Traveling with dogs – 5 ideas for success

Packing your bags, hitting the road and exploring new destinations is always an adventure, but when you can bring your dog with you, the memories are sure to be even stronger.

Here are the top five ways you can make sure you know how to travel with a dog effortlessly and happily from the moment you start planning your trip:

1. Start with a visit to the vet

Traveling can be just as stressful for dogs as it is for humans. Take your dog to the vet for a routine checkup before you decide to take him on a trip.

You will need to make sure that he is physically and emotionally healthy enough to make the trip. If your dog has health problems or is fearful or aggressive by nature, your vet may advise you to stay at home, or in familiar surroundings, while you are on holiday.

If you intend to travel abroad or fly to another country, you will need to have a health certificate for your dog and proof of rabies vaccination.

Most airlines require the certificate to be issued by a practicing veterinarian no more than seven to ten days before departure. Additionally, many airlines will not allow brachycephalic dogs (those with short noses and flattened faces) to travel in the hold due to potential health risks.

Some dogs suffer from travel anxiety and motion sickness, so ask your vet what remedies you should bring with you. Be careful when taking medications such as sedatives or tranquilizers, especially if you plan to fly, as these medications are unpredictable at higher altitudes.

2. Take your pet for a test drive

If you plan to travel by car and aren’t sure if it will be a truly enjoyable experience for your dog, start with a 2-3 hour test drive. It is important to see if your dog can stay still and relaxed. Some dogs can do this, but others suffer from motion sickness, anxiety and restlessness.

3. Make sure YOUR PET CAN BE IDENTIFIED

Dogs really love exploring the world. When you travel to new places, they break out of your daily routine. There are so many new things to see, smell and do.

It’s important to make sure they are not only microchipped, but are also easily identifiable with a collar that has their name and your updated contact details, including a mobile number, in case they wander off while you enjoy your adventure together.

4. Pack your dog’s luggage

Your dog’s trunk is likely to be as large as yours. You’ll want to make sure you have food (especially if your dog is on a diet), bowls, medications, treats, a spare collar and leash, a basket or crate, along with plenty of water for the trip.

Also, grab some of your dog’s favorite toys, pillows and blankets to remind him of the comfort of the familiarity of home when you’re not around.

5. Create a pet-friendly route

Keep your dog in mind when creating the route to your destination. Although more and more hotels, restaurants, parks and venues have become more pet-friendly, these places differ in terms of policies and facilities.

Public transport, for example, may not allow dogs of a certain weight or size, so make sure you find out in advance and know in advance if and where your dog is welcome.

If you plan to drive, keep in mind your dog’s needs to stretch, move, eat and drink, and plan the route in advance to ensure you get enough play and need stops along the way.

If you plan to fly, try booking a direct flight to your destination. Keep in mind that many airlines do not carry animals in the hold during excessively hot or cold periods: the risk is not in the air, but on the ground.

*PetTravel.com will help you understand what to expect when your pet travels in the cargo hold of an airplane, and *The International Air Transport Association (IATA) can help you understand all the regulations for flying with your dog, including the type of carrier or carrier they will need for the trip.

Once you have everything ready for your dog, relax! There are so many wonderful memories when you travel and explore the world with your best friend by your side.