With careful planning, you can make family vacations with your dog even more fun. Here are some travel tips to make traveling with your dog more enjoyable.
Dog travel health and safety
- Before you go on a long trip, take your dog to the vet for a health check. Make sure all vaccinations are up to date and bring your immunization records with you. A health certificate is required for air travel. Ask your veterinarian whether your dog is in the right mental and physical condition to travel. Keep in mind that not all dogs enjoy traveling.
- To keep your dog healthy during your trip, bring regular dog food. Remember to bring a bottle of water and any medications your pet may need.
- Be prepared for emergencies. Find the number for his nearest 24-hour animal emergency hospital and program it into your cell phone along with your veterinarian's office and emergency number (in case you need to talk to your vet). This way, if a situation arises where your dog requires medical treatment, you will have the information you need at hand.
dog travel crate
Dog crates are a great way to keep your dog safe in the car and are a must for air travel. It can also prevent your pet from getting into trouble at the hotel or host's home. Crates are available at most pet supply stores. Fill your chosen crate with dog essentials like orthopedic dog crate pads, favorite dog toys, and a dog water bottle, and your pet is ready to go.
When purchasing a dog crate, look for the following features:
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- Large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down.
- It comes with a handle and grip, and there are no protrusions inside, making it durable.
- Leak-proof bottom covered with absorbent material.
- Opposite ventilation with outer rim or knob to prevent airflow blockage
- It includes a “live animal” label, an arrow pointing to the upright position, and the owner's name, address, and phone number.
dog identification
If your dog gets lost while traveling, ensuring your dog is properly identified can increase the chances of recovery.
- Make sure you have a sturdy dog leash and collar. The collar must have an identification tag with your dog's name, your name, home phone number, and proof of rabies vaccination. If you plan to travel for more than a few days, consider purchasing a second identification tag for him with the location and phone number of your vacation destination.
- Give your dog a permanent form of identification, such as a microchip AKC Reunite.
- Please bring a recent photo of your dog and a copy of its health record showing all recent vaccinations.
traveling by car with your dog
- Get your dog used to the car by letting him in the car with you without leaving your driveway, and then taking him for short rides in the car.
- Prevent carsickness by letting your dog travel on an empty stomach. However, always make sure you have enough water.
- Keep your car well ventilated. If your dog is in a crate, make sure to allow fresh air to flow into the crate.
- To keep your dog safe, consider a dog seat belt or dog car seat.
- Do not allow your dog to ride with its head sticking out of an open window. This may lead to eye injury.
- Never put your dog in the back of an open truck. This is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious injury or death.
- Stop frequently for exercise and bathroom breaks. Be sure to clean up after your dog.
- Car rides can be boring for everyone, so teach your children not to tease or irritate your dog in the car.
- Never leave your dog in a closed car, especially during the summer. Follow these summer safety tips for dogs.If you need to leave your car, have someone in your household stay with your dog.
fly with a dog
- If you are traveling by air, plan on seeing your veterinarian before your trip. A health certificate must be submitted to the airline at least 10 days before the trip. A rabies vaccination certificate is also required. Your dog must be at least 8 weeks old and weaned.
- Airlines have made it clear that it is the owner's responsibility to ensure the dog's health and ability to fly. Ask your veterinarian whether it's best to keep your dog calm while traveling. Also, be sure to check the temperatures at your flight departure and destination, as it can be too hot or too cold for your dog.
- Federal regulations prohibit the transportation of live animals under certain conditions. For specific rules regarding pet travel, please review the U.S. Department of Transportation's Pet Travel Guidelines and U.S. Agricultural Departure Regulations.
- Please note that each airline has its own differences in terms of policies and services. For example, an airline may not allow you to use a crate if it does not meet their requirements. However, your dog may be allowed in the cabin if the crate or carrier fits under the seat in front of you.
- When making a reservation, please be sure to include your dog. There are limits to the number of animals allowed on each flight. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Traveling with your dog by train, bus, or boat
Those planning to travel by train or bus may be disappointed. Only dogs under 20 pounds are allowed on Amtrak trains (there is also a $25 fee). Dogs are not allowed on buses operated by Greyhound or other interstate bus companies. (Service dogs are allowed.) Local train and bus companies have their own policies.
You might do better if you go on a cruise. However, before you plan to take your dog on a cruise, you should check the policies of the cruise line or ship you are traveling on.
Are you planning a trip abroad with your pet? Read how to safely travel abroad with your pet.
Tips for traveling with a dog
- Plan a bathroom break. Teach your dog to relieve himself in a variety of places, not just the grass, before leaving the house. Being able to go to the bathroom on a variety of terrains, such as concrete, mulch, and gravel, not only reduces discomfort, but also reduces the likelihood of accidents, such as on the road. Please bring a poop bag and leash for cleanup.
- Please bring your own games and toys. Give your dog new toys and some old favorites to keep him from getting bored. You may want to include puzzle-type toys to keep them occupied.
- Pack food and water. Talk to your veterinarian about giving your dog only bottled water when you're out and about to avoid upset stomachs. Also, instead of using a regular bulky bowl, buy a collapsible bowl and get him used to using it a week or so before your trip.
Hotels and inns where you can stay with dogs
- Research ahead of time to find out which hotels and motels at your destination or along your route allow dogs. Many properties do not allow dogs or may have size restrictions.
- If dogs are allowed in the hotel, please be respectful of other guests, staff, and facilities.
- Keep your dog as quiet as possible.
- Never leave your dog unattended. Many dogs will bark or destroy things if left alone in strange places.
- Ask the manager how far you should walk your dog and pick him up after. Do not leave any stains.
- Please keep in mind that bad experiences with dog guests may cause hotel management to refuse to accommodate other dogs. Be considerate of others and keep rooms and grounds in good condition.
- Protect your villa (or room) from puppies. Before you let your dog run free away from home, make sure it's a safe place for your dog to explore. Make sure that electrical cords are out of reach and that previous occupants haven't left anything on the floor or under furniture that could harm your dog.
Don't forget, today is a holiday. Traveling can be stressful, but calm owners usually have calm pets. Animals sense our stress, so if you're nervous and tense, your dog is likely to show stress and anxiety too. Remember that some dogs don't like to travel, while others prefer to stay at home with a dog sitter.
