How to Travel With Your Dog! (written by pet parents)
If you're reading this, exciting times are up ahead (we can sniff it). Wish we could go on a trip with you and your dog, but instead here we are writing a blog post. Anyway, here we go...
So travelling with your dog can be a great way to bond and create everlasting memories (real ones and not just reel ones). However, it's very important to be prepared before you hit the road. Don't worry, let's get you prepped up with this 3-minute quick read.
Here are 10 tips on travelling with a dog safely and comfortably:
- Start early. It's going to be exciting and spontaneous enough already with a dog accompanying you, you don't need to wait until the last minute to start planning for your trip. See, you're already reading on it so that's a good start! Stop procrastinating and give yourself ample time to make sure you have everything you need (there's a list below).
- If you're planning to go by car and you haven't gotten your dog used to it, you can start by taking your dog on short car rides around the block. Gradually increase the length of the rides until your dog is comfortable riding for longer periods of time.
- Bring sufficient food and water. Your dog will need to eat and drink regularly while you're travelling. That said, one of our dogs has traveling sickness so we usually give a gap of a few hours between food and car travel (we're one of those pet parents who doesn't want to give the pets a lot of medicines). Be prepared, pack enough food and water for the entire trip, plus a little extra in case of delays.
- Take breaks. Don't drive for long periods of time without taking a break. Stop every few hours to let your dog stretch, pee, poop, get some exercise and relieve some stress.
- Be prepared for your dog feeling sick or a poop emergency. It's always a good idea to have a few paper towels ( actually even for yourself hehe) and a roll of doggy bags in the car in case of accidents.
- If you're flying with your dog, make sure to check the airline's pet policy in advance.
- Carry your dog's ID. Make sure you have your dog's current vaccination records and ID tags with you at all times.
- Be patient and understanding. Travelling can be stressful for dogs. Be patient with your dog and give him or her time to adjust to the new surroundings.
- Let your veterinarian know you're planning to travel with your dog. They can give you additional advice and recommendations.
- Choose pet-welcoming accommodations and not just pet-friendly ones . Gone are the days when there weren't a lot of options. These days there are many hotels, motels, and vacation rentals that will be thrilled to have pet parents and their pets. When you're making your travel arrangements, be sure to read up on it and check what pet parents are saying about them.
Follow these tips and you can help ensure that your next trip with your dog is a safe and enjoyable experience for both of you.
Here's an extensive checklist of products that you'll want to consider while traveling with a dog:
- Water bottle and bowl
- Harness and leash for walks, a seatbelt for the car ride
- Toys your pet will love
- A Dog Raincoat (what if it rains?)
- Pack of easy to digest treats
- Basic first-aid kit
- A comfortable mat or bed (depending on what fits in your car – we usually put the seats down and either spread an XL size mat or lay large dog bed for our two dogs)
- Collar with a name and your number
- Pet-friendly hotel or vacation rental
Happy Travelling,
Coco & Magic’s Parents
