Are you Traveling With Your Dog, but aren’t sure about all of the logistics involved with ? While traveling with your dog takes a little extra planning, it’s certainly possible. With the right tips in mind, you’ll soon be exploring a new destination with your pup.
So, what tips do you need to follow? Check out this guide to discover the top tips for traveling with your dog.
1. Bring the Right Crate
Even if your dog hasn’t used a crate in years, you’ll still need to bring one with you when you travel.
For your dog’s comfort and safety, it’s very important that you choose the right crate. Look for these features when selecting a crate:
- Choose a crate that’s big enough so your dog can easily stand, turn around, and lie down
- Choose a crate that’s equipped with handles, grips, and is free of interior protrusions
- Make sure the crate has ventilation with knobs and rims on each side so that air can easily flow in and out
- Place a live animal label on the crate that includes your name, phone number, and address
Also, make sure you stock your dog’s crate with its favorite toys, a comfortable mat, and a water bottle.
If you’re going to be catching a plane, make sure you check the crate size regulation, as different airlines have different rules. You can visit Pet Life to find the right crate for your dog.
2. Make Sure Your Dog Has Proper ID
If your dog gets away from you, you’ll be able to increase the chances of recovering him by making sure he’s properly identified.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Make sure your dog has a strong collar and leash
- Your dog’s collar should have an ID tag with your dog’s name, your home phone number, and proof of rabies shots
- If you’re planning to vacation for more than a few days, consider attaching a second piece of identification to your dog that includes the phone number and location of your hotel
- You may also want to consider a permanent form of identification, such as a microchip
You should also bring a recent photo of your dog with you, as well as a recon copy of his vaccinations and health records.
3. Be Smart When Traveling by Car
While traveling by car may seem like a walk in the park compared to traveling by plane, there are still some things you need to keep in mind. These include:
- Have your dog travel on an empty stomach to avoid car sickness
- Keep your car well-ventilated and make sure your dog’s crate has plenty of airflow
- Don’t enable your dog ride with his head sticking out the window
- If you’re driving a truck, don’t allow your dog to travel in the back
- Stop frequently for potty breaks and exercise
- Let your dog get comfortable with the car by allowing him to sit in it without leaving your home. After a while, you can start to go for short rides leading up to the big day
Also, make sure you never leave your dog unattended in a closed vehicle.
4. Tips for Flying with Your Dog
If you’re planning to travel by plane, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Visit your vet before the trip to make sure your dog is up to date on all necessary vaccinations
- Ask your vet for a certificate of health no more than ten days before flying, as airlines require this
- When booking your flight, keep in mind that you need to make a reservation for your dog
Also, keep in mind that each airline company has its own regulations when it comes to flying with a pet. Therefore, it’s very important to check with the airline about their specific rules before flying. Do not hesitate to check https://www.limofind.com to book ground transport in advance
5. Pack the Right Gear
Just as you need to pack the right clothes to enjoy your vacation, you also need to pack the right gear for your pup, so they can also have a good time.
Here’s what you need to write on your packing list:
Food
There’s a chance you won’t be able to find the same brand of dog food you normally buy, especially if you’re traveling overseas. Therefore, we suggest packing some of your dog’s food with you. This way, they won’t have to adjust to new food and risk getting an upset stomach.
Also, if you’re taking a road trip, remember to pack plenty of water for the ride.
Toys
It’s essential that you pack a few of your dog’s favorite toys for the trip. This way, your dog won’t get bored. We recommend bringing a couple of new toys, as well as a couple of old ones to serve as creature comforts.
Bedding and Clothing
If you’re planning to stay in hotels, you likely won’t have access to dog bedding. So, unless your dog is fine sleeping in a crate or on the floor, we recommend packing some portable form of bedding.
You should also check out Pet Life for some additional dog clothing if it’s going to be cold where you’re going.
Treats and Bones
When traveling, you want to try to keep your dog’s routine as normal as possible. This means packing treats and bones to reward your dog for its good behavior.
6. Check Ahead on Accommodation
Whether you’re staying in a hotel, hostel, Airbnb, campground, or with family and friends, it’s always smart to check ahead and make sure that pets are welcome.
Keep in mind that most places that accommodate pets only do so for a fee, but it’s usually no more than an extra $10 or so per night. If you plan to go camping and hiking with your dog, then we suggest checking out an app like AllTrails. In addition to general trail information, this app lets you know which trails are dog-friendly and which ones aren’t.
Also, it’s important to remember that every place has a different definition of “pet friendly”, so it’s important to ask places beforehand what their rules are. For example, some places won’t allow dogs in over a certain size, while other places may ask you to keep your dog out of common areas.
With these tips, traveling with your dog should be a breeze. Comment below if you have any questions.
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