Make copies of all vet records:
Most airlines don’t require
vaccination records, but it’s still a good idea to make copies of your dog’s vet history just in case it gets sick or injured during the vacation. If you’re traveling during the holidays, your dog’s regular vet might be out of the office and unable to fax the needed documents to you in time. Check your hotel’s pet policy:
Stop for bathroom breaks regularly:
Keeping your dog on a
regular schedule may be tough during a vacation, but it is extremely important to stop the car and let your dog have bathroom breaks every few hours. If your dog isn’t used to road trips, it might need to go more often at first because of nerves or car sickness. Learn how to restrain your dog in the car:
Edmunds.com documents
the appropriate way to restrain your dog in the car by using special harnesses which connect your dog to seat belts and giving advice on choosing comfortable pet carriers. Don’t forget to pack food:
Even if you’re going to a place
with supermarkets that carry your dog’s brand of food, fill a large Ziploc bag with a day’s worth of food in case travel delays or an exhausting trip mean you can’t get to the store on time. Tricks to remember when booking your flight:
When making
your plane reservations, don’t just think about how your schedule will affect you. The AVMA suggests reserving nonstop flights during the middle of the week, when it’s generally less crowded. Also, a general rule is to "choose early morning or late evening flights" during warmer months, and "in colder months, choose midday flights." These tips will help you escape airline temperature restrictions and make your dog more comfortable during the flight. Traveling in Europe: Pets:
If you want to take your dog to Europe with you,
check out this site for vaccination and pet passport requirements and recommendations for countries in the EU. Make sure your dog’s crate is secure:
Whether you’re flying
or driving, chances are your dog is going to spend at least some part of your trip in its crate. Budget Travel reader Ray Scott advises dog owners to make "sure your pet’s crate has extra hooks or latches so the door doesn’t jostle open if it gets bounced around in transit." Give your dog access to water:
While most experts recommend
limiting your dog’s access to food for several hours before a plane or car trip, your dog should be able to drink enough water before traveling. If you’re traveling by car, pack your dog’s water bowl in a convenient spot so that you can fill it up whenever you stop. When you fly, give your dog access to water as soon as you can pick him up after landing. Pack a collapsible bowl to fill up with a water bowl so that your dog doesn’t have to wait until you get to the hotel. It could take a long time to help your dog recover from dehydration. Give your dog extra attention:
Your dog will undoubtedly
feed off of your excitement during the vacation, but make sure to pay extra attention to your pet than you normally would at home. In a strange place, your dog depends on you even more to feed him, take him to the bathroom, make sure he’s comfortable, and give him an extra pat or two on the head. |
We know, we know, you just couldn’t leave Rover in a kennel when you go on
your fabulous trip to the coast. But can your poor pup really stand 7 hours in a car? Or on a plane? Before you decide to take the family dog on your next vacation, take a look at our checklist to make sure your pet will be just as safe and happy on your trip as you. Check your airline’s pet policy:
Before showing up to the
airport with your doggie in its kennel, make sure you check with your airline to find out what kinds of restrictions they have. Reservations are sometimes necessary for carry-on pets, and certain destinations have temperature and customs restrictions. For instance, American Airlines will not transport a pet if the ground temperature in either your take off or landing city is above or below a certain mark. DogFriendly.com:
Take a minute to visit this excellent website for traveling with dogs. Dog
owners can find pet travel guides and city guides to find dog parks, dog-friendly hotels, campsites and more in cities all over North America. There are also resources for storm evacuation policies, appropriate doggie etiquette on the beach and lots more. Make sure your dog’s collar and tags are secure:
Before
leaving on your trip, make sure your dog’s collar fits properly and its tags are up to date with your current phone number and rabies information. Adding your cell phone number to the dog’s tag is also a good idea if Rover runs away during the trip, since you won’t be at home to receive any calls. Practice makes perfect:
If your dog hasn’t been in a car
since the day you brought him home, ease your pet into your upcoming road trip by taking him on short errands around the city. You’ll get your dog used to the movement and rhythm of the car, as well as its designated spot, whether in a carrier or in a harness. Place a Do Not Disturb sign on hotel doors:
The American
Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) recommends putting up the Do Not Disturb sign on your hotel door during those times you have to leave your dog in the room by itself. Even if your dog is usually good-natured, a strange maid with a rolling cart might startle your pet, and you could find yourself in the middle of a lawsuit. Traveling in
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