My new venture in specializing in travel with dogs.... :-)

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

So, for a few years I have been toying with the idea of joining a host travel agency and basically having my own travel business. I have been a corporate international agent for 20+ years now and I always have a lot of people ask me for vacations, etc. and I refer them to a friend of mine.  I really don't like doing any and all travel people ask for (ok could I be a little pickier?) and I got this idea from a friend who is an independent agent that specializes and only does Disney bookings.  That made me think I could be somewhat selective or at least focus on something I love, PETS & DOGS!!  I have been doing a ton of research on specializing in travel where people want to take their pets.  Not shipping for breeders anything like that, just fun or necessary travel where people don't want to leave their fur-babies behind.  I don't want to replace my current job but I would like to do this in addition to it.

I am very much in the beginning planning stages, I need to find a host agency but I know of quite a few that are reputable.  The large corporate company I work for has an affiliate program, which I would have loved to be part of BUT you cannot be an employee and an independant contractor for the same company according to the govt. :-( 

 

Does anyone know anyone else that does this?  Any ideas? Suggestions?  I am open to any thoughts you might have.

 

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

I am putting everyone's comments and recommendations on to a spreadsheet right now so I don't miss or forget anything.  Julie, thanks for the info on the Ritz, I will most likely message you for an "expert" review, as a travel agent I find the opinions of actual travelers much more helpful than any rating by Zagat's, AAA,etc. 

Shoot Donna if I liked to fly I might have to consider that "Doodle Airways" LOL

 

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

Thank you Nina!  That is awesome!  If I have questions I will for sure let you know, that will be a great help.  I had on my list of things I wanted to do is to post recommendations and information from people that have traveled with their pets and their experiences.  When I get more details together I would love to have you be the expert on this :-)

[Nina]

Hi Denise,  I have spent many hours planning a trip to Italy with my dog.  There are "agencies" in the US specializing in pet travel ( I searched Google and found them).  In each country in Europe there are pet travel services since many airlines will not let you book your pet as baggage traveling with you.  I started a blog on this topic.  Maybe it will be on interest to you.

http://lifeinitaliawithadogfromcalifornia.wordpress.com/2012/02/03/...

 

[Julie, Izzie & Max]

I know have any ideas.  But I like your idea and would love to use a service that.  Let me know when you get up and running.  We are always looking for places where we can take the dogs.  I am looking for a house to rent in the spring at Cape San Blas in Florida that allows dogs. There are a lot of choices and I don't know which one would be best.

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Denise, when making your list of dog-friendly places, be sure to include the Ritz Carlton at Bachelor Gulch in Colorado! It is not your typical "ritzy" Ritz -- it's like a huge log cabin! Amenities are wonderful! Great hiking trails, etc. They have a big St. Bernard that greets you at the door and he 'hosts' a doggy happy hour on Fridays. Bachelor Gulch is in the Vail/Avon area.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Don't suppose you could start your own airline that would let your doodle fly in the seat next to you.:>) I like to dream big. Good luck in your new venture.

[Denise & Hunter!!!]

I am a travel agent that doesn't like to fly!  We don't travel either unless we can take the kids and Hunter (or just Hunter sometimes!).  Kind of funny for a travel agent.  We opted to buy a camper a few years ago and it has worked out great.  I absolutely love to book travel for other people though and read about everywhere in the world.  This is a whole new part of travel for me :-)

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

No Denise we haven't signed up for the Doodle Cruise as we can't take the dogs.  All of our travels from here on out will include the girls.  DH just retired in January and we have a few trips that we hope to take and will be looking for dog friendly places to make them possible. 

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Good Luck Denise,you sure have a lot of get up and go, drive and desire. oh to be young again.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Good luck in this new venture!!