Pet Travel Tips with Zayn the Gentleman

This article was written by our friends, Yasmin Tajik and Zayn the Gentleman.
After visiting many Best Westerns, they’ve put together a list of tips for your next travel plans with your pets.

Traveling with pets can be a delightful experience, but it does require some planning to ensure both you and your pets have a smooth journey. Here are five pet-friendly travel tips to make your trip more enjoyable when staying with Best Western Hotels & Resorts.

Prepare a Pet Travel Kit

Create a travel kit for your pet that includes all the essentials:

• Food and Water: Pack enough of your pet’s regular food for the trip, along with collapsible bowls for easy feeding.
• Medications: Include any medications your pet takes regularly.
• Comfort Items: Bring along your pet’s favorite toys, blanket, or bed to help them feel more at home.
• Waste Supplies: Don’t forget waste bags, a litter box if traveling with a cat, and cleaning supplies for any accidents.

I’ve also stayed at Best Western properties that provide pet-friendly amenities such as extra bowls and even an elevated dog bed. It makes it so much easier to ensure my pet feels right at home.

Secure Proper Identification

Ensure your pet is easily identifiable:

• Microchip: Make sure your pet’s microchip information is up to date.
• ID Tags: Attach a collar with an ID tag that includes your current contact information as well as information for a contact not traveling with you.
• Travel ID: Consider creating a temporary travel tag with your destination address and phone number.

Practice Traveling

If your pet is not used to traveling, practice with short trips to help them get accustomed to the experience:

• Short Drives: Take your pet on short car rides to build their comfort and familiarity with being in a vehicle.
• Carrier Training: If using a carrier, let your pet spend time in it at home with the door open to create a positive association.

I’ve found that staying at a nearby Best Western for a quick weekend getaway is a great way to get my pet used to traveling. The convenient locations make it easy to plan a trial run.

Plan for Breaks

During long journeys, plan regular breaks to let your pet stretch, hydrate, and relieve themselves:

• Rest Stops: Schedule stops every 2-3 hours for bathroom breaks and exercise.
• Pet-Friendly Spots: Research pet-friendly rest areas or parks along your route where your pet can safely explore.

One of the best things about traveling with Best Western is how many pet-friendly locations they have along major travel routes. It’s so easy to find a pet-friendly stop with designated pet areas, which makes the journey much more enjoyable.