Travelling with a pet can be a great way to make your vacation more enjoyable, but it’s important to make sure that you and your pet are both prepared before you hit the road.
Whether it’s a short road trip or a long flight, preparing your dog for the journey ahead of time will ensure that both of you have a safe and stress-free experience. Read more for our tips on how to prepare your pup for travel:
Tips for Travelling With Your Dog
Visit the Vet
Before you begin any trip with your pet, take them to the vet for a check-up. This is especially important if you plan on travelling by plane, as many airlines require proof of good health from an accredited veterinarian before allowing pets onboard.
Your vet can also provide helpful tips for keeping your pup comfortable during the journey, such as providing medications or special diets if necessary.
They may suggest natural methods, like Honest Paws’ CBD Treats, to soothe your pet during the journey. With that said, you should always ask your vet if certain CBD products are safe for animal consumption before feeding them to your dog.
Update Identification
Make sure that all of your dog’s identification tags are up to date with their most recent address and phone number in case they get lost along the way.
It’s also a good idea to carry extra copies of their vaccination records in case you need to prove that they have been vaccinated against rabies or other illnesses during the trip.
Familiarise Yourself with Travel Restrictions
Different airlines have different restrictions when it comes to bringing pets onboard planes or even into certain countries. Hence, it’s important to familiarise yourself with these rules before booking tickets or making plans.
Additionally, some places may not allow pets at all or may charge extra fees if they are allowed inside. Look into any relevant policies of your hotel, Airbnb or resort beforehand so you know what kind of accommodations will be available for your dog during the trip.
Prepare Your Dog for Transportation
If you plan on taking public transportation such as buses or trains, get your pup used to riding in enclosed spaces such as cars beforehand so they don’t feel overly stressed once they get there.
Consider the size of your dog and plan accordingly. For small dogs like Cavoodles and Yorkshire terriers, invest in some type of carrier that can easily fit under a seat and keep them secure while travelling. This will also help prevent them from getting loose and getting injured while on board.
For larger dogs like German Shepherds and Pitbulls, bring a crate designed for air travel and make sure you get them comfortable with being away with you, as your dog may be away from you for the entire duration of your flight, plus the time it takes to check them onto the plane.
Practice Good Pet Etiquette
Always remember that not everyone may love animals as much as you do. Teach your dog basic commands like “sit” and “stay” so they can remain calm when visiting public spaces.
Be considerate of other travellers by keeping your pup quiet and making sure they relieve themselves in designated areas away from people and other animals.
Pack Necessary Supplies
When packing for your pet, always include plenty of food and water along with toys and treats that they enjoy. This will help keep them entertained during long trips away from home and provide comfort during stressful times like takeoffs and landings (if flying).
You should also pack any medications that they might need during the trip as well as their favourite blanket or pillow for added comfort in unfamiliar places. Just make sure not to pack anything too bulky if space is limited.
Prepare for Emergencies
It’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit handy in case of any minor injuries or illnesses while travelling with your dog. Have a list of nearby veterinarian offices at the ready as well in case of serious accidents or illnesses during the trip.
If you’re going somewhere remote or dangerous far away from emergency medical attention, consider whether you have the expertise required to treat any injuries your dog may get.
Once at your destination, it’s important to be mindful of how much freedom your pup has since there may be unfamiliar people or animals around that could put them in danger if they wander off too far.
Bring along a leash at all times in case of emergency so that you always have control over where they go and what they do. Even well-trained dogs can become skittish and agitated in unfamiliar situations.
Also, don’t forget about yourself – travelling with a four-legged companion can add an extra layer of responsibility so it’s important to take breaks when necessary and enjoy some downtime together as well.
Taking time away from sightseeing or other activities will give both of you time to relax after long days of adventure so that everyone returns home happy and healthy.
