Increasingly dog owners are deciding to travel with their dogs. Sometimes, traveling is necessary because the family is relocating or moving to a new area, in other cases, the travel is for fun hopefully in all cases it is done safely for both you and your dog.
Hotels and vacation destinations are increasingly pet-friendly and many dog owners are taking advantage of that by bringing their dogs along on vacations. Regardless of why you and your dog are going to be hitting the road, there are a few things you should do to make sure to keep your dog safe while traveling. With a little advanced planning, you and your dog will be able to enjoy exploring the world together!
Safety first
The safety of your dog should always be the top priority anytime you need to travel with your dog. Before any significant travel, talk with your dog’s veterinarian to ensure your dog is healthy enough to travel. If your vet approves the trip, you’ll want to plan for how your dog will travel. Just like you wear a seatbelt in the car, your dog also needs to be safely restrained. In a car, this could be an adequately secured crate or a crash-tested seat belt system designed for dogs. Dogs should never ride unrestrained in a vehicle as it can put them at risk of severe injury or death if you need to stop suddenly or get in an accident. If your dog is going to be traveling with you by plane, your dog will be in a crate or carrier. Small dogs can ride in an approved airline carrier under the seat in front of you. In contrast, large dogs will need to ride in a crate in cargo.
Prepare documents in advance
When getting ready to travel with your dog, you’ll want to make sure you have copies of all critical records, including proof of vaccination and of ownership. If you’re flying with your dog, check with your airline to determine what records are required for your dog to fly. This is especially important if you and your dog will be leaving the country, as there may be vaccinations and other documentation that will need to be completed by your veterinarian at specific times before your trip.
Before traveling anywhere together, make sure that your dog is wearing a properly fitted collar with an identification tag with updated information for how to reach you. Your dog should also be microchipped before traveling as an extra protection in case you become separated.
Always supervise your dog
If you’re traveling with your dog, it’s vital to make sure you have a plan to ensure your dog is always supervised. To prevent your dog from harm by extreme temperatures or dognappers, avoid leaving your dog alone in your vehicle or outside rest stops.
Plan ahead
Before traveling with your dog, you’ll want to be sure to plan and make sure any of the places you are visiting are dog friendly. When booking a hotel stay, always disclose that you’re traveling with a dog and ask if they have any restrictions or rules about dogs. Some hotels limit the number of dogs that can stay in a room, the size, or even the breed or breed mix of dogs allowed to stay.
Make sure your stay is okay with their rules. Calling ahead and confirming you’ll have a dog traveling with you when you make a reservation can prevent you and your dog from being turned away when trying to check in at a hotel during your travels.
Bring proper supplies
When traveling with your dog for a short or long trip, it’s essential to be prepared with all the supplies your dog will need. Don’t plan on being able to purchase more of your dog’s food wherever you’re going, and be sure to pack enough food to last the length of your trip or change the location of your shipments, and ideally have enough for an extra few days in case your travel plans home get delayed.
You’ll also want to make sure to have enough of any medication your dog takes regularly or uses on an as-needed basis for chronic conditions like anxiety or arthritis. If you’re traveling by car and have the space, it can be helpful to bring water bottles filled from home to avoid upsetting your dog’ stomach. You’ll also want to pack toys for your dog and portable food and water bowls for your dog to use while traveling. When packing for a trip, don’t forget to bring a sturdy leash for walking your dog while traveling, as well as training treats for working with your dog if they become nervous and for rewarding your dog for positive behavior while traveling.
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