Woof/Meow” package provides toys and treats—a special one at turndown—and a bevy of items including Bow-ow and Meow-ow first-aid kits. But luxury ain’t cheap—there’s a $100 cleaning fee on top of the $25 pet fee. For a touch of old-world charm, try Starwood’s Le Royal Meridien King Edward in Toronto. It’s the hotel of choice for Woofstock, North America’s largest festival for dogs. Doggie mats, bowls and afternoon tea are all part of the poochie pampering
( starwoodhotels.com).

Arizona Biltmore (Phoenix)
Through the “Preferred Pet Pals” program, guests bringing pets fill in a profile before arrival so everything from pet size to special dietary needs can be taken into account. At check-in, pets get a tasty treat, commemorative bowl and placemat. Room service offers a pet menu and a complimentary map suggests walks around the resort’s 39 acres. Pets up to 50 pounds are welcome and a $100 deposit is required with $50 refundable upon room inspection
( arizonabiltmore.com).

Prince George Hotel (Halifax)
This regal hotel welcomes all pets and delivers the same attention to four-legged guests as it does for those with two. Pet-sitting and dog-walking can be arranged, and pets can snack on locally made organic treats. The concierge can hook you up with any pet service you require ( princegeorgehotel.com).

Pacific Palisades Hotel (Vancouver)
With the “Four Paws Program,” dogs and cats stay for free. Dogs get a doggie bag that includes freshly baked dog biscuits and a souvenir Frisbee. Pet owners also get treated with a complimentary glass of wine
( pacificpalisadeshotel.com).

Long Beach Lodge Resort (Vancouver Island)
This Tofino, B.C., jewel is nirvana for the beach-loving pooch. Under the “Very Important Pet” program, four beachfront rooms are pet-friendly, allowing for round-the-clock beach walks. Pets are also allowed in the resort’s rainforest cottages. The one-time $50 fee gets you a stay for two dogs of any size, a pet bed, bowls, pet towels and welcome treats
( longbeachlodgeresort.com). —CS


BUDDY SYSTEM

Keep your pet (and yourself) ready for the road with these travel essentials for the four-legged set

Avoid clogging up your destination’s landfill by carrying biodegradable doggie bags. Vancouver, B.C.-based Ecosafe’s products are well priced and will totally disintegrate in landfills ( $9.99 for 120; ecosafeplastics.com).

Got a bored cat eyeing the hotel room’s sofa cushions? Hang the CatFisher Door Hanger Toy on your doorknob and spare yourself the damage fee. The four detachable lures extend up to 12 inches and will keep Fluffy’s claws where they belong ( US$9; adorablepets.com).

As portable as it is stylish, the Foldover Fuzzy Pet Bed won’t cramp the style of that boutique hotel room you splashed out for. The foldable aluminum frame allows easy storage, and the durable cover is soft and cozy and features zippered closures, which makes tossing it in the laundry hamper a breeze ( US$49.95; wrapables.com).

The Umbra Pet Dog Tent is a diverse must-have if you’re toting a bigger dog along on your travels. It’s a portable pet house, car containment system and outdoor tent that pops up and collapses in seconds. The light shelter includes a messenger-style bag for easy carrying, a padded comfort pillow, claw-proof mesh windows and, in case Fido is a New Urbanist, a front porch ( US$130; baileyandwags.com).

Carrying your own flashlight is for suckers without a dog’s companionship. The Puplight lets your pooch not only light your way in the dark, but also makes her visible to traffic (and you when she bolts after the skunk at the off-leash park). Three bright LEDs are visible from 200 feet and the rugged, water-resistant construction meets the demands of the U.S. Secret Service. Just clip a matching colour onto your dog’s collar and stop worrying about the shorter days
( US$19.95; puplight.com). —NP


INDISPENSABLE PET TRAVEL WEBSITES

dogfriendly.com
A one-stop option for pet travel queries, this site features guides for dog-friendly hotels, campgrounds, beaches and parks.

petfriendly.ca/checklist.php
Scared you might be forgetting something for your upcoming vacation with your pet? Take a look at this handy checklist of crucial things to bring with you. 

petscanstay.com
This Victoria, B.C.-based, full-service travel agency does free bookings for certified pet-friendly hotels all over North America. 

pooch.ca
Pet owners can scoop up useful travel accessories like crates, beds, bowls and dog backpacks at this online store. 

petswelcome.com
The InfoXchange forum allows travellers with pets to browse posts for useful information and reviews, or get questions answered by fellow members.

mydogbliss.com
Blogger Keri Maijala reviews hot products for your pooch, including many fun travel accessories.

bringfido.com/events.htm
A list of upcoming festivals, runs and exhibitions in the U.S. where canines aren’t just welcome, but are the honoured guests.

petfriendlycanada.ca
This site features helpful tips for those who want to take their dogs along on camping, backpacking or hiking trips. 

dogpark.com
Travellers looking to take their dogs out for a run while on vacation can check out this online directory of dog parks in Canada and the U.S.  —AL


WESTJET'S PET TRAVEL TIPS

Want your pet to take to the sky with you on your next vacation? Here are a few pointers from the folks who handle your most precious baggage

—WestJet accepts pets travelling in the cabin and as checked baggage for
all domestic and transborder flights, excluding any flights to Hawaii.

—Once you’ve booked your seat on a flight, call WestJet at 800-538-5696 to add your four-legged friend to the itinerary. There is a charge of $50 each way for animals travelling in the baggage area or carried on in the cabin. Payment can be made by Visa, MasterCard or American Express.

—Only one animal is allowed per passenger in the cabin (maximum weight is 22 pounds); there is a maximum of four kennels allowed in the cabin per flight. In the baggage area, a maximum of six animals in three kennels are permitted, up to 100 pounds per animal.

—When checking your pet as baggage, ensure that the kennel is not more than 30 inches in height and is airline-approved. Only leak-proof kennels made of fibreglass and/or rigid plastic with metal doors are acceptable. Wire or mesh kennels are not acceptable.

—Line the kennel with absorbent material such as a towel. It is recommended that your pet must be able to stand up and turn around in the kennel. Mark your pet’s kennel with directional “this way up” arrows on both sides. The folks at WestJet recommend that pet owners label the kennel with the pet’s name, as it will assist them in caring for the animal. 

—Pets in the cabin must travel in an airline-approved, soft-sided kennel that measures no higher than 8.5 inches. No duffel bags, gym bags or hard-sided kennels are allowed. Kennels must be able to fit under the seat in front of you; animals taken into the cabin must remain in their kennel at all times.

—WestJet permits cats, dogs, rabbits and birds in the cabin. The airline is a
bit more lenient in the checked baggage area—cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, chinchillas, guinea pigs and hedgehogs are all allowed.

—If you plan on sedating your animal (something against which Dr. Coren strongly advises), WestJet requires that you consult with a veterinarian first. 
It is the guest’s sole responsibility to keep track of required entry documentation and requirements for visiting animals.

—For pet embargoes throughout the year, destinations where pets aren’t allowed and much more about WestJet’s pet travel policies, visit http://c3dsp.westjet.com/guest/travelTips.jsp#pet



 





© Copyright 2007 by Up! Magazine