How To Travel With A Dog
A holiday road trip in the car can be fun for the whole family including your pets but have you thought about how to secure your pet when travelling? While Travelling With dogs, by ensuring your furry friend is safe and secure you will help make the trip safer and more comfortable for everyone in the car.
These days there are several ways in which you can make sure that your pet is restrained while travelling, such as a pet crate or by using a car harness.
Pet crates are great for smaller dogs and those who may be a little nervous about being in the car. It is best to get your pet used to their crate before heading off on a long trip so have the crate out for them to explore for at least a week before you depart.
Encourage your pet to get into the crate on their own accord by using tasty treats and lots of praise. Gradually increase the time that your pet spends inside the crate, always making sure the crate is a fun experience.
Travelling With Dogs
Car harnesses like the online firms are another option for securing dogs when travelling in the backseat of the car. A correctly fitted harness will ensure that your dog cannot move around the car and distract the driver.
Many dogs tolerate wearing a harness quite well, however for a stress-less car trip your dog should be use to wearing a harness before you put them in the car.
Other travel tips for a happy holiday road trip with your pet include:
- Make lots of stops along the way to let your dog stretch their legs, get some fresh air, a drink and to relieve themselves. Always ensure your dog on a lead when out of the car and don’t forget to pack the necessary supplies to clean up after them.
- Just like children dogs can get bored in the car so pack some dog toys to keep your friend entertained.
- Never leave your dog in a vehicle if you are making a stop. Temperatures in cars can rise extremely quickly and cause heat stress, dehydration or even death.
- Some dogs suffer from motion sickness and this can be caused by a several reasons. The most common is anxiety from being in the car which is why it is important to always make car trips fun and get your pet used to being in the car before you set off.
- The second reason for motion sickness is the movement of the car – you can help your pet cope with this by refraining from feeding them for a couple of hours prior to travel as well as taking some short trips in the car to get them used to the movement.
Many people believe that traveling with dogs is extremely difficult, if not impossible. Most people assume they will need to spend a lot of money to pay for dog-sitters to look after their dogs while they travel.
However, it was easy to find out that you can bring your furry friends along on many travel adventures if you do some research and are prepared.
The 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey shows that 68% of US households have a pet. This is a 56% increase on 1988’s figure of 89 million dogs.
This is an increase of 19% from a decade ago, when only 37% of pet owners travel with their pets each year.
According to the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association, over four million animals are transported by planes each year.
This has required the travel industry to adapt to meet this increasing demand. Today, it is much easier to travel with your dog than ever.
I am passionate about both dogs and traveling, so I want to share my experiences with this new trend.
Things To Know While Travel with Your Dog
1. It’s not a must
The number of people traveling with animals is increasing every year. It’s taken establishments a while to catch up. Many places don’t have any dog policies or haven’t fully fleshed them out yet.
There have been many stories about hotels and restaurants that claim to be dog-friendly on their websites or social media. It happens.
Always ask questions if you are unsure. Do not assume that dogs or cats are allowed. While it is great to check for “No Pets Allowed” signs or “Pet Friendly”, it is always a good idea to double-check.
It’s possible to save a lot of time, frustration, confusion and time by simply sending an email or calling. For example, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that dogs are allowed in most shopping centers in Rio de Janeiro. Who would have thought?
2. Make copies of documents relating to pets
You will need to have your dog’s medical records in order to travel internationally or cross borders. This is similar to passports and humans. These records are required to show that your dog has been vaccinated and is healthy. They are required to be seen by officials.
Depending on the person you deal with, they may keep or make copies. You can also provide your pet’s medical history to a foreign vet if necessary.
Multiple copies of the medical and vet records for my dogs are important to me. I keep both a digital copy on my phone as well as printed copies in my bag.
3. Dog-friendly apps are available
Many apps are available that will help you travel with your dog. It’s much easier than traveling the world without an iPhone. These are my favorites:
- All Trails This site has the most trail maps (over 50.000). You can browse photos and reviews and filter your search to find dog-friendly trails so that you know which hikes are best for your dog.
- Bring Fido The Yelp for the dog world. You can find nearby attractions, hotels, and restaurants that allow pets with Bring Fido.
- First Aid for Pets by American Red Cross This app will help you find the closest emergency animal hospital and provide step-by-step instructions to handle common pet emergencies.
4. Skip hotel fees
Additional fees may be charged by hotels to accommodate pets. These fees can be as low as $50-$250 per pet, or as high at $10-$50 per day.
These additional costs can add up and increase the cost of your trip, as well as putting pressure on your finances. A $50/night pet fee is added to a hotel booking for a week. That’s $350 extra!
There are hotels that will allow your pet to stay at their property without charging extra. These hotels are worth considering when booking your next vacation. These are my favorite pet-friendly hotels that don’t charge extra for pets:
- Kimpton Kimpton Hotels are very pet-friendly with no deposits or fees. There is no weight or size limit and there are no restrictions on how many pets you can bring.
- Red Roof Inn – This luxury economy chain has more than 580 locations across the US and additional locations in Brazil, Japan and Japan. All family pets over 80 pounds are allowed. or less.
- Motel6 Motel 6 hotels in the USA are an excellent choice for travelers on road trips. They have over 1,400 locations throughout the country. All pets are welcome, but only two pets are allowed per room.
Are you having trouble finding a hotel that is good in your area? Airbnb.com is a great option. You can search for pet-friendly properties with an easy search function. When traveling internationally, we often use Airbnb.
Tip: Ask these questions before you book with any hotel to make sure that you have a pleasant stay.
5. Take a pet carrier
There are many choices when it comes to pet carriers. The k9 Sport Sack is a backpack for dogs up to 40 pounds that I love. Use the promo code BOOGIE to get 10% off
You can personalize it with patches and comes in multiple colors. The Roodie is a pet carrier hoodie that can hold dogs up to 15 lbs.
6. Respect the people you meet
Be honest with others, no matter where you take your dog. While some people are devoted to animals, others may be afraid of small puppies. Be kind and understand your dog’s limitations.
Keep in mind that humans’ relationships with dogs can vary greatly between cultures. In Guatemala we saw more street dogs then pets.
Many people were surprised to discover that dogs can travel on planes. They are even more shocked to find out that they sleep in our beds. Be aware of the cultural differences and be sensitive to human-canine boundaries.
Also, be clear with anyone who approaches your pet if they are not friendly with other dogs or humans.
It is not your intention to put yourself in a position that could have been avoided if you had given a warning. Dogs are animals, and their owners are responsible for them.
7. Triple-check airline pet policies
We always check the airline’s pet policies before we fly, especially internationally. The rules and policies are constantly changing.
It is important to confirm that your dog and you are allowed on the flight. When I bring my dogs on a flight, I check the airline website, call them, and send them an email confirmation.
There are a few things that can affect the cost of flying with your pet. These depend on the airline and the country where you are traveling. They also depend on the size and breed your pet.
You also have the option to fly in cabin, cargo or in baggage. (Want to learn the differences between these three options?
American Airlines, Delta Airlines and Air France are some of my favourite dog-friendly airlines.
8. Countries differ
There are many countries that have different rules for allowing your puppy to cross borders. Some countries only require paperwork and a rabies vaccination, while others require quarantine and fees. You can also find a list of prohibited breeds that some countries will not allow to enter.
Islands, such as Australia, Japan, Fiji and Iceland, are the most difficult countries to enter. If your dog has an EU passport, countries in the European Union are easiest. .
To ensure you meet all requirements, it is important to thoroughly research the destination country rules.
9. Dog friends are important
Dogs are social animals, as I mentioned earlier. Befriend other dogs when you go for walks or spend time at the park. You’ll be able to learn about their favourite places, best dog-friendly restaurants, and trusted vets from them.
Dog owners are the best resource for their dogs. These are the top ways to find local dog communities online and in person:
- Take your dog for a stroll. Talk to other dog owners and stop to smell a few butts. Talking to local dog owners can give you the inside scoop on the area and the best places to take your dog.
- Instagram– Dogs all over the world have their own Instagram accounts. You can search hashtags like #dogsof to find your location. There are many dogs around the globe. Send a message to local dogs asking for tips.
- Dog parks are great places to socialize and exercise. They are common in major cities. Ask local dog owners and people online for information about places your dog can play in unofficial dog parks.
- Search for an online community. There are many groups that can be found on the internet based on factors such as breed, activity level, location, size of dog, and even physical appearance. I suggest searching Meetup.com and Facebook. There are many online communities that offer meetups and social gatherings for you and your dog. These communities are also great places to ask questions.
- Visit a pet shop. Local pet shops can be great sources of information. Flyers are often posted at pet shops to advertise local services for dogs or other information for you and your four-legged friend.
10. Take the essentials
You don’t want to pack your dog, but there are some things you need. You will need ID tags, leashes, harnesses, and poop bags. In case your dog doesn’t have a pet shop nearby, make sure you bring all the necessities. These are some of the things you should know.
This checklist contains all the things you may need. This checklist includes:
- Water and dog food
- Collapsible bowls
- Toys
- A bed
- Flea and tick medicine
- Documents for travel and medical records
Make sure your dog has a microchip and is up-to-date on all standard vaccinations.
11. Teach your dog manners
It’s a good idea to teach your dog a few basic commands before you take off. It will be easier to manage a dog while on the road by learning basic commands like “sit” or “stay.” You can leave a well-trained dog in a hotel or rental room to rest while you enjoy a meal or visit a museum.
People will be more inclined to say yes to your requests if you have a well-behaved dog. Nobody wants to be around a dog that barks or is rude.
You can work on your dog’s obedience and manners and ensure that they always put their best foot forward.
A certified trainer can help you if you have any questions. You can also find many online resources to ensure your dog is well-trained and ready for the world. The AllThingsPups training tips are highly recommended. They have a YouTube channel and Instagram account.
12. Say “Hello!”
A dog is a great way to put a smile on someone’s face. Your dog should be polite to all people who come across him. It’s important to show kindness and compassion to your dog.
A friendly exchange with an airline employee who loves dogs led to my dog and I getting a row all to ourselves on a recent flight. You are always welcome to have extra legroom or more seat space!
A smile, some friendly banter and my friendly dogs have allowed me to get free treats and many useful tips.
My travels with my dog are more interesting and localized. They force me to see parts of my destination I wouldn’t have seen if I was not with them.
My dogs have helped me to meet more people and see more places. They also help me live in the moment and cherish it. A dog is the best way to experience a new area.
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”How do you Travel Long Distance with a Dog?” answer-0=”The safest approach for your pet to travel is in a carrier that has been strapped to the settle with a seatbelt or other anchor. Make certain the carrier is huge sufficient for your dog to stand up, revolve around, and lie down. You can also utilize a pet seatbelt, but these have not been established to keep animals during a car crash.” image-0=”” headline-1=”h3″ question-1=”Can I Bring my Dog to Travel with Me?” answer-1=”You are salutation to carry your cat or tiny dog in the cabin with you provided it is petite enough to stand, turn around and lie down in its carrier beneath the seat in front of you.” image-1=”” headline-2=”h3″ question-2=”Is it Stressful to Travel with Dogs?” answer-2=”They may salivate, become twitchy, whine, howl, bark and pace, seek your awareness or physical contact which can be hazardous if you are the driver and may even vomit, urinate or pass stools. Likewise, plane travel can be enormously stressful for a few dogs.” image-2=”” headline-3=”h3″ question-3=”How do you Travel with a Dog on a Plane?” answer-3=”The pet must be correctly carried in soft ventilated bags/kennel in the prescribed size (kennel size not to exceed 18” x 18” x 12”). The weight of the pet including the container should not exceed 5 kgs. for carriage in the cabin. Pets of larger size / weight will be carried in the cargo hold.” image-3=”” headline-4=”h3″ question-4=”Which Airline is the Most Pet Friendly?” answer-4=”Most pet-friendly U.S. airlines • American Airlines: Best for West Coast travel. • United Airlines: Best for East Coast travel. • Delta Airlines: Best for small pets. • Southwest Airlines: Best for cheap pet fees. • JetBlue: Best for pet amenities. • Allegiant Air: Best for pet check-in process. ” image-4=”” headline-5=”h3″ question-5=”Should I get a Dog if I want to Travel?” answer-5=”If you have to travel for work but desire to obtain a dog, it is surely promising. The key is balance and planning. As long as you can come up with a logical, well thought-out deal to balance your dog’s usual practice with your hectic schedule, you will take pleasure in the camaraderie when you in-town, and so will he!” image-5=”” headline-6=”h3″ question-6=”Is Traveling with a Dog Hard?” answer-6=”Traveling can be stressful, but a peaceful owner frequently has a calm pet. Our animals pick up on our anxiety, so if you’re nervous and uptight, your dog may illustrate stress and anxiety, too. Don’t forget that various dogs don’t get pleasure from traveling, and your dog may rather to stay home with a dog sitter.” image-6=”” headline-7=”h3″ question-7=”Is it Safe to Fly your Dog in Cargo?” answer-7=”Unquestionably, cargo is the further hazardous decision for pet travel. The safest system for some animal to fly is in the cabin as carry-on luggage, provided that’s a choice. But only animals tiny sufficient to fit underneath the seat are allowed: A cat, a rabbit, or a Maltese is fine; a full-grown Labrador isn’t.” image-7=”” count=”8″ html=”true” css_class=””]