15 Reasons Why Pets Make Terrible Travel Companions
Traveling is a discovery, having new experiences, visiting new places, and meeting new people. For many of us, we might think, Why not bring my furry friend along for the ride? They’re family, after all. Road-tripping across the country with Fido or a flight across the pond with Fluffy all sound like dreamy adventures, but that dream can be quickly turned into an exhausting, stressful nightmare.
We love our pets, but the truth is they’re probably more comfortable at home than on the road. Here’s a lighthearted but honest look at why pets might not be your best travel companions, from logistical nightmares to their quirks.
Pets Aren’t Fans of TSA Lines
Could you just take a moment, and think about getting through airport security with a squirming dog or a terrified cat? Even the most well-traveled humans can be overwhelmed by airports, and pets feel that stress tenfold. Then, add in the constant noise and movement, and you have a disaster.
Hotel Rules Are a Buzzkill
Some hotels are pet-friendly, but they come with a mile-long list of restrictions. Your furry buddy may be banned from the pool area, the lounge, or even the elevator. Don’t forget about those hefty cleaning fees either. If your dog decides to ‘mark his territory’ on the hotel carpet, you may find yourself paying a small fortune.
Not All Car Rides Are Fun and Games
Pets on road trips are cute—until they start vomiting. It turns out that animals get car sickness too. Dr. The motion of a moving vehicle can disorient pets and make them sick, explains Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer of the American Kennel Club. If your cat is meowing like an alarm clock or your dog is drooling in the backseat, you’ll wish you had hired a pet sitter.
They Don’t Pack Light
Forget your carry-on dreams. When you travel with a pet, you have to haul food, bowls, leashes, toys, bedding, and perhaps even a crate. It’s like traveling with a toddler, but the toddler can’t tell you what they need and might eat the shoes you packed.
Unpredictable Bathroom Breaks
Your pet doesn’t care if you’re stuck in traffic or if you’re at a scenic overlook, they have to go now. Humans can hold it or use a rest stop, but pets have zero patience, and accidents in your car are no fun. It means that those pit stops can also take hours off your travel time.
They’re Not Foodie Enthusiasts
You may like your pet to try some local cuisines, but many animals are very sensitive to sudden diet changes, and giving them bits of restaurant food can cause digestive problems. You don’t need to be cleaning up after your pet in the middle of a city you’ve never been to.
They’re Escape Artists
Pets can be mini Houdinis, especially in a strange environment. A dog running off leash in a park, or a cat darting out of a hotel room can raise your stress levels to the sky. Nearly 10 million pets go missing in the U.S. each year, and traveling increases the chances that one will slip out unnoticed.
Your Trip Is Controlled By Their Schedule
Your dog doesn’t mind if you stay up late exploring, they’ll want their morning walk early. Pets need routine, and your vacation may not be as flexible and spontaneous as you’d like.
Pets and Planes Don’t Mix
Airlines allow small pets in the cabin, but the experience is stressful for them. Larger animal cargo holds? Even worse. Pets are often injured or killed while in transit, showing just how risky flying with animals can be.
Trouble Can Be Caused by Cultural Differences
Not all destinations are as pet-friendly as the U.S. Some pets are required to be quarantined for long periods of time, or can only go so far. Not every beach, park, or attraction within the U.S. welcomes animals. When you’re always trying to figure out where your pet is allowed, it’s hard to enjoy the sights.
They’re Not Great with Crowds
Pets don’t like big crowds and can become anxious or even aggressive. You might love the hustle and bustle of a bustling marketplace or busy boardwalk, but your pet might feel like they’re in a bad dream. It can be exhausting for you to manage the stress.
Wildlife Can Be a Danger
Taking your pet to nature-filled destinations? Beware. Encounters with wildlife, such as bears, snakes, or other aggressive dogs, can go in a bad way. On top of that, pets can accidentally upset local ecosystems, which you’ll want to avoid as a responsible traveler.
Your Plans Might Not Be Liked
It sounds great to hike up a mountain or kayak through a serene lake—unless you’re a pet that would rather be on the couch. Not every animal was meant for adventure, and thus some of these can feel uncomfortable or even harmful for a lot of animals.
They’re Loud Critics
Pets don’t mince words. A barking dog in a quiet museum or a yowling cat in a serene Airbnb can turn you into that person nobody wants around. Their noise can bring glares quicker than you can say, “I’m so sorry.”
Goodbye Romantic Getaways
If your pet is coming along, forget a cozy dinner for two or a peaceful couples’ retreat. They need constant attention, care, and supervision, and their constant need can kill the mood faster than a storm on a camping trip. Romantic spontaneity? Out of the window it is already.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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