Dogs are our family members and best friends. Leaving them with strangers when you leave for a vacation is not fare.

Taking your dog along can make the family vacation more fun, if you prepare for it accordingly. In case you are relocating, you don't have a choice really. Here are some tips to make traveling with your dog enjoyable.

Health and Safety

Bring your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup before going on an extended trip. Make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date. Take health records with you (required for airline travel and can be asked in hotels). Take cell phone number of your veterinarian in case somebody needs to contact them. Do not use sedatives and medications unless directed by a veterinarian. Be prepared for an emergency - find the number of the nearest 24-hour veterinary emergency hospital at your destination.

Your dog should have a sturdy leash and collar. The collar should have identification tags with:

• The dog's name
• Proof of rabies shots
• Your name
• Your address
• Your phone number

Consider a permanent form of identification, such as a microchip. It is a requirement for some countries.

Pro Tip: Bring a recent picture of your dog along with you, just in case.

Selecting a Crate

A crate is an excellent way to keep your dog safe in the car and is required for airline travel. Some hotels also require crate or carrier. Crates are available in most pet stores. If you travel for just few days and don't want to buy a crate, you can rent it.

You want your crate to be:

• Large enough to allow the dog to stand, turn, and lie down
• Strong, with handles and grips, and free of interior protrusions (anything that can hurt your dog)
• With leak-proof bottom
• With ventilation on opposing sides, with exterior rims or knobs to prevent blocked airflow
• With comfortable (easy to use) and safe door
• With an option to safely attach water bottle

Pro Tip: Let your dog get used to the crate while at home.

Traveling by a Car

DOs:

• Take plenty of water with you. Also think about how your dog will drink it
• Package and bring with you a supply of his regular food, at least for some time (before you find such food in a new place)
• Get your dog used to the car by letting him sit in it with you without leaving the driveway
• Keep the car well ventilated. If your dog travels in a crate, make sure that fresh air flows into the crate
• Plan bathroom breaks. Stop frequently for exercise and potty breaks

DON'Ts:

• Do not feed your dog that morning (plus, take away water bowl two hours before departure)
• Do not let your dog ride with his head sticking out of an open window as this can lead to eye injuries
• Do not let your dog ride in the back of an open truck. It is extremely dangerous
• Do not (never, ever) leave your dog alone in a closed vehicle, particularly in the summer

Pro Tip: Take to the trip your dog's favorite toys to keep him busy.

Flying with a dog

Federal regulations require pets to be at least eight weeks old to fly.

The breed and/or physiognomy of your dog can also play a role. In particular, short-nosed breeds (pugs, Boston terriers, boxers, mastiffs, Pekingese, bulldogs, etc.) are not allowed by many airlines because flighing can be fatal for them and it's too much risk for the airlines.

You will need (consider those as prerequisites):

• A crate or carrier marked with "Live Animal" label and owner's information: name, address, and phone number.
  Remember that each airline has its own variations on regulations and services. Check their website and/or call them to know what to expect.
  Make sure your carrier/crate is "airline approved"
• Health certifications. They must be provided to the airline no more than 10 days before travel.
  Rabies and vaccination certificates are also required.
• A reservation on a plane. Call your air company (you will need to provide the flight number and details of your ticket).
  There are restrictions on the number of animals permitted on each flight. They are accepted on a first-come, first-serverd basis.
  Expect to pay a fee to fly with your dog.

Pro Tip: If crossing a border, do some research about your destination country and their requirements. For instance, pets traveling to Hawaii are subject to quarantine because it's the only rabies-free state.

 

Here are our advices for the flight itself:

• If at all possible, choose a direct flight without any stops
• Consider the weather.
  In winter, fly during the day to ensure the warmest possible temperatures for your dog in the cargo hold.
  In summer, fly early or late to avoid the midday heat
• Get to the airport early enough to take care of your dog without creating a lot of time pressure
• The choice to take your dog in the cabin with you versus traveling in the cargo hold will often be decided for you by the size of the animal and the airline's policy. In general, carrying your pet into the cabin with you is safer than putting it into the cargo hold
• Make sure your dog has toys and water (in a bottle attached to the crate's door).
  Pack extra blankets to keep him warm and comfortable during the flight
• If you have a layover, look for a "pet relief" areas/stations
• Upon arrival, find a place to get your dog outside. Do it immediately. Seriously, you will thank us later
• Speaking of arranging for a ride, make sure your car rental company or taxi allows dogs.
  Both Lyft and Uber leave such decision to the individual driver

Pro Tip: Put one of your used t-shirts into a carrier/crate. The familiar smell will keep your pup at ease.

Lodging with a dog

Find in advance dog-friendly hotels (or houses) at your destination and on your route. Even if a hotel allows dogs in general, you need to double-check additional restrictions (e.g. size, breed, quantity).

Expect to pay an extra fee for the dog; usually per stay, but sometimes per night.

If your dog is allowed to stay at a hotel:

• Keep your dog as quiet as possible. Many dogs will bark if left alone in a strange place
• Do not leave the dog unattended for long period of time
• Respect other guests (there could be people who are afraid of big dogs, for instance)
• Ask the management where you should walk your dog
• Before you let your dog have free run of his temporary home, make sure it is safe for your dog to explore: move electrical cords out of reach, make sure previous occupants didn't leave anything on the floor that could be potentially harmful to your dog

Pro Tip: If you have time, consider teaching your dog to relieve himself on different surfaces: concrete, mulch, gravel, artificial grass, other. Such ability might be very handy when you travel - finding a real grass can be challenging sometimes in airports and other places.

 

We wish the best to you and your dog. Stay smart.

 

2019-12-10, Umka.Dog