10 Tips for the Traveling Pet Owner (Deal of the Day)

Published July 15, 2009 at 4:00 a.m.

Travel has gone to the dogs.

Whether the recession has steered vacationers to less exotic locations or simply strengthened their bonds to their pets, fewer people are leaving their animals at home...Over the past three years, 14% of Americans have traveled with a pet, according to the U.S. Travel Association, a trade group that monitors travel trends.

In the air, demand for the few airline spots has grown so high that a new pets-only airline called Pet Airways, began service Tuesday to five cities. The airline’s weekly flights, which transport as many as 50 animals for one-way fares of $149 and up, were sold out for the first four months before service began, the company said in media reports.

The surge in pet travel does not necessarily run counter to the idea that Americans are spending less. Bringing your cat or dog along on a trip can be just as expensive as leaving them home. Here’s how to save money and come out ahead in either situation:

Traveling With Your Pet

Flying or driving are usually your only options, unless you’re traveling with a service animal (a guide dog, for example). Buses, trains and cruises do not typically allow pets on board. These tips can help cut costs in the air and at your destination:

Book ASAP
To limit costs and your pet’s discomfort, book a direct, nonstop flight, says Kim Saunders, the vice president of shelter outreach for PetFinder.com, which connects consumers with adoptable animals and recently rated airlines for pet travel. Airlines allow just a few pets on board per flight, so you’ll need to book early to reserve a spot. If you miss out on Delta’s (DAL) two spots tied to coach fares, for example, you’ll have to fly business or first class (there’s another spot available in each) or pick a different flight.

Check safety records
If you travel with your pet in cargo, make sure that the airline has a record of few problems and deaths, Saunders says. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics tracks incidents by airline on a monthly basis (see the latest data here). You can also check reports at tracking site PetFlight.com.

Compare fares
Fees vary by airline and how the pet travels (see the chart below). Animals weighing more than 20 pounds and more exotic animals like snakes and birds usually must travel in the cargo hold as checked baggage -- a pricier option. “If it travels near you, Pet Airways is a good option for a larger animal that would otherwise be stuck in the cargo hold,” says Adam Goldfarb, the director of the Pets at Risk program for The Humane Society of the United States. Fares on the pets-only airline start at $149 each way for service between New York, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

Pet Fees for Domestic Travel (One Way)

Airline	In-Cabin	Checked Baggage/Cargo
* Data from individual airlines.
AirTran	$69	Not permitted.
American	$100	$150
Continental	$125	$149 and up, based on weight of the animal.
Delta	$150	$275
JetBlue	$100	Not permitted.
Northwest	$150	$275
Southwest	$75	Not permitted.
United	$125 to $250	$250
US Airways	$100	Not permitted on most flights.

Get a clean bill of health
Schedule a veterinary exam shortly before your trip. Most airlines require a health certificate and proof of vaccinations issued no more than 10 days before your flight, says Paul Mann, the founder of national pet service Fetch! Pet Care.

Pick up airline miles
JetBlue adds frequent-flier miles for pets traveling in the cabin to their human companion’s account, and Continental offers them for animals riding in the cargo hold.

Look for fee-free hotels
There’s no need to pay extra to keep your pet with you once you arrive, Mann says. Some properties charge a security deposit, but chains including Best Western allow most pets to stay for free. Kimpton Hotels throws in freebies like fresh dog treats baked on site.

Leaving Your Pet at Home

The American Pet Supply Association projects that spending on pet-care services such as boarding and day care could climb 6% to $3.4 billion in 2009. Here’s how to get the most for your money:

Start with a sitter
Kennels and other boarding facilities can offer social dogs a great vacation, but most pets will be happier staying in familiar surroundings, Goldfarb says. Leaving pets at home with a sitter can put them more at ease in your absence and is more economical, too. For example, Petaholics, a New York-based pet-care firm, offers both sitter and kennel services. The company charges $40 a night to board a cat, but a 30-minute daily visit from a sitter costs half that, and includes feeding, litter box maintenance and cat playtime. (The sitter also picks up the mail, waters plants and takes out the trash.)

Check references
Choose a caregiver that’s insured and has a good reputation, Mann says. Ask other pet owners and your veterinarian for recommendations. Also schedule a visit -- in-home for sitters, on-site for boarders -- before traveling, so you can make sure your pet will be safe and comfortable.

Break down charges
Whether you opt for a kennel or a sitter, have the company spell out what’s included in the rate, Saunders says. You may be able to negotiate a lower rate if you forego extras like mail pickup or daily grooming. Negotiating can also clarify which option best suits your needs, she says. A kennel that includes a full day of activities might be a better deal for an active dog than a sitter who charges extra for taking hour-long walks and playtimes instead of half-hour ones.

Dig for discounts
Sitters and boarding facilities offer reduced rates. AAA members save 10% on the services at Fetch! Pet Care. Beverly’s Pet Campus outside Indianapolis offers a print-out coupon good for a discount of $4 per night (an 18% discount) when you book a stay of five nights or longer.

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