Traveling with your furry companion can be fun and rewarding when done properly. However, to ensure your dog’s comfort, safety, and compliance with regulations, advance preparation is key. This article outlines the 3 most important areas to address when planning a trip with your canine companion.
Have Proper Identification and Health Records
Before embarking on any trip, you’ll need to make sure you have appropriate identification and health documentation for your dog.
Ensure your dog’s ID tags are securely fastened and up-to-date with your current contact information. Have a secondary ID tag with a phone number of someone at your travel destination as an additional precaution. Update their microchip registration with travel dates and destination contact info.
Contact your veterinarian about obtaining a health certificate or animal health report showing your dog’s vaccinations are current. This is required for air travel and may be needed when crossing state lines or international borders. Get any booster shots your vet recommends. Also ask for copies of all medical records and vaccination documents to carry with you.
Having proper ID and documentation will ensure compliance with regulations, assist in returning a lost dog, and provide critical medical history if your dog needs veterinary care while traveling.
Prepare Medications and First Aid Supplies
Make sure you pack prescribed medications, treatments, and first aid supplies when traveling with a dog:
- Bring enough of your dog’s regular prescriptions to last the entire trip duration. Consider packing an extra supply in case you are delayed returning home.
- Ask your vet for motion sickness medication if your dog may get car sick or struggle on flights. Have the appropriate doses on hand.
- Pack a pet first aid kit. Include bandages, gauze, tweezers, tape, antibiotic ointment, cotton swabs, nitrile gloves, scissors, etc.
- Also bring human versions of any medications your dog may need like Benadryl, antibacterial ointment, or anti-diarrheal medication. Know proper dosing.
- Research where you can get medications refilled if needed during your travels.
Having medications and a first aid kit helps manage travel stress and allows you to promptly treat minor injuries and ailments. This preparedness greatly aids your dog’s health on the road.
Ensure Your Dog’s Comfort and Safety
Take steps to help your dog feel comfortable, adapted, and secure throughout your travels:
- If needed, get your dog gradually used to airline crates or travel harnesses/carriers in advance through positive reinforcement training.
- Set up any baby gates, pens, or barriers you may need to keep your dog safely contained in vehicles, hotel rooms, rental homes, etc. Bring familiar bedding.
- Pack their regular food, dishes, toys and anything else that brings a sense of home and comfort.
- Have proper leashes needed for activities like hiking, running, or strolling city streets. Bring clean-up bags.
Helping your dog feel safe and adapted while traveling reduces stress and anxiety for both you and your pet.
Additional Helpful Preparations
Some other recommended preparations include:
- Arranging pet care for any animals remaining at home.
- Researching lodging and destination policies/amenities for traveling with pets. Look for pet-friendly stops along your route.
- Packing waste clean-up supplies, scented bags, paper towels, stain and odor remover in case of accidents.
- Considering dog boarding or sitting if your plans may pose challenges for bringing your pet.
Being prepared for the unexpected makes travel with dogs go much more smoothly.
Make Travel Worry-Free with Advance Preparation
Taking time to ensure proper identification, health records, medications, comfort provisions, and accident supplies means you can travel worry-free with your valued canine companion. Keeping your dog healthy, safe, and adapted while on the road prevents problems and reduces stress for the both of you. Use this guide to make travel easy and enjoyable for you and your furry friend.
Preparing for Different Modes of Transport
- Air Travel – Get dog comfortable with his airline crate, consider sedative for anxious dogs, attach food/water bowls to crate, pack potty pads. Know airline pet policies.
- Car Travel – Use secured crate or doggy seat belt, pack favorite toys/treats, plan frequent potty/exercise stops. Never leave dog in hot car.
- Trains/Buses – Contact carrier for pet policies, use an approved carrier, plan bathroom breaks at stations.
- RV Camping – Dog-proof interior so no dangerous access, setup barrier when exiting camper, keep dog leashed outdoors.
Handling Lodging with Your Dog
- Scout accommodations ahead of time and confirm policies.
- Ask about pet fees, size restrictions, number allowed, shared-room policies.
- Reserve pet friendly floor/wing. Request early checkout for cleaning.
- Inspect room for hazards. Keep dog crated if alone. Keep “Do Not Disturb” sign on door.
- Place dog beds, bowls, toys in room right away so it feels familiar.
Adjusting to a New Environment
- Maintain feeding, walking, play routines as much as possible.
- Bring familiar items like favorite toy or blanket.
- Give special chews/treats in new environments to associate positively.
- Be vigilant supervising your dog in unfamiliar settings.
Conclusion
Preparing for a trip with your dog involves more than just packing their food, toys, and accessories. You must also be ready to provide proper identification, important medications, safety provisions, and general care while away from home. Making these advance preparations, even for short getaways, helps ensure your dog stays healthy, adapted, and compliant with regulations along the journey. While traveling with a pet takes some extra planning, your furry companion will be ready for adventure with you when you follow these tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
What identification should I have for travel with my dog?
Have their collar ID tags, microchip registration, health certificates, and proof of vaccinations. Also take photos.
What should I pack in a pet first aid kit?
Pack gauze, tape, tweezers, scissors, antibiotic ointment, Cotton swabs, nitrile gloves, bandages, saline, thermometer, ice/heat pack, etc.
Can I give my dog OTC medications?
Yes, but consult your vet on proper OTC dosing for your dog’s size and condition. Never give medications made for humans only.
What should I feed my dog while traveling?
It’s best to stick to their normal diet. Bring enough of their regular food or buy the same formula at your destination.
How do I find pet-friendly accommodations?
Look for lodgings advertised as pet-friendly. Call ahead to confirm policies, fees, and availability of pet rooms/floors.
What if my dog gets anxious away from home?
Bring familiar items like their bed, dishes, or toys. Maintain routines like feeding times, walks, and playtime. Use calming treats or anti-anxiety medications if prescribed.
