Your travel dollars have clout.
Book your travel with providers committed to the humane treatment of animals. Emphasis on sustainability and corporate social responsibility has created opportunities for travel that support these values.
If you plan to bring a dog or cat home, check with the airline to ensure they allow pets on board or in the cargo area.
Before booking, check the websites of airlines, hotels, resorts, and tour operators for their animal welfare initiatives. If they have such programs, promote them on social media. If not, choose another provider or make them aware of your preferences.
Search for animal rescue groups at your destination to bring supplies that will help their mission. Ask for a list of needed items or check their website wish list and bring them with you if possible. Also, ask if they need a pet escorted back to your home city. Local rescue groups will handle the details, which won't cost you anything.
Safety Tips:
Use caution when approaching stray animals, as many have not been vaccinated. Some may react negatively due to mistreatment.
If you offer food or water to a stray, remember it may be their first meal in a long time—portion the food in small amounts to avoid harm.
If a stray is approachable, consider taking it to a local vet for vaccinations and sterilizations. Alternatively, donate to local rescue groups' programs.
If you encounter stray cats at your hotel/resort, check their policies. Inhumane methods like poisoning are sometimes used to control stray populations. Encourage humane solutions like supporting local spay/neuter programs.
Share your story with photos on the CANDi website and social media. Raising awareness shows the tourism industry that the humane treatment of animals matters to you. Some resorts, like the RUI resort in Cancun, have implemented humane solutions like the Cat Cafe.
Additional Tips:
Adopt and bring a special cat or dog home with you. Ensure they are vaccinated and healthy enough to travel. Check the rules for different destinations.
Volunteer with local animal rescue groups if your vacation permits.
Do not assume that money or food left with a caretaker will go to the animals. Do not tie an animal to a shelter fence or gate when you leave.
Share, raise awareness, and help local rescue groups. A little goes a long way.
If you see a stray and leave it, finding it again may be impossible. Many tourists return only to find the animals they wanted to help are gone.
If a stray cat or dog ruined your vacation, write to your travel providers, post on social media, and share your story on CANDi's website. Suggest humane solutions like the Cat Cafe Program and support local rescue groups' programs.
Give yourself a pat on the back for considering the humane treatment of animals as part of your vacation. You have the power to make a difference by raising awareness and showing the tourism industry that this matters to you.
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