How to take your pet on vacation

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Last year's vacation at an Ontario resort was a slice of doggy heaven for Ace and Ozzy. Ace, a spirited Chihuahua, and Ozzy, an adventurous Australian shepherd, spent their days splashing in the lake, pinecone-pouncing and playing fetch with their human companions, Jayne and Mike Woods. At the end of each day the pooches collapsed in front of a roaring fire and, after a barrage of cuddles with Jayne and Mike, fell into a deep sleep, clearly contented with their holiday.

The pleasure of that trip together seems to be mutual; Jayne and Mike say their vacations just wouldn't be the same without their pooches in tow. They aren't alone. The couple is among a growing contingent of people who are choosing to vacation with their pets. Pam Fischer, who co-owns Lake Edge Cottages in Lakefield, Ont., with her husband, Peter, has seen a dramatic increase in pet-toting guests since she began marketing her resort as pet-friendly five years ago. In 2002, 37 per cent of guests brought pets, and by 2004, that number had grown to 75 per cent – mostly dogs and some cats. Luckily for families who travel, an increasing number of accommodations, from hotels to bed and breakfasts, are becoming more friendly toward animals.

But why do people want to vacation with their pet? For one thing, many consider pets a part of the family, which means if they travel they want Fido along. Pets are also good companions: they don't complain, they're always up for a stroll, they help us make friends, and they're cuddly and comfortable to have around. What's more, if the circumstances are right they'll love the vacation, too. If you want your pet to enjoy a holiday as much as Ace and Ozzy do, here's what you have to know.

• Bring the poodle, leave the python
Not all animals are cut out for the road. For some, boarding, or having an animal sitter, is the best option. Which pets travel well and which don't?

• Dogs tend to be the most easygoing travellers, while cats can be more anxious. Much depends, however, on the pet's personality traits.

• Leave birds, reptiles and caged animals such as hamsters at home. They are frail and do not travel well.

• Never travel with very young animals (such as puppies and kittens under five months), pregnant, old, sick or injured pets, or those that have biting and barking problems.

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