Traveling with your dog can be a rewarding experience but requires good preparation. Between pet-sitting and pet-friendly hotels, the experience of traveling with a canine companion is a clever mix of logistics and adventure. Here’s everything you need to know to make your travels with your dog as smooth as possible.
Preparing Your Dog for Travel
Check travel requirements
- Find out about travel requirements for pets in your destination country. Some countries impose harsh penalties if your dog does not meet requirements including vaccinations and documentation.
Plan short getaways before the big trip
- Before leaving for your destination, get your dog used to traveling in car or by plane starting with short distances.
Training your dog to behave well in his carrier or crate
- If your dog must travel by plane, make sure he is used to his crate and does not feel stressed there. Dogs who are not comfortable in their carrier may have a bad time during their flight.
Traveling by plane with a dog
Choosing the right airline and plane
- Look for airlines that offer safe and comfortable services for pets. Some airlines have specific programs for animals, including pet-only flights.
Plan a visit to the veterinarian before your flight
- Most airlines require a health certificate from just a few days before the flight. Schedule a visit to the vet to get these papers in time.
Flight day details
- On the day of the flight, make sure your dog has enough exercise physics before to leave. Don’t feed him before the flight, but make sure he stays well hydrated.
Traveling by car with your dog
Safety first
- The best way to travel with your dog in a car is in a crate, carrier, or using a pet safety gate. These measures guarantee the safety of your dog, but also yours in the event of an accident.
Take regular breaks
- For long journeys, plan breaks every two hours so that your dog can stretch his legs, relieve himself and quench his thirst.
Pay attention to the temperature
- Even with the windows ajar, the temperature inside a car can rise quickly. Avoid leaving your dog alone in the car, especially in hot weather.
Staying with your dog
Find Pet-Friendly Hotels
- Many hotels and vacation rentals allow pets, but usually for an additional fee. Do your research in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises upon arrival.
Respect hotel rules
- Once you arrive at your hotel, follow the rules establishing areas where pets are and are not allowed, as well as the behavior expected of your dog.
The hotel surroundings
- Ask about walks available near the property. Be sure to clean up after your dog during walks.
Visit tourist places
Plan your visits
- If you plan to visit tourist places, check in advance whether they allow pets and what rules they must follow.
Keep your dog on a leash
- For your dog’s safety, keep him on a leash in public and tourist places, where there may be a lot of people and stimulation that could make him anxious.
To pay attention
- Keep an eye on your dog during visits. Most dogs’ curiosity can lead them to explore more than they should.
Traveling with a dog on public transport
Rules and regulations
- Find out about the rules and regulations regarding animals on the public transportation you plan to use.
Local public transport
- Rules may vary by city. So you may be allowed to travel with your dog on the subway in one city, while it may be prohibited in another.
Travel by train or bus
- Some trains and buses offer dedicated spaces or timetable restrictions for animals. Be sure to verify this information in advance.
Health and well-being of your dog while traveling
Medicines and veterinary emergency number
- Make sure you have enough medication for your dog, as well as the emergency number of a veterinarian in the country you are visiting.
Food
- Bring enough of your dog’s usual food to avoid intestinal discomfort.
Hydration
- Make sure your dog drinks enough, especially in hot weather or when traveling on a plane where the air is dry.
Useful tools for traveling with a dog
Essential items
- Certain objects such as a poop bag, a bottle and a collapsible bowl, a blanket comfort or a favorite toy can make the trip more pleasant for your dog.
GPS and identification
- It is recommended to have a GPS tracking system or an up-to-date identification tag on your dog’s collar, in case of escape or loss.
Canine first aid
- Having a first aid kit for animals can be very useful in case of a minor injury during the trip.
Traveling with a dog on a cruise or ferry
Shipping companies and rules for animals
- Find out which shipping companies allow pets on board and what their policies are.
Comfort on the boat
- Make sure your dog is used to the boat. You can get him used to it by taking him on short crossings before the big one. journey.
Your dog’s needs on the boat
- Bring enough supplies for your dog and make sure he can relieve himself in the designated area.
Back at home
Resume the normal rhythm of life
- Your dog may be disoriented after traveling. Return to your normal lifestyle as quickly as possible so that he feels safe.
Visit to the vet
- If the trip lasted long enough, a visit to the vet upon your return might be a good idea to check that everything is okay.
Rest and readjustment
- Your dog may need more rest than usual. Provide him with a calm environment so he can rest.
Traveling with your dog can be an exciting adventure, both for you and your four-legged friend. By taking the appropriate steps to properly prepare your dog for travel, select the right modes of transportation and accommodation, and ensure their well-being during the trip, you make sure you have a travel experience pleasant and memorable.
