UTRECHT, Netherlands, April 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent studies show that pet owners are less likely to take long trips than those with no animals to care for. The stress of finding appropriate pet care seems to outweigh their desire to travel, experts say. "We were surprised by the results, but it has helped us change our perspective," says Jeroen de Bruin, Sales & Marketing Director for Eurail.Com. "More than anything, we want to help people take their dream trip to Europe. We can make that easier by thinking about their dogs and cats."

Ask the experts

Pet Psychologist Faros Ipoll, PhD, supports the study's findings. "Pet owners know they can't bring their animals with them to Europe, but both pets and owners can feel traumatized by long separations," Ipoll explains. "The key is to have as much fun planned for the pet as a European holiday will offer the human," he says.

With this in mind, Eurail.Com went on a search for exciting, safe, affordable pet accommodations in the US, Canada and Australia. Key search criteria included relaxing environments, good food, social interaction, new adventures and convenient accommodations. "Not surprisingly, the ideal doggie vacation is much like the ideal human one," de Bruin says. "It wasn't difficult to bring the spirit of Eurail.Com to our four-legged audience - we simply focused on convenience, comfort and quality."

The holiday of nine lifetimes

Thanks to a special partnership with 728 pet care facilities worldwide, Eurail.Com will soon be offering People & Pet Packages - a local spa holiday for pets, while owners are off travelling Europe by rail. "We gave priority to facilities that were environmentally friendly, to keep with our 'green' Eurail identity," de Bruin explains.

Dr. Ipoll continues: "pet owners can enjoy their European vacations without worrying about their pets, and the facilities will ensure that pets stay active and healthy during their stay - both animal and human will go home feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and totally pampered."

Free try-out

"Now that the system's in place, we want to make sure it works," de Bruin says. "That's why we're asking pet owners to send us photos of themselves with their pets. We'll then select the 10 best pictures and offer the winners free accommodations at one of our new pet spas with the purchase of a Eurail Pass. It's an ideal combination: the trip of a lifetime for the human, and a relaxing spa visit for the pet."

Interested pet owners can begin sending their photos on April 1. Winners will be announced on May 1.

More information: http://www.eurail.com, http://www.facebook.com/eurorail

About Eurail.Com

Eurail.Com BV is a private company, owned by 30 European railway and ferry companies. The Eurail trademarks are managed by the Eurail Group GIE. Through our websites, we sell train passes worldwide, and offer the planet's best information about Eurail train travel. Eurail.Com is winner of the Mashable Award for Best Social Media Customer Service.

SOURCE Eurail.Com