Pet-Friendly Travel Guide

Taking Fido Along for the Ride

If you’re planning a family vacation, and want your pet to share in the fun, you’ve got a few options:

Across the Pond

It’s easy to find accommodation and restaurants in Europe that accept pets, as Europeans are known for taking their pets with them everywhere. Check with each country for its entry requirements, but you can count on needing micro-chipping, vaccinations, blood tests and a vet’s certificate before making the journey.

South of the Border

Traveling with your pet by car is the cheapest and most convenient option. If you’d like to take your pet dog to the United States, it will need rabies vaccinations and a certificate issued at least 30 days before crossing the border.

Pets Welcome Here

There are many online resources that will help you find appropriate places for you and your pet to spend the night. Check out Pet Friendly for a list of hotels, motels, resorts, vacation rentals, cottages, cabins, bed & breakfasts, and other pet-friendly lodging across Canada. For a list of Canadian, U.S. and international accommodations, visit Travel Pets, which also has travel tips, a pet travel checklist, as well as links to a list of dog-friendly parks and trails and a pet hospital locator.  Narrow your search to a specific city, province or U.S. state, and you’ll find far more choice. Most travel guides also identify which accommodations permit pets.

Better Boarding

Boarding may be the best option for dogs who need daily exercise, and for pedigree animals where having a vet on call is a service worth paying for. Prices range between $15 and $20 per day, depending on the size of the animal. You may be able to ask for a reduction in rates if you book well in advance, if you are a frequent customer or if you're boarding more than one animal.

Request Recommendations

If possible, use a boarding service recommended by friends or seek the advice of your vet who should know of reputable local ones. Pet stores and pet grooming shops can also steer you to reputable establishments.

Home Away From Home

Private services, where caregivers take animals into their own homes, can cost as much as $30 to $40 per day.

See for Yourself

Always visit a facility before deciding that this is where you want to leave your pet. Make sure that it has proper temperature control, good lighting and ventilation, good bedding material, protection from the elements during all seasons and a safe exercise area.