Traveling with your pet has never been easier! You can make your next trip stress-free and enjoyable for both you and your jet-setting pet. Consider this pet passport plan:

Decide On Your Destination

Whether you are traveling abroad or within the United States, it’s important to make sure that the hotel you choose is pet-friendly. There are many pet-friendly accommodations around the world that offer first-class amenities specifically for your furry companion. If you’re planning a vacation close to home, take a look at these pet-friendly resorts located right here in our sunshine state.

Top 3 Pet-Friendly Resorts in Florida

• Loews Miami Beach Hotel – 1601 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, FL 33139

This resort absolutely loves pets and is one of the most pet-friendly hotels in Florida, offering accommodations for both cats and dogs. All pets receive their very own gift bag including a pet tag, water and food bowl, as well as special treats.

As part of the Loews Loves Pets program, your VIP (Very Important Pet) will be waited on hand and paw. Gourmet room service menus are available for cats and dogs, along with specialized bedding, rawhide bones, catnip, pet-walking, and pet-sitting services.

Your pup can enjoy the Loews Dog Park, which is fully equipped with park benches, water bowls, and dog toys.

Loews limits the number of pets to two per room, with a one-time charge of $25 per stay. For a complete list of their pet policies, visit  www.loewshotels.com.

• The Westin Key West Resort & Marina – 245 Front Street, Key West, FL 33040

This pet-friendly resort caters to dogs up to 40 pounds. All dogs receive a special welcome package, including a dog bowl, a bag of treats, a food mat, a “Dog in Room” sign, and of course, a Westin Heavenly Dog Bed.

No deposit fee is required for bringing your pup with you to the resort. Dogs must be kept on a leash, and pets are not permitted to be left unattended in guest rooms. For a complete list of their pet policies, visit  www.starwoodhotels.com.

• The Villas of Grand Cypress – One North Jacaranda, Orlando, FL 32836

This Central Florida pet-friendly resort provides a refreshing substitute to the everyday hotel experience and welcomes dogs up to 30 pounds. Your four-legged will feel right at home in this unique resort with direct access to the outdoors from every luxurious and spacious villa. The villas overlook the resort’s 1,500 acres of Florida’s natural habitat, golf courses, and canopy covered nature paths.

A deposit fee of $150.00 per stay is required, as well as a copy of your pet’s current vaccination records. For a complete list of their pet policies, visit  www.grandcypress.com.

Airline Pet Policies & Health Records

Once you’ve decided where you and your pet will be traveling to, the next step is to research airline pet policies if flying is your transportation of choice. Many airlines allow small pets to travel on-board with you, while others only allow pets to travel in a specified cargo hold.

Most airlines charge an extra fee for having your pet fly with you, with the rate depending on the weight of the animal. One of the most pet-friendly airlines is United Airlines. Their rates are determined by both, the weight of the animal and the destination. Flying within the U.S. is less expensive than if you were to fly with your pet overseas. United Airlines allows domesticated cats, dogs, rabbits, and birds to be carried on-board the aircraft cabin on most domestic flights. In-cabin pets are considered as one of your carry-on bags, plus there is an extra service charge of $250 roundtrip. If you decide to fly with United Airlines, be sure to book your pet online or call the airline for assistance. Only one pet per passenger is allowed in the cabin and it must be kept in its airline-approved kennel at all times during the flight. For complete information on United Airlines Pet Policy and to book a reservation for your pet, visit  www.united.com.

No matter which airline you choose, it is required that you provide a current copy of your pet’s health records at check-in. Obtain these records from your veterinarian and notify him/her of  your upcoming trip. According to IFly.com, many countries have additional quarantine requirements for animals arriving internationally.  For example, an import permit is needed for animals entering the Bahamas.

Airline Approved Carrier & Pet Care Basics

It’s essential that you purchase an airline approved carrier for your jet-setting pet. Almost all airlines that allow pets to fly in the cabin require that your carrier fits underneath the seat in front of you. Your pet should be able to sit, stand, and turn around comfortably while in the carrier; you want your pet to be as comfortable as possible. In the weeks before your flight, allow your pet to become comfortable with the new carrier. Airline approved carriers can be purchased at your local PetSmart store or online. Also, some airlines offer them for purchase at the ticketing counter.

Before boarding your flight, be sure your pet ate his kibbles and bits. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires that you feed and provide water to your pet within four hours of departure. At check-in, you will be asked to sign a waiver that states the time that you last offered food and water to your pet, www.airlines.com. Remember not to overfeed your pup or feline since that may cause an upset stomach. Some airports offer pet relief stations where pets can relieve themselves before boarding a flight. Carve out some time in advance to allow your pet to do its business after meal time and before checking in for your flight.

Larger pets are stowed with the plane’s cargo. According to The AAA Petbook, an aircraft’s cargo hold may not be climate controlled until takeoff, thus the most dangerous time for your pet is that spent on the ground in a potentially unventilated compartment.  AAA says that to minimize health risks, regulations prohibit animals from being kept in the cargo space or on the tarmac for more than 45 minutes when temperatures are above 85 F or below 45 F. Be sure your pet’s collar has your contact information, and consider tossing a t-shirt that smells like you into the crate for added comfort. Remember that this is your pet’s vacation too. Happy pet-jet setting!

Orlando International Airport’s Pet Policy

Courtesy of  www.orlandoairports.net 

Where can I walk my dog while at the airport? 

Dogs are not permitted in Orlando International Airport unless they are either working dogs or they are in a carrier approved for traveling onboard an aircraft. Service Animal Relief Areas are available on Level 2 of both terminals. The “A” side area is located at the far East end of the building (to the right as you exit the building). The “B” side area is located at the far West end of the building (to the right as you exit the building).

What requirements are there for traveling with/transporting pets?
Before traveling with a pet, you should review the United States Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service web site:  www.aphis.usda.gov.

If you are importing pets from another state, please review the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website:  www.freshfromflorida.com.

Who do I contact to ship a pet as cargo?
There are many companies that do this, including the airlines and cargo handling companies listed on Orlando International Airport’s website. Air Animal is another company that specializes in transporting pets:  http://www.airanimal.com.

Where do I go to pick up a pet shipped as cargo?
Pets which are shipped rather than carried on-board the aircraft by a passenger are generally handled through the cargo facility for the airline, not in the passenger terminal. Contact your airline or cargo handling company directly for details of where to drop-off/pick up your pet.

For information on Orlando International Airport’s Pet Policy, visit:   www.orlandoairports.net.