Traveling With Your Dog!
Summer is upon us, and it’s time for vacation! Of course, a family vacation isn’t complete without our best furry friend(s), so we thought it would be helpful to address some important tips for traveling with your dog. We hope these tips will help you and your dog feel more confident and comfortable on your next trip together!
Before you head out on your travels, we recommend that you visit your veterinarian and make sure that your pup is healthy and set for the adventure ahead. It’s important to ensure that your dog is up to date on their vaccinations and has undergone a health evaluation so that they can be their best, healthiest self while on vacation.
When booking your hotel or resort, check to see if the location is pet friendly and allows pets to stay in their rooms–you can view this information on most hotel or resort websites or give them a call if you are unsure. It would be terrible to arrive at your hotel and find out that they don’t allow dogs!
If your dog is not used to being in a crate at home, it might be a good idea to start crate training a few weeks before your trip. This is especially useful for international flights, where your dog would need to be crated for the duration of the flight. Make sure the crate you choose is IATA compliant and has enough space for your dog to comfortably stand, sit and turn around.
In the case that you’ll be driving or road tripping somewhere, try to assess your dog’s level of comfort being in the car for an extended period of time. If your dog gets anxious or scared in the car, spend some time doing positive reinforcement training so that they can get more and more used to having a happy and stress-free time in the car. Some dogs suffer from car sickness in moving vehicles, so if you know this will be an issue for your dog, speak to your veterinarian about getting a prescription for an anti-nausea/vomiting medication.
Packing what your dog will need for the trip is also an important part of vacation planning. If you will be using public transportation at your destination, invest in a pet carrier for your dog. Don’t forget to pack them a bag with all of their essentials, such as a portable water bowl, snacks, treats and food, a brush for grooming upkeep, poop bags, and any fun toys that remind them of home. Also, don’t forget your dog’s ID tag!
Keep these tips in mind as you commence your summer travels, and we wish you and your pup a safe trip!