Traveling With Your Dog

Traveling with your dog can be fun or frightening.

If you're like most dog-lovers, the first thing you think of when planning a trip or vacation is "what about my dog?" Bringing your dog along can be lots of fun. But poor planning could leave both of you homesick in a hurry. Read on to learn some basic rules of the road.

Dogs on the Go

If you've decided to take your dog along on a trip with you, start by making sure your best friend has proper identification in case he should stray or get lost. This means either a good collar with the appropriate license and ID tags, a microchip, or both. Bring along a current photo of your dog in case you need to create a lost poster. It never hurts to bone up on basic obedience and leash manners before you leave, both for your dog's safety and to save your sanity.

Your next step should be to schedule a visit to the veterinarian. This will ensure that your dog is in good enough health to travel and is current on all necessary vaccinations. Be sure to stock up on heartworm preventative, flea and tick control, and any other prescriptions your pet needs while you're away. This is a good time to get an up-to-date copy of your dog's health records to take along on your trip. These will be required should your pet become ill and have to visit a veterinarian while away from home. Health records are also mandatory should you find that you must board your pet for some unexpected reason during your travels.

Next, it's time to decide how you and your dog are going to get to your destination.

Traveling with Your Dog by Air

Air travel has become more complex and stressful over the past decade and not just for humans. Plan well ahead and be prepared to do a good deal of research and comparison shopping before you book the flight. Rules, restrictions, and fees can vary dramatically depending on the air carrier, your destination, and the time of year.

There are two basic options for the canine passenger: cabin or cargo. Small dogs weighing fifteen pounds or less can usually ride in the cabin. However, the carrier, with your dog inside, must fit under the seat in front of you, and he must stay inside for the duration of the trip. Onboard spots for pets are subject to limited availability, so you'll want to confirm that there's room for your dog on the flight before you commit.

Dogs that fail to meet the weight requirement must be checked along with baggage into the pressurized cargo hold. Restrictions apply here too, and many airlines will not accept dogs whose combined weight with the carrier or crate exceeds 100 pounds. Some airlines do not allow pets in cargo at all.

Here are some questions to consider before you book the flight:

There are good and bad ways for dogs to ride in cars.

Traveling with Your Dog by Car

Let's face it: going by car can be a lot less stressful and a good deal cheaper than flying for all concerned. Most dogs are used to traveling in cars and may even associate it with fun experiences, like trips to the park. To ensure your dog's safety while riding, consider purchasing an appropriately-sized doggie seatbelt or restraint harness. For everyone's safety, dogs should be confined in the back seat or rear compartment of the vehicle. This reduces the risk that your dog will distract you while you are driving, or worse, be injured if the vehicle stops short or is involved in an accident.

When you and your dog head out on the highway, plan to make regular stops. Take a break at least once every three hours so your dog can relieve himself, stretch his legs, and get a drink of water. Keep meals and snacks small while en route to prevent motion sickness. Always keep your pet on a leash in unfamiliar surroundings. Never leave your dog alone in the car, even in the shade, even for a short time. Unattended cars can dangerously overheat surprisingly quickly.

Don't forget to pack the necessities (see box), including your dog's own food, treats, and possibly water from home as a safeguard against tummy troubles. If you'll be on the road for a while, check out Dogfriendly.com for restaurants, activities, and lodging that allow dogs.

If it's a big move you're making, consider leaving it to the professionals, such as PetMovers.com.

Since emergencies can happen, even away from home, don't forget to take a dog first aid kit such as this one.

Travel Checklist for the Well-Prepared Dog

Collar and ID tags

Leash

Snacks

Food

Bottled water and a canteen

Bowls

Favorite toys

Favorite bedding

Outerwear, if needed

plastic bags for clean-up

First aid kit

There's No Place like Home

If a "stay-cation" is more up your dog's alley, there are three main options: boarding, in-home care, or entrusting your dog to family and friends. Your veterinarian knows your dog's health and temperament and may be able to assist you with recommendations. Following are some online resources for finding suitable professional care for your canine while you're away:

National Association of Professional Pet Sitters

Petsitters International

Taking the Edge Off

Travel can be a big stress for your dog. Here are some common considerations:

With your best friend now safe and comfortable, prepare to sit back and enjoy the ride.


You May Also Like These Articles:

Car Sickness in Dogs

Dog Safety on the Fourth of July

Bubonic Plague: The Role of Dogs in the Spread of Plague

Fireworks Fear in Dogs

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Teaching Your Dog to Come

How to Cope with Canine Anxiety and Fear by Using Adaptil(TM) (Formerly called D.A.P)

Crate Training


Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. If you require any veterinary related advice, contact your veterinarian promptly. Information at DogHealth.com is exclusively of a general reference nature. Do not disregard veterinary advice or delay treatment as a result of accessing information at this site. Just Answer is an external service not affiliated with DogHealth.com.