Travelling with your Dog

Everyone loves a holiday – including our furry companions. Travelling with your dog can be an enjoyable experience or an utter disaster. Careful planning and the right attitude will make all the difference in whether your trip is a hit or a miss.

The how, where and when questions need to be addressed before embarking on any journey with your dog, since not all modes of transport and destinations are pet-friendly. Different rules apply for travel with your dog so do your research before hitting the road to ensure safe and happy adventures.

Road Trip

The freedom of the open highway stirs romantic visions of a road trip, but this dream can quickly turn into a nightmare with an anxious dog as a passenger. Vomiting, crying and bouncing from seat to seat are common behaviours of inexperienced canine commuters. Because of these possible complications, many bus and train lines do not allow dogs, excluding service dogs, to board with their owners. Car rides with your pup are best done in your own vehicle with plenty of preparation before heading off on the highway.

Although your dog may be perfectly well-behaved in the car, it is always advised to use some type of restraint. Sudden stops may cause harm to your dog or other passengers if your pup is free to roam the cabin. Excitable dogs can also jump through open windows or escape from opened car doors in dangerous situations. You can restrain your dog in transit by keeping him in a crate, which is both comfortable and safe. You can also secure your dog with a specially designed car harness that works like a canine seatbelt.

When on long trips, keeping a supply of fresh water and your pup’s regular dog food on hand is important. Be sure to offer fresh water to your dog frequently while in the car and allow plenty of time for rest outside of the car after eating a meal. Packing your pup’s favourite blanket or bed is also a great idea to create a familiar setting to home.

Dogs generally find car travel less stressful than other types of transport. The constant human contact and regular breaks make cars the happiest method of travel for roaming rovers.

Air Travel

Going on a flight with your pooch? Prepare for takeoff with knowledge on how to get from here to there with minimal stress.

Small dogs, which can comfortably fit in an approved piece of carry on luggage, can board the plane with you and be kept underneath your seat for takeoff and landing with some airlines. Unfortunately, medium and large size dogs aren’t yet welcome in the cabin for most airlines so many pups will have to travel by air as cargo. It sounds harsh, but major airlines transport live animals in cargo all the time and are sensitive to the needs of anxious travelling dogs. You will have to book a special reservation in cargo for the flight and drop your dog off at the airport’s cargo loading bay. Your dog will need to travel in a hard cased crate. It’s a good idea to familiarize your dog with his crate at home so he’s comfortable travelling in it for the flight. Your travel agent or airline can provide with specific details on your dog’s reservations, departure and arrival.

When the big day comes, there are some handy tips and rules for helping your dog have a smooth ride. One of the most important rules to remember is that you should never sedate your dog or place a muzzle on him before a flight. These are extremely dangerous conditions for any unsupervised dog. Before the flight, you should attach a card to the top of the crate that lists your name and contact details as well as the name and contact details of the person picking up your dog, if necessary. It’s also useful to write your dog’s name on the card so airport staff can talk to your dog by his or her name. Make sure the interior of the crate is comfortable and has your dog’s favourite toys and blanket inside. A supply of food and water must also be included inside the crate. Since water is likely to spill in transit, a great tip is to freeze the water in the dish before leaving so your dog can lick at the ice cube for a constant supply of water throughout the flight. Your dog’s collar and leash should be easily accessible for walking prior to departure and immediately upon arrival.

As with any flight, it’s important to arrive on time. Check with your travel agent and the airline on what time your dog should arrive for boarding. Don’t forget to bring a copy of health documents and complete all required shipping papers. Have a nice flight!

Accommodation

With pet travel becoming more common, many progressive hotels and resorts are welcoming dogs as guests. Some accommodations are even specialized in catering to canine customers and offer creatively designed dog rooms, beds and spas to ensure your pup is as comfortable as you are. Ask your travel agent or do a quick search online for information on where to find these accommodating hotels in your destination city. If you’ve already booked a hotel, you can always call them and ask about their pet policy. You may find they’re more than willing to extend their customer service to canines than you expect.

Unfortunately, most accommodations that welcome dogs are only available in major cities. Many of them can also come with a hefty price tag that excludes shoestring travellers. In the absence of joint accommodation with your dog, you may consider a camping trip at a dog-friendly campground. Your dog will love the chance to live in the great outdoors while you’ll love the freedom of a holiday with your canine companion. Another alternative option to dog-friendly hotels, is finding a boarding kennel near your accommodation. You can pick up your dog to trek the city by day and drop them off when you return to your hotel at night. This way you can still take your dog on holiday and minimize the stress of separation.

Luggage

Travelling with your dog also means packing for your dog. A dog’s travelling needs may seem simple, but there are some necessities that you shouldn’t leave home without.

A crate is absolutely essential for any travel with your dog. Not only will it keep your dog safe and secure, but it will provide a sense of familiarity for dog while in foreign places. Lining the crate with a blanket from home will add to the familiar surroundings and make your dog feel more at home. While in the crate, your dog should always have access to food and water. The crate should be large enough for your dog to maneuver and lie down comfortably.

Packing a supply of your dog’s regular food is always a good idea. A change in diet can quickly lead to upset tummies and an unhappy holiday. If you are travelling to an area with unsafe water, you should also bring potable water for your dog. Don’t forget to pack food and water dishes for eating on the go.

The basic luggage items for your dog should also include a collar, leash and harness. Your dog should always be wearing a collar with tags for easy identification in the situation that you are separated. A harness and leash will be necessary for any outdoors adventures with your pup and bathroom breaks. Carrying a recent photo of your dog is also a good tip incase you are separated from each other in an unfamiliar environment.

Packing for your dog is easy and will make the trip more enjoyable if you remember the essentials. Your dog will appreciate it if you throw in some fun stuff too, like his favourite toys and treats.

Ailments

Illness can strike at any time for people and dogs alike. Being sick is never fun, but it is made much worse if it happens while travelling. Fortunately, most of the causes for travelling dogs to feel under the weather can be avoided.

A common cause of illness in travelling dogs is motion sickness. Many dogs are struck by motion sickness both in the car and in the air. While in the car, motion sickness can be reduced with considerate driving. Drive with care by taking the turns, acceleration and braking smoothly to ease your pup’s upset stomach. A good method for avoiding motion sickness in general is to abstain from feeding your dog about an hour before embarking on your journey. It’s difficult to avoid this in dogs travelling by air as a constant supply of food needs to be available while en route. The good thing is that motion sickness is temporary and should not have lasting effects on your dog.

One of the saddest and most frequent occurrences of canine health problems while on holiday is a result of negligence. Extreme physical distress and even death is caused by heat stroke when dogs are left unattended in cars. Never leave your dog alone in a car even if it doesn’t seem that warm outside. A sealed car can quickly turn into an oven-like environment with fast rising temperatures and no air circulation. If you see a dog in these circumstances, call authorities immediately as this can be considered illegal under animal cruelty laws.

Crossing Borders

International travel can result in unforeseen complications for jet set canines. Most countries require extensive amounts paperwork for any incoming animals to prove health and vaccination history. Some countries even have mandatory quarantines for all incoming animals. Strict requirements are not exclusive to international travel, and can sometimes be implied for travel within countries. Journeying across bordering provinces, territories or states can also call for special documents.

The best way to prepare for any cross border travel is to do your research. Check what requirements your dog will have to meet before being permitted entrance to foreign countries and regions. You can do this by asking your travel agent or checking with the consulate. As a standard, you should have all of your dog’s papers on hand and be certain that his vaccinations are up-to-date. A visit to the veterinarian prior to departure is a good precaution to take whether travelling across borders or across cities.

Bon Voyage

Travelling with your dog can be a wonderful experience as long as the trip is well planned. Memories of far off places will be all the better with your furry travel buddy included. After all, a family vacation just isn’t the same without the whole family — dogs and all.

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