If you’re organizing a vacation and thinking about whether you can bring your cherished pet along, there are several things to consider before starting out. First you want to think about whether your dog is ready to hit the open road.
Does your dog have a collar with the proper identification on it? Is it microchipped for security and safety reasons?
Does your dog have good behaviour and the basic training necessary to be in new places and in public?
If your dog is prepared for travel, it is time to start planning the trip! And a trip with a dog does require some extra planning. Before setting off be sure you are mindful of any entrance restrictions for pets where you will be travelling through, and staying.
Make sure all accommodations allow pets and have the necessary comforts.
Be prepared in case of an emergency or health issue. Make a list of everything your dog might need on the trip. Now you’re good to go!
Hitting the Road with Your Dog
Generally the most straightforward way to travel with your dog is by automobile. This is the least stressful method of travelling for both you and your pet. It provides the most consistent human contact and the most familiar environment with frequent possibilities for food, rest and toilet breaks. It is best to use your own automobile, or one that your dog is familiar with for long trips.
Before you strap your dog in for a long automobile ride, consider how they behave in a vehicle. Do you have a vehicle the dog has spent time in before? Is your dog comfortable or frightened in the automobile? A nervous dog will experience vomiting, crying, panic, may jump out of the automobile through an open window or take off when let out of the automobile.
Are your dog’s only experiences in the car on the way to the vet or somewhere unpleasant for her or him? If so you might like to take a little time to bring your dog on some automobile rides to somewhere pleasant, like the park, petshop or somewhere they will get treats and fun. Positive associations with the vehicle can make a road trip much less complicated.
It is far safer to restrain your dog when the automobile is moving, rather than let it roam free throughout the automobile. If your dog is uninhibited in the car it can get jostled around dangerously, or distract you from your driving. It is far better to have the dog in its dog crate, a safe familiar place.
For long trips you ought to have plenty of water available and the dog food your pet is used to. Be sure to stop for frequent breaks so that your dog can stretch its legs and use the washroom. If it is a long trip it is important to have knowledge of where emergency vets and pet stores are located along the way.
Where to Stay
These days there are more hotels that are ready to accommodate pets. Some even offer pet friendly rooms that have dog beds, spas and other amenities to make your dog feel just like they are on vacation just as much as you are. But these can typically be expensive, and difficult to find in smaller towns. It’s best to check with each hotel you are interested in ahead of time to see what their policy is on pets. Some may be willing to accommodate pets even if it doesn’t mention this up front on their website or other communications. However , it may be simpler for you to seek alternatives to having your dog with you in the hotel. Consider finding a kennel in the destination town where you can place your dog comfortably at night and pick up in the morning for a day of adventure together. You might also think about camping with your pet. Dog friendly campgrounds are more easy to find and allow you an opportunity for you and your pet to enjoy the outdoors, perfect for your pet.
Here are some things you will want to include in packing for a trip with your dog:
A listing of vet hospitals and pet stores on the way and in the destination city, dog crate, leash, dog food, water and containers, toys, treats, dog bed, blankets, dog waste bags, leash, medications and first aid supplies, health certificate from your vet.
Pamela Noble writes articles on pet care and products for Dogfolks.com. You can find more information on dog crates and other great pet products on the Dog Folks website.