Traveling with your dog may seem daunting but it doesn’t have to be. Whether your pup is laid-back or high-strung, you can travel with as little stress as possible. We’ve rounded up some of the best tips for traveling with your pup. Pre-Trip Tips One of the most important aspects of traveling with your dog is making sure they are healthy. Bring them to their veterinarian for a check-up prior to your trip and make sure all their vaccinations are up to date. Also, be sure to bring their medical records with you as well as any health certificates. And, make sure you bring enough of their normal food as well as some bottled water to ensure they stay healthy during your trip. Pack some of their favorite toys and blanket, too, to make them feel more at home when you arrive at your destination. If you’re traveling by air, you’ll need an airplane-approved crate. Most airline websites will have the requirements listed but typically your pup needs to be under a specific weight to fly under the seat. Otherwise, you will have to purchase an additional seat for your dog. By Car If you’re traveling by car, you have a bit more freedom when it comes to crates. Depending on the size of on your dog and car, you can purchase or bring along a hardwired crate or a carrying crate. Crates are also great for staying at guests houses as they help keep your pup out of trouble if you have to leave them alone for a bit. While some dogs are perfectly fine during car rides, others are not. If your pup isn’t used to the car or is particularly anxious, try teaching them the car is okay by sitting in it without leaving the driveway. Then, build up to short rides around the neighborhood. To avoid car sickness, try having them travel on an empty stomach. But, always make sure they have plenty of water available. And, keep the car well-ventilated. If they are in a crate or carrier, ensure there is enough fresh air. Don’t let your pup ride with their head out the window. They could potentially jump out and get injured. If the car trip is particularly long, make sure to frequently stop for bathroom and exercise breaks. Car rides are not exciting for anyone, so ensuring they receive enough exercise both before-hand and during the trip will make the trip more pleasant. Never leave your dog unattended in a car – especially in the summer. Car temperatures rise quickly and dogs can suffer from dehydration and heat exhaustion in a matter of minutes. By Plane When traveling by plane, make sure to check the airlines website for their specific rules regarding dog travel. Make arrangements well in advance to avoid any last-minute problems. Dogs aren’t typically allowed outside their carriers during the plane ride. So, thoroughly exercise your dog the night before or day of, depending on your flight time. Have water handy in case they get thirsty and even some treats. If your dog is particularly anxious on a flight, try working with your veterinarian to come up with a solution. When You Arrive When you finally arrive at your destination, try to acclimate your dog to their surroundings as quickly as possible. Go for a walk around the neighborhood so your dog isn’t anxious or nervous in the new area. A great way to sight-see without overexerting your dog is to bring a pet stroller with you. You’ll be able to see all the sights without worrying about your dog getting tired or running a squirrel. With the right preparation, traveling with your pup will be stress-free and most of all – fun!
