Traveling with your pet

Here at A and W Mountain Rentals, we understand how quickly an animal can go from just being a pet, to being a full-fledged member of the family. And what could be better than taking a family vacation to the mountains and being able to take along your four-footed family members? That’s why we offer a number of pet friendly cabins and vacation rentals that allow a small to medium, well-behaved dog to be a member of your group.

A and W Mountain Rentals has more than 20 homes that are pet friendly. If you would like to see a list of our pet-friendly offerings, just click here to go to our “Search by Amenities” page. Once there, simply check the box for “Pets” and search! You can also call us at (828) 898-9188 and ask one of our reservationists about a pet-friendly rental. We’ll be glad to help you find the perfect rental for you and your furry friend!

While you’re looking for that perfect rental, keep the following tips in mind to make traveling with your pet safer and more enjoyable!

The preparation begins before you leave home. Planning ahead is essential to any successful vacation, especially when traveling with a dog:

• Take your dog to the vet a few weeks before you are scheduled to leave. This is a good time not only for a checkup to make sure your pet is up for the trip, but also to update his vaccinations, refill any medicines he needs and make sure he has proper parasite protection for the trip. Vaccinations should be up to date; you will want to have proof of this to take with you on your trip. You also want to make sure that your dog is protected, not only from fleas, but from ticks and mosquitoes as well. Be sure that your pet is protected with a medicine such as Frontline or K-9 Advantix. (Note that ADVANTAGE only protects your pet from fleas. Here in the South, ticks and mosquitoes can be much more dangerous as they can carry far more disease than fleas.) REMEMBER, all dogs are at risk of parasites, since they all have to go outside to do their business!
  



• Fido’s suitcase: The next thing to do is to pack Fido’s doggie suitcase. Be sure to bring some of his/her favorite toys, dog treats, a water bowl, plenty of water for the trip (we read that diluting the local water with water from home can help prevent diarrhea), a food dish, the dog’s normal food (of course), any medications you might need for Fido, dog leashes, doggie clean-up bags, crates, bedspread (quilt, sheets or a blanket) from home, dog tags (rabies and name tag stating address and phone numbers), colored photo and complete description (in case FIDO is lost).
  



• Kennel comfort: Many humane societies recommend that pets in cars/trucks be crated. If your pet requires travel in a kennel, train them before you make the trip. Make sure it’s large enough for the dog to stand, turn around and be comfortable. Purchase this ahead of time. We have read that you should let your pet eat and sleep there before you leave, as well as throw in an old sock (worn by you) so he will become accustomed to the kennel in time for travel. It has also been recommended that a strong mesh crate (the bottom lined with towels) with plenty of food and water be used.
  



• Grooming: It is a good idea to take your dog to the groomers before leaving on your trip. While we have wonderful groomers right here in Banner Elk, your dog may be more comfortable going to a groomer he is familiar with. If you don’t go to the groomers, be sure and bathe your dog right before leaving.
  



• Exercise your dog before you leave. A tired pet will sleep more easily and adapt more readily to new surroundings.