Brief Overview
There’s a common misconception that taking a dog on a trip is extremely challenging. In light of this, most people calculate that leaving their dogs at a kennel will cost them a small fortune.
But I found out that it’s not as hard as you might think to bring your furry friends along on most travel adventures as long as you do your homework and plan ahead.
Pre-Travel Health Checks
- Your dog should get a full checkup from the vet before a long trip. Assure the immunisations he has received are up to date and bring the documentation of these shots with you. Airline travel necessitates health clearances and you will need to provide certifications before boarding. If you want to make sure your dog is in good enough health and mind to travel, consult your vet. Keep in mind that not all canine companions are excited about road trips.
- If you want your dog to stay in good health while you’re on the road, don’t forget to pack some of his regular food. Bring the medications he needs along with some bottled water.
- Prepare yourself in case of an unexpected event. Put your regular vet’s number, as well as the number for an emergency clinic close by, in your phone’s contacts (in case the veterinarians need to speak with each other). That way, if your dog ever has an emergency and needs medical attention, you will be ready.
Pet Identification
If your dog gets lost while you’re on a trip, you’ll have a better chance of finding him / her if you take the following precautions:
- Get a good quality leash and collar for your dog. The dog’s name, your name, and your home phone number, as well as proof of rabies vaccinations, should all be displayed on tags attached to the collar. If your trip will last more than a few days, you may want to consider getting a second ID tag with your vacation spot’s address and contact information.
- Think about implementing a microchip as a permanent form of identification
- Please bring a recent photograph of your dog and a copy of his health records, including a list of his most recent vaccinations.
Dog Crates
A crate is a must for air travel and a great way to keep your dog secure in the car. It can prevent your pet from causing any trouble at the hotel or with your host’s household. Most stores that sell supplies for pets will also sell crates. The following are qualities to seek out in a purchase:
- Enough room for the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- Rugged, with convenient grips and no sharp edges inside.
- Absorbent material in the bottom to prevent leaks.
- Dual-sided ventilation with exterior rims or knobs to prevent airflow obstruction.
- Include the owner’s name, address, and phone number along with the words “Live Animal” and arrows indicating the animal is standing upright.
- Provide your dog’s crate with a cosy mat, his or her favourite toy, and a full water dish, and he or she will be good to go.
Travelling By Plane
- When taking a plane trip, it’s best to take your pet to the vet first. The airline requires a medical certificate no later than 10 days before departure. Certificates of vaccination against rabies and other infectious diseases are also required. Weaned and fully vaccinated, your dog should be at least 8 weeks old.
- It is the owner’s responsibility to ensure the dog is healthy and able to fly, as stated by the airline. If you’re thinking of sedating your dog for the trip, make sure to consult your vet first. Consider the weather at both your dog’s departure and arrival points to ensure a comfortable flight.
- If a live animal will be exposed to temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit or above 85 degrees Fahrenheit for more than four hours during departure, arrival, or connections, shipping as excess baggage or cargo is prohibited by federal regulations.
- It’s important to keep in mind that rules and amenities on different airlines can vary widely. The airline may refuse to let you use your crate if, for instance, it does not meet its specifications. However, if your dog’s crate or carrier can fit under the seat in front of you, they may let it into the cabin with you. Always check the airline policies!
- Your dog is welcome to join you, but he or she will need a reservation of its own. The number of pets that can fly in a single aircraft is limited. They are taken in the order in which they are received.
Travelling By Car
- Begin by trying to adjust your dog to car travel by taking brief trips, beginning with idle time in the driveway.
- Your dog won’t get car sick if you take it on an empty stomach. Just make sure he or she always has a full water bottle.
- Let some fresh air into the car at all times. Make sure the dog’s crate has adequate ventilation if you plan on leaving it outside.
- To ensure your dog’s safety, think about getting a dog seat belt or dog car seat.
- Never put your dog in danger by allowing him to ride with his head out the window. E yes may well be hurt.
- Never take your pet dog in the open back of a pickup truck. This is a highly risky activity that can easily result in serious harm or even death.
- Make frequent pit stops to stretch and use the restroom. If you have a dog, it is your responsibility to pick up after it.
- Train your kids not to bother the dog on long car rides by playing with it or making it feel uncomfortable.
- It is extremely dangerous to leave a dog in a closed vehicle, especially in the heat of summer. Pick someone to stay with the dog in the car if you have to leave.
Travelling by Train or Bus
The train and bus services may leave you disappointed in the US. Their is a e $25 fee, and only dogs under 20 pounds are allowed on Amtrak trains. Buses operated by Greyhound and other interstate bus companies have a strict no-dogs policy. Dogs are allowed if they are working service animals. Most bus and train systems have their own regulations.
In the UK dogs are allowed on trains and buses so long as they are on a leash!
Taking a cruise could be the best option for you. Before booking a cruise with the expectation of bringing Fido along, you should research the pet policies of the cruise line and the ship you intend to sail with.
Accommodation
- It’s a good idea to research in advance which hotels in your destination or along your route accept dogs. Frequently, they don’t, or there are size constraints.
- Be courteous to other visitors, the hotel staff, and the property if your dog is permitted to stay there.
- Make sure your dog stays as quiet as possible.
- Keep an eye on the dog at all times. If dogs are left alone in an unfamiliar environment, they may become destructive or bark excessively.
- If you want to take your dog for a walk but don’t know where, make sure to ask the management where he’s allowed to go. Don’t make a mess when you’re done.
- Please keep in mind that if the hotel has a bad experience with a dog guest, they may decide to stop allowing any dogs. Leave the room and the grounds in the same condition as you found them out of courtesy to the next guests.
- Vacation home puppy proofing (or room). Make sure your dog’s temporary residence is secure before letting him run free there. Make sure there are no loose wires lying around and nothing hazardous under any furniture that your dog could ingest.
Best Practices For Travelling With Your Dog
- Take breaks as needed to use the doggy restroom. Teach your dog to urinate on hard surfaces other than grass before you leave the house. It will help him feel more comfortable and reduce the risk of accidents by allowing him to use the restroom on hard surfaces like concrete, mulch, and gravel. To help with cleanup, please bring a leash and a few of poop bags.
- Have fun and games with you. To prevent your dog from becoming restless, give him a mix of old and new toys. Including a puzzle toy if you need to keep him interested for long periods of time.
- Bring along some snacks and fluids. In order to prevent your dog from getting sick while you’re away from home, your vet may recommend giving him just bottled water. Also, get him acclimated to eating out of the collapsible bowls you’ve purchased a week or two before you go instead of his usual, bulkier ones.
Pack The Essentials
- Dog food and water
- Collapsible bowls
- Toys
- A bed
- Flea and tick medicine
- Medical records and travel documents
Final Thoughts
Just try to relax; after all, you are on holiday. When the owner is relaxed, the pet is more likely to be relaxed as well. If you’re feeling anxious and tense, your dog may be picking up on that and reacting in kind. Keep in mind that your dog may prefer to stay at home with a dog sitter rather than go on a trip.
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