A recent survey1 revealed that 70% of Americans plan to travel this summer, and 68% say traveling with pets provides a sense of security. But as a pet parent, you don’t need a survey to tell you what you already know. We love traveling with our pets because our pets are part of our family and leaving our furry companions behind can be stressful.
To make it easier for us to take our cats and dogs on our travels, Hilton offers pet-friendly brands including: Canopy by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton. While this is great news for pet owners, some pets may feel anxious when traveling, especially after the pandemic, when travel was limited and we spent a lot of time together. To make sure your pet is as happy as you are to go on your next trip, Jessa Paschke, Pet Behavior Specialist, Mars Pet Expert Team (and dog owner), provides tips on how to prepare your pet and take care of it while traveling. Here are his 10 tips for reducing your pet’s travel anxiety.
1. Provide Socialization Training
“Preparing your pet for travel starts with socializing. Introducing your pet to other people and pets as well as crowds and new places helps pets feel less anxious when they leave the house. Instead of being afraid of new people. and places, socialization training brings them enthusiastic about new encounters “.
“You expose puppies and kittens to new places and social contexts in that delicate 12 to 16 week period, when they are a learning sponge and open to new experiences. See the article : Find a furry friend on Saturday at Pike Road, then learn to capture them in art. The more positive experiences they can have with everything and anything, the less likely they are to be nervous and anxious to enter those environments as adults. “
2. Prepare Older Pets for a Road Trip
“It’s never too late to socialize for older animals. To prepare an older pet for the trip, break it down into small steps. On the same subject : Springer Dog Travel Water Bottle is a Game Changer for Walks. Start with short, small and very positive hikes. Watch your pet’s body language and make sure she stays that happy, body swaying If you start seeing signs of tension like panting heavily when you’re not exercising, whale eye (when their eyes widen and show the whites of their eyes) or manifestations of avoidance (when your pet avoids looking or moving in an unfamiliar place), these are all indicators that they are starting to get nervous and perhaps they need a quieter or less stimulating environment. “
“Treats are a great way to provide a ‘job well done’. By providing a treat or even regular kibble, you make everything positive. Food is synonymous with ‘happy’ and is a way to reinforce that their new experiences are things. good. “
3. Practice Road Trips
“Motion sickness can be a big cause of anxiety for both pets and pet parents. There are several reasons for motion sickness; one may be a lack of familiarity with being in a car. See the article : NASA and SpaceX launch climate science research, more for the space station. . Taking short road trips before you hit the road, even just going up and down your road, can help relieve motion sickness as pets get used to moving. If your pet continues to suffer from motion sickness, It may be helpful to consult with your vet for ways to relieve symptoms on road trips. “
Pet‑Friendly Travel
Many of Hilton’s pet-friendly hotels also offer amenities like pet bowls and extra litter bags. The Canopy by Hilton’s Paws in the Neighborhood program offers guests dog kennels, food, water bowls, and a “bark bag” filled with a toy, treats, and a guide to neighborhood activities where pets are allowed domestic. Team members at Homewood Suites by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton provide local pet resources, such as where to find local dog parks, 24-hour vets, pet shops, and pet-friendly restaurants.
More pet travel stories.
4. Keep Pets on Their Schedules
“Aim to keep pets on their regular schedule when they travel as this can relieve anxiety because they know what to expect regarding their food and exercise programs. Also, make sure they get plenty of exercise when they travel as physical activity can help disperse their energy and reduce stress. “
“Each dog has their own energy needs, and repressed pets can become more anxious. If you have a high-energy dog, you may need to stop every few hours while you drive or go back to the hotel for exercise. If you have a couch potato, maybe you can. go four to six hours and that’s fine Customize the exercise time to suit your pet’s individual needs and make sure he gets what he needs.
5. Give Pets Their Space
“When pets are in a hotel room, a great way to settle down is to give them their own space. If they’re used to stowing, bring their kennel because they know it’s their safe place. But even if it’s only one. space with their bed and home toys can help because they have familiar scents. Dogs and cats are just like us: they love their safety blankets! “
6. Calm the Senses
“To keep your pet calm in the room when you are not there, address the different senses. You can use the sense of smell while leaving out a shirt you are wearing, so that your smell is close when you are not there, or you can even talk to your vet about using therapeutic essential oils with calming scents like lavender. Just remember that with essential oils, a little goes a long way. “
“For audio, you can use music to keep pets calm. Soft classical music is great for pets, and many streaming services now offer designated channels of calming music for cats and dogs. You can turn it on and let them play while you’re in the house to provide calming background noise. “
“And for the mind, brain games that pets can work on and play that keep them busy and energized while you’re away can also be a good way to help reduce anxiety.”
7. Reach out for Help
“If you stay at any of the 4,600 Canopy by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton hotels in the US and Canada, you can ask for the front desk for information to access the Mars PET On-Demand service, a digital portal where you can chat with one of our experts both online and on the phone.The team of Mars consultants and experts is always available to answer any questions if your pet has problems to settle in or encounter other problems.Guests can also access various PET On-Demand items for tips and tricks for having a great time with your pets.
“If you know you may need assistance while traveling, you can always check out the dog daycare and boarding franchise, Camp Bow Wow, for daily boarding and support.”
8. Enroll in Extra Protection
“By partnering with Mars Petcare, Hilton guests have access to a special promotion from Banfield Pet Hospital. Available through the Mars PET On-Demand service, travelers to the United States can sign up for the Optimum Wellness Plan and Banfield will forfeit their fee. membership, which equates to savings of up to $ 75. This optimal wellness plan is a great way to get high-value preventive health care for your pets. Includes routine wellness exams, vaccinations, and preventative care with access 24/7 to Banfield Live Veterinary Chat advice for further support. The Optimum Wellness Plan also provides discounts on other products and services that are not included in the package. The Membership Fee Waiver to this service is a great advantage for Hilton guests. “
“If an emergency occurs while you travel and are away from your vet, Banfield Pet Hospital, BLUEPEARL and VCA Animal Hospitals have amazing services that can help you on the road too.”
9. Speak to a Veterinarian
“If you are planning a trip, we recommend that you speak to your vet before you leave. If you are crossing state lines, for example, you will want to have a travel certificate for your pet that is updated within seven days of your trip. If you are going on an international trip, you need to check the rules or regulations of your final destination as they may have pet quarantine or vaccination requirements.And be sure to bring your pet’s medical record, on the off chance you need to They.”
10. Visit Pet-Friendly Destinations
“Some cities are known for offering pet-friendly activities, restaurants and parks, and we highlight places that love pets on our Better Cities for Pets website. Every pet-friendly Hilton hotel has pet-friendly facilities. pets that pet families can use and many have team members who can direct you to other places where pets are allowed. You can also look at a city visitor’s webpage for available pet services. Many places today are becoming more pet friendly because many people want to travel with their furry companions! “
Paschke’s latest takeout? “The best rule of thumb when traveling with your pet is to do what’s best for you and your pet,” he said. “That, and enjoy!”
To learn more about Hilton’s partnership with Mars Petcare, read Hilton expands Pet-Friendly offerings and the Mars Petcare partnership to more than 4,600 hotels in the United States and Canada. For more tips and tricks for keeping your pets happy while traveling, visit Better Cities for Pets or Stories From Hilton.
1KRC Research conducted an online survey of 1,004 U.S. adults aged 18 and over between June 1 and June 3, 2022.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands that includes over 6,800 properties and over 1 million rooms, in 122 countries and territories. Dedicated to realizing its founding vision of filling the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its over 100-year history, earning it a top spot on the list of the best places in the world. job of the world 2021 and has been recognized as the world leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for five consecutive years. In 2021, in addition to opening more than one hotel per day, Hilton introduced several industry-leading technology improvements to enhance the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, free automated room upgrades, and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning Hilton Honors guest loyalty program, the nearly 128 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock the door with a digital key, and check out – all from their smartphone. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
