How to Travel with a Dog

As you plan the next family vacation, be sure to make appropriate accommodations for your dog. Whether traveling by car or plane, the entire experience should be pleasurable for both you and your pooch. The best way to ensure a smooth ride is to follow some basic guidelines.

Most dogs love riding in cars. And on any given day, you’re sure to see tongues wagging and ears flapping in the wind as our nation’s pups take part in a great American tradition: the road trip. However, advanced training and proper car etiquette will ensure a safer trip and a more pleasant traveling experience for everyone involved.

The first step in any successful journey is to plan it all out beforehand. Determine the size, scope, and route of the trip. Are you going by car or airplane? How far? Depending on the method of transportation, you’ll want to prepare for the various travel-related processes in which your beloved pooch will face extra rules & restrictions.

Girl and her Dog Road Tripping

Hitting the Highway

Driving long distances with your pup requires rigorous preparation. So consider these tips for your next interstate adventure:

If your dog has never been on a long ride before, consider taking her for several short drives around town to familiarize her with the sounds, sights, and motion of the car. Don’t let her leap around while riding, and be sure to correct her if she intentionally bumps you while driving. As humans, we’ve been riding in cars our entire lives, but the experience may be entirely new to your dog. But you can help her adjust to the new sensation of motion in short stages, which will hopefully prevent any car sickness.

• Purchase a high-quality harness. By securing your dog to the car’s built-in seat belt system, you’ll be able to drive without the fear of injuring your dog in the event of an accident (or a sudden slam on the brakes). If you have a puppy or smaller breed, a travel carrier may work better than a harness.
• Always keep your dog in the back seat, never up the front (or on your lap) where she can become a major distraction.
• Make sure your dog’s collar is secure and the ID tags have your home address and phone number on it in case you and the dog are separated. However, you should take precautions against his straying and keep him on a leash in strange areas. Do not leave him alone in a hotel or motel room – it is easy for a room attendant to open a door and accidentally let your dog out.
• On the night before the trip, be sure to pack: fresh water, food, bowls, favorite toys, treats, poop bags, and a first aid kit.
• Stop regularly to feed, water, and allow your dog to exercise…of course, this is also when the “bathroom” breaks take place. And no matter how well-behaved you think she is, always keep your pup on a leash.
• In warmer climates, never walk away from the car with your dog locked inside. She can easily overheat and become dehydrated. Either take the dog with you inside or elect someone to stay and watch the dog.
• For the hotel room, set up your dog’s favorite bed and blanket; she’ll really appreciate the comfort and familiarity. And remember, be careful when leaving your dog alone in the room. It’s very easy for a room attendant to open the door and allow your dog to escape. If you must leave the dog alone, be sure to put her in the {travel crate} first…You did remember to pack the crate, right?

Flying the Friendly Skies

With the endless safety regulations and long waits at security, you should thoroughly weight the costs of airline travel against the expected benefits. Not only is flying with a pup more complicated than driving, but post-9/11 security restrictions and excessive airline luggage fees will likely produce a stressful (and costly) canine air-travel experience.

Prepare for Air Restrictions with Your Dog

Also keep in mind, if your dog has never been on a plane before, the entire experience could be terrifying for her. It’s one thing to have a frightened dog barking in your car all the way to grandma’s house—it’s just you and the family that has to deal with the tantrum. But toss in another 200 people, limited space, no doggy “bathroom” breaks, and you’ve got yourself a very long flight ahead! Not only that, but many owners frown upon sedating their dog for a flight, as the pup can become disoriented may even require several days to rebound from the medication.

International Airline Travel

If you’re traveling abroad, then make sure you have a current health certificate from your vet, which includes proof of your dog’s most recent shots, particularly rabies. And once you arrive at your foreign destination, be sure to retain the documents! You’ll most likely need these same papers for your pooch to set her paws back onto United State soil. Also, research the current status of international quarantine rules.

Many airlines have specific requirements solely for international pet travel. While some will allow you to take dogs of a certain weight on board, others require all pets to travel in the luggage compartment.

Should You Fly with Your Dog?

Unless it’s absolutely necessary for the dog to go, we recommend leaving your pooch in the care of a family member or friend at home while you’re gone. And if there’s no one available to watch her, then consider a dog day care that also provides overnight care. Oh, and we’re not referring to the kennels of years past. In fact, you’d be shocked at the luxurious accommodations to be found at today’s pet care providers. No more wire cages or cramped living quarters. To the contrary, many day cares are roam-free outdoor oases, with on-site 24/7 supervision. And for $30-$50 per night, you can’t beat the value and convenience.