The baby boomer generation has just begun to retire. Born between 1946 and 1964, there are approximately 76 million baby boomers in the United States today, or about 28% of the American population. Baby boomers are healthier, wealthier, and better educated than their parents, and can expect to live well into their 80s. They have raised their children and are now “empty children” as the children have gone on to live their own lives.
To fill the void in the house when the children leave, many older people acquire a pet or inherit it from their children. In fact, baby boomers are more likely than other age groups to own pets. However, according to several recent surveys, baby boomers plan to travel a lot in retirement, and many of them will be faced with the dilemma of what to do with their dogs and cats when they travel.
Options include hiring pet sitters or leaving pets at kennels or pet hotels. Interestingly, however, a survey by a pet supply company found that more than half of all seniors prefer to take their pets with them when they travel. Traveling with a pet makes vacations more satisfying for many seniors.
So what is the best breed of dog for baby boomers on the go? It depends on the type of person and the type of trip. Physically fit adventure seekers who enjoy outdoor activities like camping and hiking may want to consider choosing a dog from the Sporting Group, which includes Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, English Springer Spaniels, and Weimaraners. Although these dogs are usually friendly, good-natured dogs that thrive in outdoor family activities, someone considering this type of pet should be ready to spend time and energy training and exercising their pet.
Traveling with a larger dog is also quite different than with a smaller dog. The most comfortable way to travel with any dog over 15 pounds is by car or RV. This allows for frequent stops along the way to walk and hydrate the dog. Of course, the pet should always be restrained for safety.
For those taking extended vacations that require air travel, there are many considerations when bringing a large pet. Undoubtedly, your pet must travel in the hold of the plane, so it must have a balanced temperament. A pet carrier that meets IATA requirements will be required, as will a health exam by your veterinarian just before you fly.
For many seniors, and certainly apartment dwellers and those with physical limitations, a smaller dog may be a better option. Although they also need to be restrained while traveling in a car or RV, small pets make excellent travel companions. Most small pets enjoy a change of scenery and are genuinely happy to be with you in a new environment. Remember, however, that any pet should never be left alone in the car.
In addition, many traveling pet owners also like the fact that their small dogs can fly with them in the cabins of many commercial airliners instead of in the cargo hold. Snub-nosed breeds, such as pugs, are not allowed in the cargo hold due to their respiratory problems, so be sure and use caution when selecting this breed if you want to travel a lot.
There are other reasons why smaller dogs may be a better fit for aging baby boomers. Larger dogs can be intimidating to strangers, and many pet-friendly hotels have size restrictions for dogs. Older baby boomers may also have a hard time handling larger, more energetic young dogs.
Smaller dogs that traveling baby boomers may want to consider are miniature or toy poodles, chihuahuas, shih tzus, Pekingese, Maltese, Lhasa apsos, Pekingese, and Yorkshire terriers. All of these breeds make excellent lap dogs and wonderful companions.
Do we have a strict budget? Don’t forget your local animal shelter!! They have wonderful pets for adoption and many of them have already been trained and are more mature. In many cases, these animals come from loving homes that, for many reasons, were no longer able to care for them. In most cases, these animals are very grateful for a second chance and prove to be loving and loyal pets.
Whether a baby boomer prefers to travel by car or by plane, there’s little reason why having a pet of the right size or breed could make your vacation difficult. Traveling with a pet can add dimension to a trip and make it more fun for both the pet and its owner.
For more information on these dog breeds, click here.