11 Tips for Traveling with Your Dog
Millions of families have at least one dog, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that people want to take their furry friends with them on vacation from time to time. But whether you’re traveling by air, car, or other means of transport, there are several things that owners need to consider before heading out for a vacation with your pet.
Tips to Follow
Here are 11 tips to traveling with a dog:
1. Research Dog Friendly Places
As a pet owner, you shouldn’t assume that your dog isn’t welcome somewhere. Every year, more and more places (like restaurants, stores, etc.) are welcoming dogs, as long as you’re willing to abide by their particular policies. A quick call will clear up any uncertainty in this regard.
2. Bring Pet Related Documents
Bring plenty of pet-related documents with you while travelling. This is important especially if you are planning to travel internationally, because these papers will serve as proof that your dog is healthy and up to date on all necessary vaccinations. Think of these documents like a human’s passport—they are needed in order to travel the world. And you may want to consider taking multiple copies (physical and virtual), just in case.
3. Download Dog-Friendly Apps
The wonderful world of technology has made it so that traveling with a dog is even easier due to apps like:
All Trails
You can see reviews of trail maps from fellow dog owners before you plan a hike.
Bring Fido
This app is like the Yelp of the doggie world. You can find the best restaurants, hotels, dog parks, etc. for you and your pooch.
Pet First Aid by American Red Cross
The Pet First Aid by American Red Cross app will help you find the nearest emergency animal hospitals and can walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to handle common emergencies.
4. Avoid Unnecessary Pet Fees
While plenty of hotels charge anywhere from $10-$50 (or more) per day or in lump sums in order to have your dog stay with you, many chains do not require any deposits, daily fees, or one-time charges. However, there may be weight limits, breed restrictions, a maximum number of animals (typically two), and other specifications that you should be on the lookout for as well. If you can’t find a suitable hotel to stay in, you can always try looking for Airbnbs around the area. Plenty of them are also pet friendly.
5. Bring a Pet Carrier
Look for the best carrier option—whether it be a stroller, backpack, body wrap, etc.—for your dog, given its size, health, temperament, and other preferences to find the right one.
6. Be Ready to Meet New People
Some people are more comfortable with dogs, while others may have had negative experiences in the past or were just never really interested in them. Take time to determine someone’s desired boundaries with your pet and abide by them to the best of your ability. This is the best way to avoid getting into unnecessary, stressful situations.
7. Check the Pet Policies of Airlines
The policies are constantly changing, so you’ll want to make sure you understand every nook and cranny of the rules surrounding your pet before you board the plane. Again, calling someone affiliated with the airline is your best option for getting concise and accurate information.
8. Do Your Research
Every country differs when it comes to vaccination requirements, quarantine periods, breed restrictions, and other factors relating to foreign animals entering its borders. So, as soon as you start planning your trip, make sure that you understand these guidelines and put measures into play, if necessary, to adhere to them.
9. Socialize With Other Dog Owners
No website, app, etc., will be able to tell you about the best dog friendly areas around an unfamiliar town as well as a local can. So, being open to talking to other dog lovers that you bump into on the street or happen to stand in line by is really beneficial to the enjoyment you can have on a trip.
10. Pack all of the Essentials
This will also require consideration of where you’re travelling to, because luxury pet stores like we are used to in the States are not always available in other places. So, at the bare minimum, you will want to make sure you have dog food and water, collapsible bowls, your dog’s favorite toys, a bed, flea and tick medication (and other medication, if necessary), medical records and other travel documents packed and accessible to you.
11. Train Your Dogs
Of course, this can be tedious, but a well-trained dog is infinitely easier to travel with than one that is not. For example, knowing simple commands like, “sit” and “stay” will allow you to have more control over your furry friend when you’re travelling through airports, hiking through parks, etc.
Contact Veterinary Medical Center of St. Lucie for More Dog Travelling Tips
In conclusion, if you’re travelling with a dog, you want to make sure that you are always informed, respectful, and prepared. By following these 11 tips, you and your pet will be ready for a great vacation together! Contact Veterinary Medical Center of St. Lucie for more tips!