Some families can't imagine taking a vacation without including their dogs. You have a whole new list of things to worry about, including packing the right equipment, checking your hotel’s pet policy, and making sure your pet meets the travel criteria for the state or country you’re visiting. A 2019 survey found that almost 95 percent of pet owners planned at least one overnight trip with their pets. Many dogs love to travel, but it can be stressful for you and your pet if you aren't prepared. By planning, you can make sure your journey is safe and comfortable for you and your Pet.
If you're planning on traveling with pets, whether it's for pleasure or necessity, you'll need to take some steps to prepare for your dog's needs along the way. Car travel with dogs, exceptionally long trips, requires some forethought. You can't just assume you'll be able to get everything you need for your pet during your trip.
10 Best and Important Tips for Safe Car Travel:
“Take several short trips with your dog to get them accustomed to riding in the car before you take off on a long trip. Gradually increase the length of these shorter trips to work up to long-distance travel with dogs.“
1. KEEP PETS COMFORTABLE IN A TRAVEL CRATE.
You may be tempted to give your pet plenty of room on long car trips, but giving them a confined space that’s their own is usually the better option. According to Bernal, “It’s often better for the dog because if they’re crate-trained, that’s their area of security.” It’s safer as well: An animal is much better off in a durable crate than it is sliding around untethered in the backseat of a car.
2. DON’T FILL YOUR PET'S CRATE WITH TOYS.
Giving your pet lots of toys to play with at home is a good thing, but it's a different story on long car trips. Packing every toy your pet loves into their crate takes up what little room they have for themselves. If the box is too full, it can be impossible to move around and adjust its position. “Yes, you want them to be comfortable, but also, you don’t want to fill that crate up,” Bernal says. “So almost less is more.”
3. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE ALL THE CORRECT PAPERWORK
Pack a travel kit for your pet.
If you’re planning a long trip with your pet, you won’t get very far without the proper paperwork. Many places require incoming pets to have an up-to-date health certificate signed by an accredited veterinarian. Before signing the documents, vets will confirm that your pet is healthy and up-to-date on all vaccinations required by the receiving state or country. Make sure to include your pet's health records, including proof of recent immunizations. Bring your pets regular food, water, medications, and bowls. You should also have the supplies you need to clean up after your pet, such as waste bags and a scoop. To keep your pet happy and occupied during the trip, pack a few toys, including some new ones for novelty and a few old favorites. Lastly, don't forget a pet first-aid kit.
4. MAKE IT EASIER TO FIND YOUR PET IF THEY GET LOST
Identify your pet. While your pet should have a microchip, make sure they have a collar with an ID tag with your home address and cell phone number as well. For longer trips and vacations, get a temporary tag with the phone number of the destination where you'll be staying in case your pet gets lost while you're traveling. All collars should be flat, and never use a choke collar on your Pet.
5. KEEP YOUR PET HYDRATED.
Without regular access to water whenever they need it, pets can get easily dehydrated when traveling. Keep this in mind when traveling and pack extra water for your four-legged passenger. Allowing animals to self-regulate their water intake, perhaps by attaching a bowl to the inside of their crate, is ideal, but if that’s not possible, frequently stop to give them a chance to drink. Another way to keep them feeling good is to feed them wet food instead of dry; according to Bernal, the water content in wet food can help hydrate pets.
6. KEEP THEM OCCUPIED WITH A TOY.
If you can only give your pet one toy on a long trip, choose something that will keep them busy for as long as possible. Bernal recommends puzzle dog toys like those you’ll find from the pet brand kong. When your dog is preoccupied with reaching the treat inside the toy, it's harder for them to focus on anything else—including the stress of traveling to a new place.
7. NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A CAR ALONE.
Never leave your dog alone in a parked car. It is a Safety concern at temperatures higher than 70°F or lower than 35°F. However, passersby may decide to break your window to free your dog if they think they are trapped inside at any temperature.
8. CHOOSE PET-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATIONS.
You may love your pet, but that doesn’t mean the owner of the hotel or Airbnb where you’re staying will love them, too; be mindful of this when booking accommodations for your trip. There are plenty of hotels that offer perks for pet owners, like doggie daycare, but even if a place doesn’t advertise its pet policy, it doesn’t hurt to call and ask (or confirm what you're reading online so that there are no surprises when you arrive).
9. MAKE YOUR TRAVEL DESTINATION FEEL LIKE HOME.
Your pet’s crate may not be the best place for all their toys, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pack them when going on vacation. Bringing their favorite items home can make pets feel more at ease when they arrive at an unfamiliar destination. “Pack things that are familiar to them, so when they arrive at a new spot, they’re like: ‘Ok, I feel a lot more comfortable,’” Bernal says. “It helps with their anxiety.” And it would help if you didn’t stop at toys: Packing their bed, bowl, and blanket can have the same calming effect.
10. KNOW WHEN IT'S BEST TO LEAVE YOUR PET AT HOME.
Not every vacation is improved by bringing your pet along. If you plan on spending most of your trip in places that don’t allow animals, like museums, restaurants, and theme parks, it may be best to leave your pet at a kennel or with a sitter or trusted friend. Even if the vacation is pet-friendly, it may not be a good fit for an incredibly anxious animal. “If you have a nervous dog, he’s going to be happier in his home if someone just comes in and feeds him,” Bernal says. Your pet will forgive you for having fun without them.
Plane Travel.
Traveling by plane can be complicated with a pet. Flying with dogs poses a risk to animals with short nasal passages, such as bulldogs and pugs. They are more likely to have problems with oxygen deprivation and heat stroke. If you must fly with your pets, see if they can travel in the cabin with you. This may be an option for smaller pets, but it will require advanced planning. Don't wait until the last minute.
You will also need to visit your vet and get a health certificate dated no earlier than ten days before you travel. Check with the airline to make sure you have the correct type of carrier.
Train Travel.
Amtrak trains only allow dogs who weigh under 25 pounds, so traveling with a dog may not be an option. Smaller train companies may allow pets, and many European railways allow pets. Check with the train company you want to travel with to ensure you have all of the required documentation.
Boat Travel.
Some cruise lines allow pets to travel with you, but usually only on ocean crossings. Check to make sure your pet will be allowed in your cabin with you, as some ships confine pets to onboard kennels.
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