Are you planning a vacation but don’t want to leave your furry best friend behind? Travelling with a dog can be a great experience, but it requires careful planning and preparation. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about travelling with a dog, from transportation options to accommodation, and even the best dog-friendly destinations.
Before you hit the road, you need to decide how you’re going to travel with your dog. Depending on how far you’re travelling and your budget, there are several transportation options available.
Travelling by Car
Driving is a great way to travel with your furry friend. However, before embarking on a road trip, prepare your dog for the trip by taking them on short trips a few days before the planned road trip. Bring your dog’s favorite toy and attach it securely to the safety seat belt to keep them entertained. Ensure that your pets have good visibility and are comfortable. The use of cages is also a convenient way to transport your dog, and they are safer in the event of a crash.
Travelling by Plane
Air travel can be stressful both for you and your furry friend. Ensure you get your dog familiar with its transportation carrier a few days before your air travel. Also, visit your vet to certify that your dog is fit to fly and get the necessary paperwork prepared before boarding.
Consult the airline and study their policies concerning travelling with your pet. Most airlines have restrictions regarding pet travel during certain times, weather conditions and breed of the dog.
Ensure that your dog is familiar with flying, and you can establish a feeding and exercise schedule that will coincide with the flight time. Use ID tags with the dog’s name, address, contact number, and details on the carrier.
Travelling by Train
Like air travel, each train company has specific policies on travelling with pets. Ensure that your dog is well-behaved, healthy and well-groomed. There should be a designated pet area and a safety leash to ensure the dog’s comfort while aboard. Feeding and exercise routine should also be planned to avoid any mishap while on board.
Travel Essentials
Before travelling, pack a bag with all the necessary essentials that your dog needs such as food, toys, and grooming supplies. Pack enough food for the entire duration of the trip. Bring familiar toys, blankets, and treats, that will help put your dog at ease.
In case of an injury or illness, include a first-aid kit in your bag. Medication for motion sickness, digestive issues and anxiety can also be added.
Accommodation
When searching for accommodation, you need to make sure they’re dog-friendly or accept pets. Here are some options:
Hotel: Several hotel chains are dog-friendly and allow you to bring your furry friend, but they usually charge an extra fee. Some hotels even offer dog amenities, such as a dog bed, bowls, and treats.
Vacation rental: If you’re looking for more space and privacy, a vacation rental can be a good option. Several websites, such as Airbnb and Vrbo, allow you to search for dog-friendly rentals, and some offer a fenced yard or dog run.
Camping: If you’re an outdoorsy person, camping can be a great way to bond with your dog. Many camping grounds allow dogs, but you need to check their rules and regulations. Some camping grounds may require your dog to be on a leash or have vaccinations.
Dog-Friendly Destinations
When planning your trip, you need to consider the destination and activities that are suitable for your dog. Here are some dog-friendly destinations and activities to consider:
Beaches: Many beaches allow dogs during the off-season, or have dog-friendly sections. Check the beach’s rules and regulations before you go, and bring along plenty of water, shade, and sunscreen for your dog.
National Parks: Many national parks allow dogs, but you need to follow their rules and regulations. Dogs usually need to be on a leash, and some trails may be off-limits for dogs.
Dog parks: If your dog loves to socialize, seek out a dog park in the area. Dog parks offer a fenced area where dogs can run and play off-leash, and some even provide agility equipment.
Travelling with a dog can be an enjoyable experience, but it takes careful planning and preparation. Before you hit the road, make sure to decide on the transportation option that suits you, research dog-friendly accommodations, and consider dog-friendly destinations and activities. With proper preparation and a positive attitude, you and your furry best friend can have a paw-some adventure.
