BBB Tip: Traveling With Furry Friends
Milwaukee, Wis. – For some people, a beloved pet is often considered part of the family and they won’t go anywhere without them. BBB recommends taking time to research pet-friendly destinations before making reservations.
Keep the following BBB tips in mind when planning a trip with your pets:
- Traveling by plane. If the pet is small enough, depending on the carrier, it may be kept under the seat in front of you. If the pet is too large, it will go in cargo. No matter what, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), a BBB Accredited Charity, recommends making an appointment with the veterinarian for a checkup to make sure the animal is fit to fly the friendly skies. Research airlines at BBB.org to see their BBB Rating and if there are complaints or reviews from past customers on file about flying with pets. Regulations and fees for bringing your pet on a plane vary by the airline, so make sure to double check!
- Road trips. Before bringing Fluffy or Fido on a long car trip, make sure the pet responds well to car rides. The ASPCA recommends keeping them safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier with plenty of food or water. Put together a pet travel kit, and prepare for the worst. If you’re renting a car, make sure that the company allows animals and ask if you’ll be charged extra. Find a trustworthy business at BBB.org.
- Look ahead to make sure accommodations and destinations are pet-friendly. Wherever you’re staying, whether it be a hotel, vacation rental, or with friends or family, ensure that pets are welcome. Ask if there are extra costs or regulations. Research pet-friendly activities ahead of time – do the local beaches or natural areas allow pets?
- If necessary, it might be wise to leave the pet behind. Traveling with pets can be stressful for both you and the animal, and sometimes it’s just not feasible. Thankfully, you have options. You can hire a pet sitter to visit your animals in your own home, letting them stay in their natural environment where they’re most comfortable. You can also opt for a traditional boarding facility, like a kennel or pet hotel. It’s important to leave your pet in the best possible care of someone you can trust, so look for BBB Accredited Businesses at BBB.org.
Note: Policies regarding pets may have changed during the coronavirus pandemic. Contact the airline or hotel before booking the reservation. Find more information on BBB.org/coronavirus.
For more information or further inquiries, contact the Wisconsin BBB at www.bbb.org/wisconsin, 414-847-6000 or 1-800-273-1002. Consumers also can find more information about how to protect themselves from scams by following the Wisconsin BBB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
ABOUT BBB: For more than 100 years, the Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2019, people turned to BBB more than 183 million times for BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.8 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at bbb.org. There are local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada and Mexico, including BBB Serving Wisconsin which was founded in 1939 and serves the state of Wisconsin.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.