Are you planning to take your dog with you when you travel for the holidays? Before you start making plans, be sure you ask yourself if traveling is something your dog will enjoy. If your dog isn’t a fan of new places and adventures, you may be better off hiring a pet sitter to love and care for him in the comfort of his own home while you are away. If you are certain your pup his more than happy to hit the open road, here are some tips to make the experience fun and safe for everyone.
Plan Ahead
Pack a bag of quick, easy-to-grab supplies for road trips such as extra poop bags, an extra leash, a small towel, vaccination records, any medication your dog needs, and of course, some treats. You will also want to plan pit stops in your travel schedule so your dog can stretch stretch his legs, relieve himself and maybe even play a little ball.
Pet Packing List
Food
Changing your dog’s food on the road could lead to a very upset digestive tract, ruining your plans for the day. If you can’t fit your pet’s food in your limited luggage space, call a few pet shops in your destination city to ensure they have it in stock. Even the big national chains may not carry your dog’s usual brand in a specific locale. It’s amazing how dog food brands can vary by region. And of course don’t forget the treats!
Collapsible Bowls
Bring at least two, one for water and one for food. These are great to keep in a bag while sightseeing, too. If your pet becomes thirsty or the weather gets warm, you’re prepared.
Poop Bags
Do you really want to be late to your hike or sightseeing because you need to run to the pet store? Just throw a few rolls in your backpack, suitcase, or pocket. If you’re doing a road trip, take along a separate roll to keep in the car.
An Extra Leash
Always an extra leash in every suitcase or vehicle. It may seem strange at first, but it could come in handy many times over. In the car, when you need to quickly grab a leash for a potty break, or after hiking together and your leash gets wet, or in case one leash gets accidentally packed or left behind in a hotel room. Who hasn’t experienced at least one of these situations?
Vaccination and Microchip Information
Print out a hard copy or two of these vital records, and also take a photo to keep on your phone in an emergency. You might need this for hotel or dog daycare or emergency vet visit. If your pet isn’t micro-chipped, make sure to do so before you leave.
Pack Extras
Flights get delayed, traffic happens, and storms disrupt the best laid plans. So, pack extras of everything your dog may need.
Travel Safety for Dogs
Practice beforehand for any situations your pet may encounter. For example if you will be using a harness or crate in the car for a road trip, do a few shorter practice runs so it’s something familiar and positive.
Make sure your pet is not only restrained in the car, but also traveling in a harness or crate tested by the Center for Pet Safety. This third party company does crash and safety testing for pet products. Many items made for pets are not only unsafe, but could cause more harm during an accident due to poor design.
Know Your Airline’s Pet Policies
If you plan to fly with your dog, be sure and check the rules before takeoff. Most airlines require pets to travel in airline approved carriers. Most of all, make sure you book your flight early, as all airlines do limit the number of pets on each flight.
Dogs on Trains
Did you know pets under 20 pounds can travel most Amtrak routes? All Aboard, Pets covers everything you need to know to make pet reservations for train travel.
Accommodations
If you are staying with relatives or friends, ask a head of time if your dog is welcome to join you on your visit. If staying at a hotel or holiday rental, understand what the term ‘pet-friendly’ means in the reservation or rental agreement. Sometimes it means your pet can be left unattended, but many times it means your pet can’t be in the room alone, which could seriously affect your plans if you aren’t prepared.
Hotel Stays
- Leave the TV on to give your pup some comforting background noise if you’re away from the room. This can also drown out stress-inducing city or neighboring-room noise.
- Always keep the Do Not Disturb sign on the door so that housekeeping doesn’t scare your dog or allow escape the room while you are out.
- Reserve a room away from the elevator or other high traffic areas. With less foot traffic outside the door your dog will be less likely to whine or bark at noises on the other side of the door.
- Set up a ‘safe space’ in the room, with blankets and a water bowl, and spend a little time getting your pup acclimated to the new space before your first pet-free foray away from the hotel.
- Book a dog walk or doggy daycare stay if you need to go somewhere without your dog, but can’t leave your dog in the hotel.
By planning ahead and following a few simple rules, you and your dog can make traveling together safe and fun.