Nowdays lot of people doesn't want to leave their pets at home and they want to travel with their pet and wants to enjoy the every moment of journey with if your planning for the trips with your dog then you should have to make preparation before trip. It will ensure comfortable trip for your dog and you. Below are some tips for you.
1. Consult with your veterinarian: Before traveling, schedule a visit to the vet to ensure your dog is in good health and up to date on vaccinations. If your dog has any specific health concerns or requires medication, discuss these with your vet.
2. Choose pet-friendly accommodations: If you're planning to stay overnight during your trip, make sure to select accommodations that are pet-friendly. Check for hotels, motels, or vacation rentals that allow dogs, and inquire about any restrictions or additional fees.
3. Plan your transportation: Depending on the distance and mode of transportation, you'll need to make appropriate arrangements. If traveling by car, ensure your dog is comfortable with car rides and consider using a safety harness, crate, or barrier to secure them. If traveling by air, check the airline's pet policy, crate requirements, and any necessary paperwork or health certificates.
4. Pack essentials for your dog: Bring along your dog's essentials to make them feel comfortable during the journey. This includes food, water, treats, food and water bowls, a leash, collar with identification tags, bedding, toys, waste bags, any necessary medications, and copies of vaccination records.
5. Prepare for emergencies: Research veterinary hospitals or clinics along your travel route or at your destination, so you know where to go in case of an emergency. Carry a pet first aid kit with basic supplies like bandages, antiseptic, and any necessary medications.
6. Gradually acclimate your dog to travel: If your dog is not used to traveling, gradually acclimate them by taking shorter trips before embarking on a longer journey. This helps them become more comfortable and reduces stress during travel.
7. Provide breaks and exercise: During long road trips, make frequent stops to allow your dog to stretch their legs, relieve themselves, and get some exercise. Bring a leash and find pet-friendly rest areas or parks along the way where your dog can safely roam and play.
8. Keep your dog safe and secure: Whether traveling by car or plane, it's important to keep your dog secure. Use a crate, carrier, or safety harness in the car, and follow all airline regulations if flying with your pet.
9. Maintain a routine: Try to stick to your dog's regular routine as much as possible during travel. Feed them at their usual times, give them exercise, and provide familiar items, such as their own bedding or toys, to create a sense of familiarity.
10. Be mindful of your dog's well-being: Pay attention to your dog's behavior and needs throughout the journey. Offer them plenty of water, keep them comfortable in varying temperatures, and provide reassurance and comfort if they show signs of anxiety or stress.
Now the Main question is coming how your planning trip with dogs. Is it to abroad or its short car trip? As I am also pet owner and I am frequently travelled with my dogs. I will cover both car trip and flight trip.
Travelling By Car
Travelling by car maybe comfortable to your dog and you can make them sit in the footwell at the front of your vehicle, or loosely in the boot area. But here is the some rules about animals for travelling. According to The Highway Code it is the driver’s responsibility to:
“Make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves if you stop quickly.”
With these regulations in place, if you were in an accident caused by your dog distracting you while driving, this could be considered as ‘dangerous driving’. Car insurance providers may also require you to restrain your pet, so it’s best to check your policy.
How should you transport your dog in the car?
Here are some ways to transport dog in car with comfortably.
1. Use a crate or carrier: Secure your dog in a crate or carrier designed for travel. Make sure it is well-ventilated, large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Properly secure the crate using seat belts or other restraints to prevent it from sliding or tipping during the journey.
2. Use a dog seat belt or harness: Alternatively, you can use a dog-specific seat belt or harness that attaches to the car's seat belt system. This allows your dog to sit or lie down comfortably while restricting their movement and preventing them from becoming a distraction to the driver.
Can dogs travel in the front seat of a car?
While it's generally best to transport dogs in the backseat, there may be some exceptions depending on the specific circumstances and vehicle configuration. If you must transport your dog in the front seat, take extra precautions to ensure their safety. Use a seat belt harness or a crate secured with seat belts, and disable the airbags if possible (consult your vehicle's manual for instructions)
How to Making car travel more comfortable for your pet?
1. Reduce anxiety and stress: If your pet experiences anxiety or stress during car travel, consider using calming aids such as pheromone sprays, natural calming treats, or anxiety wraps. Consult with your veterinarian for appropriate options and dosages.
2. Comfortable seating: If your pet is allowed to sit on the seat, consider using a pet-friendly car seat cover or blanket to protect the upholstery and make the seating area more comfortable. It can also help contain any shedding or pet hair.
3. Familiar scents and items: Bring along familiar scents and items from home, such as their bed, favorite blanket, or toys. These familiar scents can help reduce anxiety and make your pet feel more at ease during the journey.
4. Be present and reassuring: Your presence and reassurance can go a long way in keeping your pet calm during car travel. Talk to them in a soothing voice, offer gentle touches, and provide positive reinforcement when they exhibit calm behavior.
Remember that every pet is different, and it may take some trial and error to find the strategies that work best for your furry friend. Pay attention to their comfort level and adjust your approach as needed to ensure a safe and pleasant travel experience for both you and your pet.
Travelling by Plane
In case of flight there is different different policies to transport a pet dog. Its differs from airlines to airlines. Also charges will be vary. If you have small breed dog which is fit in carrier under the sit of you then can carry with you in the cabin and this little bit comfortable for your dog. If you have medium or large breed dog then your dog will be travelling as a cargo in cargo compartment.Most accurately, the limiting factor for which dogs can be carried onto a flight is the size of the dog’s carrier, and how well the dog appears to fit inside it. Here are some tips for your to make your travel smoother.
1. Check airline policies: Before booking a flight, thoroughly review the policies of the airline regarding traveling with pets. Different airlines have specific requirements, restrictions, and fees for pet travel, so it's essential to be aware of them in advance.
2. Choose a pet-friendly airline: Some airlines are more pet-friendly than others. Research and select an airline that has a good reputation for accommodating pets and provides suitable options for their travel.
3. Visit the veterinarian: Schedule a visit to the veterinarian to ensure that your dog is fit for air travel. The vet will conduct a health check, verify that vaccinations are up to date, and issue any necessary certificates or documentation required by the airline.
4. Crate training: Get your dog accustomed to being in a crate or travel carrier well in advance of the flight. Gradually introduce the crate, make it comfortable, and associate it with positive experiences. This will help reduce anxiety during travel.
5. Choose an appropriate crate: Select an airline-approved crate or carrier that meets the size and safety requirements specified by the airline. The crate should be well-ventilated, secure, and large enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
6. Acclimate your dog to the crate: Once you have the crate, allow your dog to spend time inside it in a familiar environment. Gradually increase the duration and associate the crate with positive experiences, such as treats or toys.
7. Book a direct flight if possible: Whenever feasible, choose a direct flight to minimize the overall travel time and the stress associated with layovers or transfers. This will also reduce the chances of your dog getting lost or mishandled during connections.
8. Familiarize yourself with travel regulations: Understand the specific requirements set by the airline and the destination regarding documentation, crate dimensions, labeling, and any additional restrictions. Ensure you have all the necessary paperwork and information ready.
9. Prepare the crate for travel: Place absorbent bedding, familiar toys, and a piece of clothing with your scent in the crate to provide comfort and reassurance to your dog during the journey.
10. Plan for pre-flight exercise and bathroom breaks: Before heading to the airport, give your dog ample exercise to help them feel more relaxed during the flight. Additionally, provide an opportunity for your dog to relieve themselves before entering the airport.
11. Arrive early at the airport: Arrive well in advance of your flight to allow time for check-in procedures and any additional documentation or inspection requirements. This will also give you an opportunity to settle your dog in the crate and address any last-minute needs.
12. Follow security procedures: During security checks, you may need to remove your dog from the crate and carry them through the metal detector while the crate is screened separately. Follow the instructions provided by the airport staff and comply with security protocols.
Remember, each airline may have different guidelines and requirements for traveling with dogs, so it's crucial to review their policies and contact them directly if you have any specific questions or concerns.
Should my dog stay at home instead?
Its depends on how your dog will handle with interacting with new places, how they handle the body stress because of travelling. Some dog became sick after travelling and some are enjoying at new places. Some destinations, although accessible, are not particularly dog-friendly and may not be enjoyable for your pet as a result. In these cases, leaving your dog at home with a trustworthy dog sitter or placing them in reputable boarding kennels might be a better option
