There’s no reason you can’t take your pet along on a business trip. It requires a bit of planning, but it’s possible.
Bringing your pet can be a rewarding bonding experience. It’s also a great way to take your mind off work during the trip.
Here’s how you can comfortably travel with your pet on a business trip.
1. Good Food
Nutrition is the most important part of pet care.
You probably already know this since you have a pet, but this is not something to be overlooked. Pets need healthy food just like humans do.
Bring along as much food as you can. That way you don’t have to worry about your pet reacting poorly to something new.
If you can’t bring enough food for the trip, check if your favorite brand is available at your destination. If not, you might have to find something new.
Try and find a food that is similar to what you normally use.
Ask your vet if there is anything he or she does or does not recommend. Avoid feeding your pet leftovers or junk food.
Be vigilant about making sure your pet doesn’t eat out of the trash.
2. Pet-Friendly Hotels
Not all hotels are pet friendly.
Even those that usually have restrictions. Some might only accept certain types of pets, and others might only accept service animals.
When organizing your business trip, use a service like Hotel Engine to find the right fit. Booking services have industry connections to find better prices.
They will also deal with any problems that come up.
That way you can focus on work and taking care of your pet. You shouldn’t have to be worried about finding a new hotel at the last minute.
Check to see if the hotel has good outdoor facilities.
If not, see if there is a dog park or enclosed park nearby. You don’t want to keep Fido trapped in a new space all day.
Extended-stay hotels usually offer good options for pet owners. Even if you’re only staying for a night or two, you can usually stay in a hotel designed for an extended stay.
Apartment rentals often aren’t as flexible about pets.
3. Activities
You’ll need to keep your pet entertained.
Look at your work schedule and figure out when you’re busy.
See if a dog sitter or walker could take your dog out while you’re in that meeting. Or maybe offer the front desk worker a bit of cash to take the dog for a walk after work.
A trip can be a fun bonding experience.
Maybe there’s a drive-in movie that offers pet-friendly experiences. Many outdoor restaurants allow pets. Just make sure to ask first.
State and national parks make for great dog-friendly outings. They are also a great way to explore your destination more than you would otherwise.
You can find something to do anywhere you go.
4. Cool Toys
Chances are high that you can’t take your dog to work.
That’s why you’ll need to have a good selection of toys to keep your pet occupied. Here are some good toys for a Fido-friendly road trip from Outward Hound.
When animals get bored, they can become agitated.
That doesn’t mean you need to be giving them 24/7 attention.
There are plenty of toys designed for keeping dogs occupied while you’re not there. Maybe even turning on the TV can help.
Reward your dog for good behavior with a nice new toy for the trip.
5. Routine
It’s hard to stay on top of routines while traveling.
Try your best to not deviate from your schedule too much.
Animals are used to eating at a certain time. They love routine even more than humans do. Don’t disrupt sleep and exercise schedules.
When it’s not possible to stick with a routine, don’t slack on the basics.
Double-check to make sure your pet is well-fed and has enough exercise. This is more important while traveling than you’d think.
Make sure not to alter your routine too much, either.
Conclusion
There’s no reason you shouldn’t take your pet on your next work trip. All it requires is some planning.
