Traveling with your dog can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it requires extra planning and effort to ensure your dog’s comfort, safety, and well-being. Whether you’re driving cross-country or taking a flight, following these comprehensive guidelines will help make the journey stress-free for both you and your furry friend.
Tips For Travelling With A Dog Long Distance
Planning Ahead
- Health Check-Up:
- Before any long trip, it’s essential to schedule a visit to the vet. The vet can assess your dog’s overall health and check for any conditions that may be aggravated by travel, such as arthritis, heart problems, or motion sickness.
- Make sure all vaccinations, including rabies, are up to date. For international travel, some countries may require specific vaccinations or treatments, such as for tapeworm or ticks.
- Request a health certificate from your vet, which may be required by airlines or for crossing state or international borders. This certificate usually needs to be issued within 10 days of travel.
- Microchip and ID Tags:
- If your dog isn’t already microchipped, consider getting one. Microchips are a permanent form of identification, and if your dog gets lost during travel, this can significantly increase the chances of being reunited.
- Ensure your dog wears a collar with an up-to-date ID tag that includes your phone number, and ideally a secondary contact. It’s also a good idea to add a temporary travel tag with your destination address or contact information for the trip.
- Travel Gear:
- Crates or Carriers: A crate is one of the safest ways for a dog to travel, whether in a car or on a plane. It should be large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Crates can also serve as your dog’s “safe space” in unfamiliar environments.
- Leash and Harness: Always have a sturdy leash and harness handy. A harness is preferable to a collar when traveling, as it provides more control and is less likely to slip off.
- Bowls and Water Bottles: Collapsible travel bowls are convenient, and carrying a portable water bottle ensures that your dog stays hydrated during breaks or layovers.
- Blankets and Toys: Bring along familiar items like your dog’s favourite blanket or toy to help them feel secure and at ease during travel.
Road Trips With Dogs
- Car Safety:
- Just like humans, dogs should be properly restrained while in a vehicle for their safety and yours. A sudden stop or accident could seriously injure an unrestrained dog. A crate or a dog seat belt harness will keep them safe.
- The crate should be secured so that it doesn’t shift during sudden stops, and a harness should attach to the car’s seat belt system.
- Avoid letting your dog stick its head out the window, as this can lead to eye injuries from debris or even ear infections due to wind exposure. Some states and countries also have laws against it.
- Frequent Breaks:
- Dogs need regular breaks to relieve themselves, stretch their legs, and burn off excess energy. Plan to stop every 2-3 hours, but be flexible and stop sooner if your dog shows signs of restlessness.
- Use these breaks to offer fresh water and check your dog’s overall comfort. Make sure your dog is always on a leash during these stops to avoid accidents or escape attempts in unfamiliar places.
- Research ahead to find pet-friendly rest stops, parks, or dog-friendly areas where your dog can have a short walk or run to release pent-up energy.
- Temperature Control:
- It’s dangerous to leave your dog unattended in a car, especially during warm weather. Even with windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can quickly become lethal.
- If traveling during colder months, ensure the car stays warm enough for your dog, especially if they are a breed sensitive to the cold.
- Always carry extra water to keep your dog hydrated and consider bringing cooling pads if you’re traveling in a warm climate.
- Comfort Stops:
- Bring along familiar items from home such as their favourite bed or blanket to provide a sense of familiarity and comfort during the trip.
- Pack enough food for the entire trip and stick to your dog’s regular feeding schedule to avoid digestive issues. If you are unsure of where you’ll get food at your destination, pack extra portions or familiar brands.
Air Travel With Dogs
- Airline Regulations:
- Every airline has different policies regarding pet travel. Some allow pets to travel in the cabin, while others only allow pets to be transported in the cargo hold. Size and weight restrictions typically apply for in-cabin travel, so small dogs may be able to ride under your seat in an approved carrier.
- Contact the airline well in advance of your travel to confirm their specific requirements and to reserve a spot for your dog, as most airlines limit the number of pets on each flight.
- Many airlines require a health certificate from a vet, issued within a certain time frame before travel. Some international destinations have strict quarantine and vaccination requirements, so research in advance.
- Pet Carrier:
- The carrier should be well-ventilated and large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Ensure it complies with the airline’s size requirements for under-seat storage if your dog is flying in the cabin.
- If your dog is flying in the cargo hold, use a sturdy, hard-sided crate that meets airline regulations, and ensure it is properly labelled with your contact information and destination details.
- Health Documentation:
- Bring along your dog’s health certificate, vaccination records, and any other documents required by the airline or country you are visiting. Some countries require rabies vaccinations, proof of treatments for parasites, or blood tests to be done in advance.
- Keep copies of your dog’s medical history in case of emergencies, and ensure they are easily accessible during travel.
- Pre-flight Preparation:
- Avoid feeding your dog a heavy meal within a few hours of the flight to reduce the risk of nausea or motion sickness. Offer small amounts of water throughout the day to keep them hydrated.
- Before heading to the airport, take your dog for a long walk or play session to tire them out and reduce anxiety during the flight. Provide a chance for them to relieve themselves before check-in.
- For anxious dogs, consult your vet about natural calming aids, such as pheromone sprays or anti-anxiety wraps. Avoid giving sedatives, as they can interfere with a dog’s ability to regulate their body temperature and handle altitude changes.
General Tips for All Travel With Dogs
- Exercise Before Travel:
- A tired dog is a calmer traveller. Exercise your dog thoroughly before embarking on a long journey. This could include a long walk, a game of fetch, or a visit to the dog park. The physical activity will help them rest during the trip, especially on a plane or long car ride.
- Avoid overly intense activity if your dog is prone to heat stress, especially before flying.
- Routine and Familiarity:
- Dogs thrive on routine, and sticking to their usual schedule as much as possible helps reduce travel stress. Maintain regular feeding times, walks, and potty breaks, even while on the road.
- Bring along familiar toys, bedding, or clothing that carries your scent, which can provide comfort in unfamiliar environments.
- Pack Essentials:
- Bring enough of your dog’s regular food to last the entire trip. Sudden changes in diet can lead to digestive upset, so it’s better to have their usual food on hand. Pack an extra portion in case of delays.
- Carry all medications your dog takes, along with a first aid kit that includes bandages, antiseptic, tweezers, and any items specific to your dog’s needs.
- Pack a portable water bowl and fresh water, particularly if you’re traveling to a hot climate where dehydration can be a risk.
- Training and Behaviour:
- Before embarking on a long journey, make sure your dog is trained to respond to basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” These can be lifesaving in unfamiliar or crowded areas.
- If your dog is not accustomed to crates or carriers, start crate training well in advance of the trip to help them feel comfortable and secure. Gradually increase the time they spend inside the crate so they don’t feel anxious during the journey.
- Accommodation:
- Not all hotels, motels, or rental homes are pet-friendly, so always confirm in advance. Websites like BringFido.com can help you locate pet-friendly accommodations.
- Ensure that the accommodation provides safe outdoor spaces for your dog to exercise, and ask about any specific rules regarding pets (such as areas where they are not allowed or if there are extra cleaning fees).
Conclusion
Traveling long distances with a dog requires thoughtful planning, but the joy of exploring new destinations together makes it worth the effort. By prioritising your dog’s health, safety, and comfort, and making necessary preparations for both road trips and air travel, you can ensure that your adventure is a positive experience for both you and your furry friend. Be flexible, patient, and attentive to your dog’s needs, and you’ll create wonderful travel memories together.