Simple Dog-Friendly Travel Tips

 

Have you ever seen those shirts that say “If I can’t bring my dog, I’m not going!”? Well, with more dog-friendly places constantly popping up in cities around the world, you can travel with your dog to some awesome destinations!

If you’ve never traveled with your dog before, there is a bit of preparation involved to make sure everything runs as smoothly as possible. Whether you’re adventuring on a dog-friendly road trip or flying with your dog, you’ll find a ton of helpful dog-friendly travel tips below to help you feel prepared and excited!

General Dog-Friendly Travel Tips:

Before you head out on your adventure with your dog, there are a few important things to do. Some of which will be specific to the way you choose to travel with your dog, which we’ll get into, but in general, you should always be checking the following things.

●      Is my hotel/AirBnB/Vrbo dog-friendly?

○      Not all lodging accommodations allow pets. Finding out your destination's pet policy in advance will help you choose the best place to stay for you and your dog.

●      Does my hotel/AirBnB/Vrbo have pet breed or weight restrictions?

○      Some hotels and lodging accommodations may be pet friendly but have specific breed and weight restrictions. Every location should have this information on their website or booking pages. If you’re unable to find it, contacting the location directly is best.

●      Are there additional pet fees at my hotel/AirBnB/Vrbo?

○      Many lodging accommodations have cleaning fees or general pet fees for bringing your dog with you. Looking up that information in advance can not only help you choose which location is best for you, but also help you budget for your trip more accurately.

●      Is my travel destination right for my dog?

○      Just because somewhere is dog-friendly, doesn’t mean our dog should go. We know, that sounds harsh, but the reality is, some locations aren’t made for every dog or dogs in general. For example, if you have a dog that’s very reactive, a busy town or hotel might not be the best place; whereas a quaint, off-the-beaten-path AirBnb would be. Always know your dog and know what’s best for them.

 What To Pack:

Before we jump in the car or board a plane, we need to pack all the essentials! This may vary depending on where you’re traveling to, so use the checklist below as your starting point and look at the helpful tips sprinkled in to help customize your packing list.

●      Food/Water + Bowls:

○      Always bring enough food and water for your dog for a few days beyond your trip. If your car breaks down or your flight gets delayed, having extra in case of emergency is always best.

●      Medications:

○      Similarly to food and water, make sure you’ve packed all your dog’s medications for a few days past your trip's duration. Plus, before you leave, call your vet and have your medical records emailed to your phone. You may already have them depending on your travel method, but, if you were to have an emergency occur on your trip, having their information readily available to the new veterinarian will save a lot of time and keep your pet safe.

●      Leashes/Collars/Harnesses + ID Tag:

○      Almost everywhere you go will probably require you to have your dog on a leash. Make sure to pack the kinds needed for the location you’re traveling to. For example, if you’re traveling to a hiking destination, you may need a different leash or collar to fit that trip. Also, ensuring your dog has up-to-date information on their ID tag (and microchip) is extremely important.

●      Treats

○      It never hurts to have your dog’s favorite treats on hand, especially if they’re traveling someplace new. Rewarding your dog when they interact with you in new areas where they might be a bit nervous will help boost their confidence.

●      Blankets/Bedding

○      Depending on how you’re traveling with your dog, having their favorite blankets or beds that smell like home will add some comfort to their trip.

●      Poop bags

○      No matter where you’re going, always pick up after your dog.

Some additional items to consider:

●      Clothing/Gear:

○      Are you traveling to a different climate or terrain that they’re not used to? Will they need boots, jackets for the cold, etc.? Knowing exactly what sort of weather and environment you’re traveling to is key. You wouldn’t want to forget your jacket to someplace cold, would you?

●      Dog Crate

○      If you’re traveling somewhere that will require your dog to be crated in specific locations (i.e. the hotel, an event you’re going to, etc.), making sure you have one on hand could be the difference between you visiting somewhere and not.

Dog-friendly Road Trip Tips:

Now that we’ve covered what to pack for your dog, let’s go over how to travel with your dog on a road trip.

●      Take your dog on shorter trips first

○      Most of us have probably never taken our dogs on 8+ hour car rides. To help build your dog up for the longer duration trip, start by taking your dog on shorter trips. Then, gradually add little bits of duration to start preparing your dog.

●      Plan out potty breaks/stretch breaks

○      We all need to get up and out of the car and move from time to time! When planning your route, make sure to add in multiple opportunities for your dog to get out, walk around and go to the bathroom. You might even find some places where your dog can run around and play.

●      Keep your dog hydrated

○      Our dogs normally visit their water bowl throughout the day, so ensuring that their internal routine isn’t altered too much, keeping them hydrated is a must. When you stop for breaks, that’s the perfect time to hydrate your dog!

Dog-friendly Plane Tips:

Are you flying with your dog for the first time? There are quite a few more steps here than if you were to do the road trip route. Below are some helpful tips to consider before flying with your dog.

●      Speak with your veterinarian prior to planning your trip.

○      Visiting with your veterinarian prior to planning your trip is helpful for many reasons. First, if your dog is due for certain vaccinations, it’s best to get them in advance. Most airlines require your dog to be up to date on all vaccines prior to flying and a health certificate. Second, you may need to get calming aids prior to your flight. Third, your veterinarian may have a concern with your dog flying. For example, for some dogs with medical conditions, flying might not be the best route. Going over the details of what the trip could look like with your veterinarian beforehand is the best first step.

●      Pick a direct flight

○      Flying on a plane is already quite abnormal to your dog as it is. When you choose a direct flight, you eliminate additional stress that can be put on your dog with any extra changes that could occur otherwise.

●      Pick a flight at an appropriate time of day and day of the week

○      When it starts to get extra hot or cold, it’s important to choose a flight time that won’t put your dog in the peak temperature if traveling in cargo. It’s also helpful to fly on a weekday instead of the weekend when it’s less busy and stressful.

●      Choose the right carrier

○      Whether your dog is flying in the cabin with you or in cargo hold, ensuring you have the correct approved carrier for your airline is extremely important. Every airline has their own regulations and specifics that must be followed and are clearly stated on their websites. Before choosing any flight and booking your pet’s seat, review all pertinent information and if you have any questions, reach out to the airline directly.

●      Practice with the carrier ahead of time

○      Before your dog ever gets on the plane in their carrier, we have to make sure that they’re used to it! Training your dog in advance to be comfortable with their carrier can be the difference between an extra stressful flight, including the option of the airline to refuse disruptive pets, and a calmer flight. Some airlines also make you demonstrate that your dog can comfortably turn around in the carry-on. Always make sure your dog can do that before your flight.

●      Prep your dog for their flight

○      Before asking your dog to go into their carrier for their flight, taking your dog on a long walk and/or providing enrichment activities before your flight will help tire your dog and help them relax.

No matter where you’re headed with your dog, we’re so excited that you’re including them on a fun adventure! We hope these tips were helpful, and if you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your airline, hotel, or any other part of your destination to ensure you have a great time with your dog! Safe travels!