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Trip Tips: Existing in Harmony - Your Pet, Resident Pets, and Other Guest Pets
Trip Tips: Existing in Harmony - Your Pet, Resident Pets,
and Other Guest Pets
Where one pet goes, more are sure to follow. Sometimes
a pet-friendly accommodation won't just be hosting your pet;
other guests may bring theirs as well, not to mention that
there may be resident pets ready to greet all newcomers.
Just like it is with people, there's always the
possibility of conflict between pets. In all our travels,
it's been extremely rare - but to allow everyone to enjoy
their holidays in peace, here are a few guidelines:
If your pet doesn't like other animals
... then the best choice would be to stay at a lodging that does not have
resident pets -- or at least, where resident pets don't
interact with guests.
If in doubt, ask the host. Many owners and property managers
who have pets of their own are very understanding, and will
try to accommodate you if they can.
Ask permission for an introduction.
Although
your dog happily greets others, some pets just aren't
comfortable meeting new animals.
Watch body language
- for pets and their
people. For instance: let's say you're staying at a cottage
resort where dogs are allowed to run off-leash. You're
moseying along with your pooch, when you see another
dog-walker approaching. That person immediately puts his
dog back on-leash when he spots you, then has his dog
heel at his side. That's a pretty good indication that
your own dog should be leashed until you are safely past.
Short of asking the pet owner, it's hard to know why
some pets don't interact with others. Maybe the other
dog has had a bad experience with other animals... or
perhaps he's older and is unwilling or unable to engage in enthusiastic or rough
play. Take your cues from both the pets and their humans.
Supervise, supervise, supervise.
Keep a watchful
eye out for any disagreements that may occur. By all means,
if your pets all love one another, let them play and
enjoy themselves!
