Traveling with Pets

 

When traveling with a pet, safety is paramount. Be prepared so that everyone’s trip is as comfortable and trouble-free as possible.

 

 

 

Here are some things to consider when traveling with pets:

1.  Depending on the length of your trip, schedule rest stops for your pet for eating and eliminating. Never feed your pet in the car, as many dogs/cats are subject to motion sickness.
2. Pack a traveling kit that covers all possibilities: rabies vaccination, food and water, plastic bags and scoop, and a first-aid kit.  It’s better to be prepared; you never know what can happen when you travel.
3. Take your pet with you always. In Florida, cars can turn into furnaces within minutes on a hot day, even if a window is open. Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can set in even quicker.
4. Tags, collar, and leash – make sure you have all of these. Also, if your dog is not yet micro-chipped, do so before you leave for your trip.
5. Keep your dog/cat safely in the car while driving. While many dogs love to stick their heads out the window, this only exposed them to flying debris and/or protruding objects. Keep them inside the vehicle and if possible, inside a comfortable crate with favorite toy/pillow.

As for where you might go, note that Disney World’s theme parks and hotels do not permit animals, other than service animals. However, should you travel in this direction, you’ll need to kennel your dog/cat and the park recommends Pet Care Kennels, operated by Best Friends Pet Care. Located across from Disney World, the kennel’s fees are per animal, per day (with overnight boarding also available).

If you choose to travel in the opposite direction however, along the Space Coast, then you’ll have much better luck in finding pet-friendly accommodations. The Space Coast offers a wide variety of activities, attractions, and events for the entire family – including pets. Cocoa Beach for instance is expansive, beautiful, and never dull.

Should you travel to Cocoa Beach, here’s a list of hotels that would gladly welcome you and your pet, anytime:

Four Points by Sheraton Cocoa Beach
4001 N. Atlantic Avenue
Policy: $100 pet deposit required at check-in.

Quality Suites (Cocoa Beach)
3655 North Atlantic Avenue
Policy: $100 refundable deposit at check-in.

Residence Inn Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach
8959 Astronaut Blvd.
Policy: $75 one-time pet fee (per room)

Holiday Inn (Cocoa Beach-Oceanfront)
1300 North Atlantic Avenue
Policy: $25 non-refundable fee plus $10 per-day charge.

La Quinta Inn Cocoa Beach
1275 N. Atlantic Avenue
Policy: All pets welcome.

Best Western Ocean Beach Hotel & Suites
5600 N Atlantic Avenue
Policy: $25 pet fee; no pets allowed in suites, oceanfront and oceanview rooms; for convenience, drive-up rooms may be best.

Days Inn Cocoa Beach
5500 North Atlantic Ave
Policy: $25 non-refundable fee applies.