Travel With A Dog:
The Only Way To Go!

Do you travel with a dog? I travel with mine all the time. It’s not always easy but I hate leaving him home when I go out of town. It’s not always best to take your dog with you, however. 

Before you dash off on a trip with your dog, consider the following questions:

• Will you be happy keeping an eye on your dog for the entire trip?

• Will those you are going to be visiting be happy having your dog with them all the time?

• Do you have a plan for those times when you can’t have your dog with you?

• Will your dog be happy with the situation?

• Would it be better for everyone involved to leave your dog with sitter, or to board him?

If you do decide to travel with your dog, here are some tips for making it a successful trip...

Preparing to Travel with a Dog

Traveling with your dog can be a lot of fun if you prepare for each trip properly. If you fail to prepare for your trip, you could have a perfectly horrible trip.

Here are the things you need to do to ensure a successful trip with your dog:

• Research your destination and any stops along the way to find pet-friendly accommodations. Make all of your reservations in advance. You don’t want to find yourself without a place to stay just because you happen to have your dog with you.

• Visit your veterinarian. Make sure that dog is current for all vaccinations. Ask your vet if your dog is healthy enough to travel. Don’t travel with your dog unless your vet says it’s okay.

• Get your dog groomed before you leave.

• Make sure that you have proper identification on your dog. This could be vital if you somehow get separated from your dog during your trip. The ID should include your cell phone number, so anyone finding your dog can quickly contact you.

• Make sure that your dog is well-trained (so you can control your dog at all times), well-socialized (so your dog will get along with other people and pets that you might meet), and used to traveling in the car. A long car trip should not be your dog’s first trip.

Packing for Travel with a Dog

You’ll need to have a crate or carrier. This will keep your dog safe whenever you’re not able to watch your dog closely.They’re also required at most dog-friendly hotels/motels. The crate should be...

• Large enough for your dog to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably.

• Well ventilated.

• Have handles so you can easily move it around.

• Labeled with your contact information. Mark it with “Live Animals” for air travel.

• Most importantly, familiar to your dog. Your trip should not be the first time your dog has used the crate.

"Yes, I'm all packed and ready to go!"

Make sure to Pack:

• Any medications that your dog will need while you’re away.

• Food and Water, along with bowls for feeding and watering your dog.

• Plastic bags, or pooper scooper. It’s important to observe leash and cleanup regulations.

• Treats and a few favorite toys.

• First Aid Supplies (bandages, etc.).

Travel with a Dog by Car

• Keep your dog secure and restrained in your car at all times.

• Don’t feed your dog too much before leaving on your trip.

• Make allowances on your trip for food, water, walking and potty breaks. Every 2 or 3 hours works well.

• Don’t allow your dog to stick his head out the window. While it looks like fun and most dogs love doing it, this can be dangerous for your dog.

Travel with a Dog by Air

• You must have an airline approved crate or carrier that meets the requirements stated above.

• Your dog must have a health certificate from your veterinarian issued 10 days before your flight, as well as proof of rabies vaccination.

Where to Stay when you Travel with a Dog

Today, more and more hotels and motels are making accommodations for travelers with their pets. But, each has their own regulations by which you must abide. It is best to understand (and print out) these regulations before making your reservations.

Some accommodations have restrictions on the number of pets, or the size of pets. Most will charge you extra for the luxury of keeping your dog with you. A refundable damage deposit is often required.

Here’s a list of options for pet-friendly hotels/motels that you might try:

• www.bestwestern.com
• www.motel6.com
• www.lq.com (LaQuinta Inns & Suites)
• www.holidayinn.com

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