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Pet Passengers
The Occidental Tourist · December 1, 1999

Many readers ask: Mr. Tourist, why do you maintain such a remarkably cynical, hardened shell? Does anything penetrate the firewall that apparently guards your underutilized heart?

Well, dear readers, the Tourist is happy to offer a gracious reply to both questions. Respectively, the answers are "Because" and "No.'' There now, that worked out rather nicely, didn't it?

OK, in all seriousness, the Tourist is a content, family man with - and, yes, this shocks even him - a loving wife and wonderful, almost insanely happy and intelligent son (now 1).

And, like many blissfully domesticated guys, a dog is part of the equation. In this case, an all-too-excitable sheltie weighing 20 pounds (of which 16.7 appears to be fur) who maintains a firm policy of never barking excessively unless (A) she's awake or (B) something wakes her up.

This being a column read by thousands, the Tourist would never embarrass said pet by actually naming her. So, therefore, from this point on, she shall be referred to only under the pseudonym "annoying, yapping thing that sheds a lot."

Given such a setup, you'd think the Tourist would have trouble taking the pooch on the road. In olden days, he would. Not anymore.

Pets - even the barking kind - are no longer taboo when it comes to upscale travel. Hoity-toity hotels and resorts are adopting a doggie 'can do' attitude - and welcoming other animals - realizing that travelers aren't going to roll over when it comes to bringing their furry loved one on the road.

According to a survey from the Travel Industry Association of America, 8 percent of U.S. travelers took a pet with them on a trip within a one-month period. Dogs remain by far the most common companion. But cats, birds, ferrets, hamsters and guinea pigs are also making the long haul.

Since the Tourist considers his column an exercise in public service, he'll spend this and the next column outlining things you need to know with respect to pet travel.

And offer your thoughts at tourist@ticked.com, and don't forget your name and city/town of residence.

First of all, don't just slap a leash on your pet and take 'em along without asking lots of questions before booking: How much is the pet deposit, and is that waived or reduced for a de-clawed cat? Is there an exercise area? Where can a dog be taken for a walk? Where's the closest vet center and what are the hours?

A pet should be taken to the vet at least two weeks before a trip for a complete physical and update on vaccinations. Owners need to be mindful of the potential regional hazards of their destination: New England, the upper Midwest and California are known for Lyme disease. Oregon tourism officials recommend bringing along pet booties to protect animals from rough terrain, gravel and snow, even in spring and summer.

And watch out for porcupines! (Of course, with the Tourist's aforementioned, thick-coated pooch, the porcupine's weapon of choice would be pathetically ineffective. She'd think the bristles were something she picked up rolling in the dirt.)

Air travel is tricky and owners may want to consider the options. Northwest Airlines, for example, allows small dogs, cats and birds (less than 15 pounds) as carryon. In general, owners should confirm pet travel with an airline a day in advance. Policies from both the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the International Air Transport Association require that owners present a health certificate from a licensed vet, dated within ten days before departure.

No animal can be transported until it's at least eight weeks old. Sedatives are discouraged due to potentially adverse affects at high altitudes, and exceptions require documentation from the vet. (Except when it comes to the Tourist's pet, in which case airline officials provide doggy downers free of charge.)

Next week: The skinny on locations/venues specific that cater to pets.

The Occidental Tourist is a magazine writer in Washington, DC. He writes for Maxim, POV, Capital Style and ABCNews.com. His column appears on Tuesdays. E-mail him at tourist@ticked.com.