Everything To Know When Travelling With Your Four-Legged Friend

Everything To Know When Travelling With Your Four-Legged Friend

Bringing along your dog or pet for a family vacation is fun and enjoyable for everyone, especially the dog. The popularity of travelling with dogs has gained much attention for various reasons. Many bring their dogs along for enjoyment and comfort, while many are forced to travel with service dogs. Many travellers are outdoor enthusiasts or hunters, and bringing a dog is a necessity, rather than a luxury. 

Before bringing a pet with you on your travels, especially on an airplane, owners must make sure the dog is healthy, up to date with their shots, and vaccinated. Additionally, making sure to bring the dog’s favourite foods and treats is a great way to ensure the animal’s health during travel.  

Lastly, be aware of the location to the nearest 24-hour veterinarian upon arrival to the travel destination in the event of an emergency. In the situation that your dog needs medical attention, you are prepared with necessary directions and information needed. Since many destinations are not pet-friendly, owners should always make sure their destinations allow dogs. Dogfriendly.com and gopetfriendly.com are great websites to check out that recommend pet-friendly destinations. 

No matter the designation, these are always great accessories to bring when travelling with your dog: 

1. Dog Trackers: These are a tremendous addition to bring along to new destinations, especially if you are on a hunting trip and your dog is allowed to range freely. Losing your dog is a terrifying and costly experience, and it’s best to be prepared. You can shop Garmin DriveTrack 71 GPS dog tracker here as a way to keep track of your dog no matter where it goes. These are one of the most popular dog trackers on the market. 
2. Collapsible bowls: To save space, it’s always a great idea to bring along some collapsible bowls. They can be of great use when your pet suddenly becomes hungry or thirsty
3. LED Collar: You need to be able to see your dog in the dark. They can also make a great back up light.
4. Extra Collar: This is a great addition if their original collar breaks or gets misplaced.
5. Jackets and blankets: In case of cold weather, always bring your dog’s favourite blanket and jacket

Here are some tips for ensuring a safe and stress-free trip while travelling with your dog. 

When travelling by car: 

1. Get the dog comfortable with riding in a car by taking them on short drives. 
2. Never leave the dog unattended in a closed vehicle, especially in the summer. This can lead to extreme dehydration and the dog may panic. If you must leave the vehicle, designate a passenger to attend the vehicle with the dog
3. Keep the vehicle well ventilated so fresh air can reach the dog if they are left in a crate.
4. Let the dog travel on a moderately empty stomach to avoid car-sickness, and making sure they are well hydrated.
5. Never let your dog ride in the back of an open bed pickup truck. This is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious injury or death. Also, do not let your dog stick their head out of the window as this can lead to eye injury.
6. Pack snacks and water for your dog for prolonged trips
7. Plan bathroom breaks and bring along trash bags to clean up after your dog.
8. Bring toys for boredom.

When flying: 

1. Airlines clearly state that it is the responsibility of the owner to make sure of the dog’s health and their ability to fly. Plan a trip to your dog’s veterinarian before your trip. A certification of health must also be submitted 10 days at most before flying. Dogs younger than 8 weeks old are also not permitted to fly.
2. Make reservations for your dog too, as some airlines restrict the number of pets allowed to travel. 
3. Make sure the dog’s crate is eligible to be on board. If they do not meet certain requirements, your dog may not be allowed to fly.
4. If the crate is small enough, some airlines may allow the owner to store the dog’s crate under their seat if size permits.
5. Keep the dog relaxed when flying, as some dogs may get excited or anxious.

Travelling With Your Dog

When travelling by bus or train: 

1. Remember, only dogs under 20 pounds are permitted on Amtrak trains, a $25 fee is also applied.
2. Non-service dogs are not permitted on Greyhound buses.
3. Many cruise ships allow dogs to travel, often providing free meals for your dog.
4. Always check guidelines and policies before travelling with your dogs.