How To Travel With A Dog
Introduction
Many of us love to travel with our dogs, but it’s important to keep their safety in mind when doing so. Before you hop in the car or book a plane ticket with your furry friend, take these precautions to ensure a fun and safe trip for everyone:
Make sure your dog is in good health.
- Check for fleas and ticks.
- Check for signs of illness.
- Check for signs of injury.
- Check for signs of pain.
- Look out for signs of stress (a dog in a crate will be stressed). If you have an older dog, it’s important to make sure he or she can maintain a healthy weight during your trip without being overfed by the vet or your relatives along the way.* Consider whether there are any allergies to specific foods as well as parasites such as lice or ear mites that might require special attention before travel.* Finally, if you’re planning on flying with your pet, check with the airline about its policies regarding animals in cargo holds and how much extra it charges per flight.*
Update your dog’s ID tag.
Update your dog’s ID tag.
If you haven’t already, update your dog’s ID tag with the following information:
- Your contact information (phone number and address)
- Your dog’s name, breed and age
- Your microchip number (if applicable)
- Your rabies vaccination number
Buy a travel crate or other restraint that’s appropriate for your car.
When you buy a travel crate or other restraint, make sure it’s large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around. The best crates have plastic panes that are easy to clean, but you can also use a towel or blanket inside the crate if it makes your dog more comfortable. Make sure the restraint is sturdy and safe—if you plan on using it in the car, make sure all latches are secure so that nothing can fall out of place during travel. And finally, ensure that your dog will be comfortable in their new home on wheels; if not, consider buying some sort of padding or filling material to keep them from chafing against rough edges (and possibly getting hurt) during their journey with you!
Bring along food and water.
- Bring along enough food and water for the trip. Be sure to pack enough food for your dog’s needs, as well as water that is safe for them to drink. (Many dogs like bottled water.) If you’re traveling by car, it’s easy enough to carry water in a plastic jug or two; but if you’re taking public transit, consider bringing disposable bottles or a collapsible bowl with you so that you don’t have to lug around heavy containers of liquid.
- Bring along extra food and water just in case your dog needs it along the way—and make sure their supply doesn’t run out during the trip!
Bring familiar items that will make the dog feel at home.
One of the best ways to make your dog feel comfortable during their travels is to bring their favorite items. The more familiar they are with these things, the less likely they will be to get stressed out. This includes:
- Their favorite toys
- Their favorite blanket or bed
- Their favorite food and water bowl
If you can’t take all of these things with you on your trip, try bringing some treats if possible! It’s also a good idea to bring some leashes and collars in case the airline loses yours.
Research pet-friendly accommodations in advance.
When you’re planning a trip, it’s important to research pet-friendly accommodations and make reservations as soon as possible. Check out the hotel’s website for details on their pet policy; most hotels will have a page dedicated to their animal guests. Look for hotels that are willing to accommodate your dog, but be aware that not all rooms are suitable for pets (usually because they don’t allow pets on the bed or furniture). Also ask if there are any restrictions on which rooms can be used with animals—some may have more than one dog per room, while others might only allow cats in certain areas (or none at all).
If you have any questions about whether or not your chosen destination is right for traveling with dogs, feel free to reach out directly!
Take precautions to prevent overactive behavior while traveling.
Bring along a few toys, just in case. Bring an extra leash and collar, so you have one on hand in case of emergency. Be sure to bring along a collapsible dog bowl, as this will enable your pet to eat whenever he or she wants and also keep food off the hard surfaces as much as possible.
Bringing along a collapsible dog bed is also recommended for long road trips or flights because it will help prevent joint pain that can occur when staying still for long periods of time—plus, who doesn’t want their beloved four-legged friend sleeping on his or her lap? You may want to consider bringing along some snacks for yourself too; the road can be long and tedious, but this will make it more bearable!
Similarly, having something soft underneath them while traveling could help prevent soreness from sitting so long away from home. This can be achieved through using something like a portable crate with wheels that has been modified with padding around its sides (which makes getting into it easier), which makes sense since most Americans don’t have cars large enough for all three seats plus cargo space behind them anyway!
Don’t leave your dog alone in the car.
Don’t leave your dog alone in the car.
There are no exceptions to this rule. Even if it’s not hot, don’t leave your dog in the car at all. Even if it’s cold, don’t leave your dog in the car for very long or on a regular basis. Your dog will be safer and happier if you don’t subject him to these conditions. If you must leave him alone so that you can run into the supermarket or something else quick, bring him inside with you—you’ll get more done in less time anyway!
When taking your dog on a plane, be sure to check with the airline first to find out what their requirements are and if there are any extra fees involved.
When taking your dog on a plane, be sure to check with the airline first to find out what their requirements are and if there are any extra fees involved.
- Check with the airline about their policies on emotional support animals. Some airlines require a note from a doctor stating that the animal is an ESA and what conditions it helps alleviate.
- Don’t bring your dog on a plane unless you have a crate for it! This will keep it safe while traveling and also allow you to take care of other tasks while at the airport without having to worry about where your pooch is located or whether or not its needs might be met by someone else if something were to happen unexpectedly during transit time (e.g., flight delays).
Before you travel with your dog, find out how the laws of that country affect dogs, such as import restrictions and quarantine policies.
- Find out how the laws of that country affect dogs, such as import restrictions and quarantine policies.
- If you are traveling to a country with strict import restrictions, you may need to get a health certificate from a vet. Some countries require this certificate for all animals entering their borders.
We all want to travel with our dogs, but it’s important to keep their safety in mind when doing so.
You need to be prepared for the possibility of quarantine and/or import restrictions. You also need to consider the safety of your dog, yourself, and others in your community. The best way to travel with a dog is by air (if you have the option).
Conclusion
If you’re planning on traveling with your dog, it’s important to be prepared. This is especially true if you’ll be driving or flying. Take some time before the trip to make sure your dog is up-to-date on all their vaccines and that you have updated their ID tag. It’s also a good idea to find out what the law says about dogs in that state or country so there are no surprises when you go through customs at the airport!