| The baby boomer generation has just started to | | | | pet will have to travel in the cargo hold of the |
| retire. Born between 1946 and 1964, there are | | | | aircraft, and so needs to have an even |
| approximately 76 million baby boomers in the United | | | | temperament. An IATA compliant pet crate will be |
| States today-or about 28% of the US population. | | | | required, as will a health examination by your |
| Baby boomers are healthier, wealthier, and better | | | | veterinarian just prior to flying. |
| educated than their parents, and they can expect to | | | | For many seniors, and certainly for apartment |
| live well into their 80s. They have raised their children | | | | dwellers and those with physical limitations, a smaller |
| and now they are "empty nesters" as the kids have | | | | dog may be a better choice. Although they too need |
| moved on to lives of their own. | | | | to be restrained while traveling in a car or RV, small |
| In order to fill the emptiness in the house when the | | | | pets make great traveling companions. Most small |
| children leave, many seniors get a pet or they inherit | | | | pets enjoy the change in scenery and are truly |
| one from their children. As a matter of fact, baby | | | | happy to be with you in a new environment. |
| boomers are more likely than other age groups to | | | | Remember, though, that no pet should ever be left |
| own pets. Yet, according to several recent surveys, | | | | in the car alone. |
| baby boomers plan to travel extensively in their | | | | Additionally, many traveling pet owners also like the |
| retirement, and many of them will face the dilemma | | | | fact that their small dogs may be allowed to fly with |
| of what to do with their dogs and cats when they | | | | them in the cabins of many commercial airliners |
| travel. | | | | instead of the cargo hold. Snub nosed breeds such as |
| Options include hiring pet sitters or leaving pets | | | | Pugs are not allowed in the cargo hold due to their |
| behind in kennels or pet hotels. Interestingly, | | | | breathing problems, so be sure and be careful when |
| however, a survey conducted by a pet product | | | | selecting this breed if you want to travel extensively. |
| company found that more than half of all older | | | | There are other reasons smaller dogs may be a |
| seniors prefer to bring their pets along with them | | | | better choice for aging baby boomers. Larger dogs |
| when they travel. Traveling with a pet makes for a | | | | may be intimidating to strangers, and many pet |
| more fulfilling vacation for many seniors. | | | | friendly hotels have size restrictions on dogs. Older |
| So what is the best breed of dog for traveling baby | | | | baby boomers may also have difficulty handling |
| boomers? It depends on the type of person and the | | | | larger, more energetic, young dogs. |
| type of travel. Physically fit adventure seekers who | | | | Smaller dogs that traveling baby boomers may want |
| enjoy outdoor activities such as camping and hiking | | | | to consider are Miniature or Toy Poodles, Chihuahua, |
| might consider choosing a dog from the Sporting | | | | Shih Tzu, Pekinese, Maltese, Lhasa Apso, Pekinese, |
| Group, which includes Labrador Retrievers, Golden | | | | and Yorkshire Terrier. All of these breeds make great |
| Retrievers, English Springer Spaniels, and | | | | lap dogs and wonderful companions. |
| Weimaraners. Although these dogs are usually | | | | On a strict budget? Do not forget your local animal |
| good-natured, friendly dogs that thrive on outdoor | | | | shelter!! They have wonderful pets for adoption and |
| family activities, someone considering this type of pet | | | | many of them have already been trained and are |
| must be ready to devote time and energy to train | | | | more mature. In many cases, these animals come |
| and exercise their pet. | | | | from loving homes that, for many reasons, could no |
| Traveling with a larger dog is also quite different than | | | | longer care for them. In most all cases, these animals |
| a smaller dog. The most comfortable way to travel | | | | are very grateful for a second chance and prove to |
| with any dog over 15 pounds is by car or RV. This | | | | be loving and loyal pets. |
| allows for frequent stops along the way to walk and | | | | Whether a baby boomer favors travel by auto or air, |
| hydrate the dog. Of course, the pet always needs to | | | | there are few reasons why owning the proper size |
| be restrained for safety. | | | | or breed of pet would hamper their vacation. |
| For those people taking extended vacations that | | | | Traveling with a pet can add dimension to a trip and |
| require air travel, there are many considerations | | | | make it more fun both for the pet and their owner. |
| when bringing a large pet along. Undoubtedly, your | | | | For more information on these dog breeds, click here. |