Traveling With Your Canine Companion
1. Crates
A crate is an excellent way to ensure your dog's safety in the car and is mandatory for airline travel. It can also prevent your pet from getting into trouble in a hotel or at your host's home. You can find crates in most pet supply stores. Fill the crate with essential items, such as a comfortable mat, your dog's favorite toy, and a water bottle, to keep your pet comfortable during the journey.
When purchasing a dog crate, look for these features:
- Large enough for the dog to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably
- Strong, with handles and grips, and free of interior protrusions
- Leak-proof bottom covered with absorbent material
- Adequate ventilation on opposing sides to ensure proper airflow
- Label indicating "Live Animal," arrows for the upright position, and owner's name, address, and phone number.
Identification
In case your dog gets lost during the trip, increase the chances of recovery by ensuring proper identification:- Use a sturdy leash and collar with identification tags displaying your dog's name, your name, and your home phone number, along with proof of rabies shots. For longer trips, consider adding a second tag with the vacation location's contact details.
- Consider permanent identification, such as a microchip (see AKC Reunite).
- Carry a recent picture of your dog and a copy of their health records listing recent vaccinations.
- Traveling by Car
- Get your dog accustomed to the car by letting them sit in it without leaving the driveway and gradually going for short rides.
- Prevent carsickness by traveling on an empty stomach but providing plenty of water.
- Keep the car well-ventilated, especially if your dog is in a crate.
- Use a dog seat belt or dog car seat to ensure your dog's safety.
- Avoid letting your dog stick their head out of an open window to prevent eye injuries.
- Never allow your dog to ride in the back of an open truck, as it can lead to severe injuries or death.
- Take regular breaks for exercise and bathroom breaks, and remember to clean up after your dog.
- Instruct your children not to tease or bother the dog during car rides.
- Never leave your dog unattended in a closed vehicle, especially in hot weather. Designate a family member to stay with the dog if necessary.
- Flying
When traveling by plane, visit your vet before the trip. Airlines typically require health certifications issued no more than 10 days before travel. Rabies and vaccination certificates are also mandatory. Your dog should be at least 8 weeks old and weaned. It's the owner's responsibility to verify the dog's health and suitability for flying, as airlines make it clear. Consult your vet about tranquilizing your dog for the trip if necessary. Check the temperatures of the flight's starting and destination points to ensure they are safe for your dog. Note that federal regulations restrict shipping live animals under certain conditions. Refer to the U.S. Department of Transportation's pet travel guidelines and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's pet travel regulations for specific rules. When booking your flight, make sure to reserve a spot for your dog, as there are limits on the number of animals allowed per flight, accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Keep in mind that each airline has its own policies and services. If your crate doesn't meet their requirements, they may not allow its use. However, they might permit your dog in the passenger cabin if the crate fits under the seat in front of you.
Traveling by Train, Bus, or Boat
Train and bus travel with dogs may have limitations. Only dogs under 20 pounds are allowed on Amtrak trains, with a $25 fee. Greyhound and some interstate bus companies do not permit dogs (service dogs are an exception). Local rail and bus companies have their own policies. Cruise lines may be more accommodating, but it's essential to check their specific pet travel policies before making any plans to take your dog on board.
Lodging
Check in advance which hotels or motels at your destination or along your route accept dogs, as many may have size restrictions or not allow dogs at all. If your dog is allowed to stay at a hotel, be considerate of other guests, staff, and the property. Keep your dog as quiet as possible to avoid disturbing others. Never leave your dog unattended in the hotel room, as they may bark or cause damage. Ask the hotel management where you can walk your dog and always clean up after them, leaving no mess behind. Remember that one negative experience with a dog guest could lead to the hotel banning all other dogs, so be mindful of others and maintain good behavior.
Puppy-Proofing Your Vacation Home (or Room) Before allowing your dog to explore their home away from home freely, make sure it's safe by puppy-proofing it. Ensure that electrical cords are out of reach and that there are no potentially harmful items left on the floor or under furniture.
Remember, it's a vacation for both you and your dog. A calm owner usually has a calm pet, as animals pick up on our stress. If you're relaxed, your dog is more likely to be at ease. Keep in mind that not all dogs enjoy traveling, and some may prefer to stay home with a dog sitter.
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