Traveling With Your Pet To A Timeshare

Enjoy vacationing with your furry friend to your timeshare… Only after you have read these crucial tips and have looked into any potentially restrictive rules and regulations about your specific destination.

There are several important factors to consider and look into before traveling to a timeshare with a pet. Whether you have already bought into your timeshare or are in the market to buy in, you will need to thoroughly research the regulations of different resorts, condominiums, and vacation destinations to understand their pet code and potential limitations. Each venue varies wildly in their rules about pets, so take your time before you show up with your furry friend!

Timeshare Pet Regulations: Some Considerations

Timeshares, in general are becoming increasingly more accommodating for pets, but the level of restrictions and limitations on pets varies substantially from one establishment to the other.

Here are some of the primary rules to look out for in resort and condo timeshare complexes:

1)   The weight of the animal will have an impact on whether you can bring your pet on vacation with you. For example, in the Caribbean you can expect to find a 15 LB limit for your furry friends. Small dogs are culturally acceptable for enclosed complexes and large dogs are viewed as guard dogs, meant to serve an entirely different purpose.

2)   Breed restrictions will vary depending on the venue of your prospective timeshare. If there is not a weight restriction there very well may be a breed restriction. Similar to weight restrictions, most resorts and condos do not want to be hosting pets that may appear threatening in any way.

3)   The Number of pets will impact whether you are allowed to bring all of your domesticated animals with you. In some venues you can expect a two pet maximum, in others you will be limited to one or there may not be a restriction at all, so long as the pets are small and of the correct breeding.

Timeshares vary in global locations and venue types; before you travel to or buy into a timeshare, be sure to understand the pet code of the establishment where you will be staying. Weight, breed, and number of pets you bring will most likely be the primary restrictive factors. Some complexes are very strict with their pet regulations, before you travel; understand the parameters of your destination.

Enjoy Your Timeshare Along Side Your Furry Companion: Noise Control, Leashes, And Personal Disposition Of Your Pet

Once you have established the regulations surrounding pets for your timeshare destination, here are a few other considerations to ensure that your vacation is relaxing for you, your pet, and the other vacationers around you!

If your timeshare is in a resort or a condominium complex you will be asked to have your pet on a leash at all times, (unfortunately, this may apply to cats as well). If your pet requires ample exercise, be sure there is a beach or park close by where they can go off leash and run around.

Is your dog a barker? If so, be aware that some resorts and complexes will penalize you financially for breaking noise control rules. Before you travel research the sound rules of your venue. Some resorts restrict noise emanating from your apartment at all times of the day. If your furry friend is vocal, consider a stand-alone house, where you can live free from constant complaints from neighbors and potential tickets.

You will be relaxed on your vacation when your pet is relaxed. If your pet is easily frightened by lots of people, you will want to avoid a timeshare in a resort where it can often be crowded. Does your pet feel uncomfortable being left alone in a new home? Be sure you can dine with your pet if this is the case. Become familiar, not only with the specific rules of the complex but also of the culture of the place where you are going to be vacationing. If you want your pet to join you for outings be sure this is culturally viable in your desired destination.

Service Dogs: Supportive Documents Are Necessary

In the United States a service dog means a pet that is the service of helping those with disabilities perform daily tasks, but also reaches the spectrum of emotional support. In most other countries service dog means a police dog or a military dog.

Most timeshares will accommodate your service dog or therapy dog if you have accompanying paperwork from your healthcare professional and from the veterinarian of your animal.

Most airlines are also accommodating to service animals and will even allow you to travel with your pet throughout the flight.

If you do decide to have your dog registered as a service dog be sure to follow due process as you will most likely be asked to verify the status of your pet with accompanying paperwork.

If you have a large dog and you are dealing with weight restrictions in your timeshare it may be well worth the process to have your dog registered as a support animal.

Here is a link to the US dog registry to get you started: http://usdogregistry.org/

Pets In Motion: Travelling With Your Pet By Car Or Plane

You have been cleared to stay in your timeshare with your pet, you have thoroughly investigated the pet code of your venue and you are ready to travel. Whether you travel by land or air there are some key elements to keep in mind to keep your pet healthy, safe, and happy.

Both dogs and cats will be less likely to drink and eat while they travel. Several days before you begin your journey ensure that your pet is well hydrated and fed (they may not eat or drink again until they arrive at their destination).

If you are traveling by car be ready to stop often to allow your animal to stretch their legs, use the bathroom, and move around. If your furry companion is not used to car travel they may become sick in their stomach so be ready for emergency stops so they can relieve their upset bellies. Open the windows often and let in fresh air for them to breath. Dogs will want the windows open often to take in the smells of their new surroundings!

If you are traveling by air, ensure that you are aware of any particular animal regulations of the airline you are traveling with. You will want to travel with your pet’s veterinary records to prove immunizations. If your dog is a service animal ensure you have the proper vest and supporting documentations.

International Travel: Quarantine Laws For Animals

If you are traveling internationally be sure that there are no quarantine laws in the country where you are vacationing. These laws change month to month: In the warmer season quarantine laws tend to be stricter, but may change in the cooler months. Research the specific laws of the country you plan to travel to. No one wants their sweet pet stuck in a four-week lockdown, especially when you are planning to vacation only for two!

Timeshare Travel With Pets: A Joy To Embrace… After You Thoroughly Investigate Any Restrictive Regulations

Our furry, loving companions are often our best friends and it makes sense to want to bring them with you on vacation. Timeshare venues will have varying restrictive rules surrounding their pet code, before you travel make sure your destination will welcome your pet.

Understand the rules of the airline you plan to use and perform a thorough investigation of any existing quarantine laws if you are planning to travel internationally.

After weighing out the existing rules and regulations surrounding your vacation plans to a timeshare with your pet, be sure that your pet will be happy and safe. Dogs and cats are as unique as we are, ensuring that your pet will be comfortable throughout your travels. With some research and bureaucratic clearance you will be well on your way to enjoying your vacation with your furry sidekick!