How to Travel with your Dog

Travelling with your dog can be a wonderful experience. Relaxing and enjoying the finer things in life while enjoying a change of scenery is lovely, especially when doing so with your furry companion. Animals are great traveling companions, so a road trip with your pet can be wonderful. However, if you’re someone who plans to do so, there are some things to bear in mind. Here’s how to travel with your pet dog, via road, rail, or air.

Dog Transportation by Road

It is necessary to be prepared while travelling, given how there is no guarantee of any facilities when on the move. Carry a first aid kit, collars, leashes, water bottles and bowls, and toys. Bring along a spare pillow or blanket for them to sprawl on when out of their crate. As a safety precaution, schedule a visit with your vet for a pre-travel checkup and carry a medicine pouch with you. Make sure your pet is microchipped, as a microchip is the only proof of identity a pet has.

It is important to get your pet used to being in a car, if your pet is not accustomed to a car already. Before making a big trip, take your pet out for shorter drives so they can get used to the environment of a vehicle and become comfortable traveling in it. Carry their favorite toys and treats and sit in a stationary car so they can relax without the stress of traveling. By extension, crate training is required for your pet, as they will be spending considerable amounts of time in it. Follow the same process of acclimation as the car; start small, give them love and treats for interacting with the crate freely, take them on shorter journeys before going on a long one, and leave their favorite toy with them.

It is also wise to plan your rest and refreshment stops before embarking on any journey. Be sure to check beforehand whether the rest stop/hotel/accommodation you booked is pet-friendly, cozy and clean. Calling the property is always advised to get up-to-date information and avoid a situation where you are denied a booking due to out-of-date information on their end.

While stopping for bathroom breaks or fuel stops, make sure your pet is secure before opening any doors or windows and is leashed inside the car. New sights and smells may overwhelm your pet in an unfamiliar setting, so remember to be patient. Make sure to also carry some dry food with you, in case the refreshments and catering services are not up to par.

It is important to note, an un-leashed dog inside can deviate your focus from the road, which is not a good thing. Smaller dogs should also be carried in crates. If you have a larger dog who isn’t comfortable in a crate, belt them in their seat and attach their leash to the belt or a secure location. A pup poking its head outside a window is adorable but can be dangerous as well.

Dog Transportation by Rail

When travelling by train, it is important to prepare appropriately. You should always accompany your pet in a train carriage as their owner, or at least make sure someone you trust can do the same. You should be able to take care of their basic needs, such as their toilet breaks and food, and make sure they are comfortable. You also need to make your bookings wisely; if your pet is with you, it is likely you will have to book a whole compartment for their comfort.

Once again, it is important to get your pet used to being in a confined space. When travelling with your pet via train, there are various previously unknown sights and smells which they will interact with. As a pet parent, it is your job to make them comfortable and at ease in such a situation. Try socially training your pup so they can become accustomed to the hustle and bustle of human life and not feel any nervousness. Make sure to crate train your pup as well, in case they need to be moved around in a crate.

Dog Transportation by Air

Given the short travel time and ability to travel across longer distances, flying is often the preferred means of transportation for pets. The next question you might ask is, given how safe it is, how can I carry my pet on a flight?

Flying with a pet is not a risky process if you prepare properly. Consult your vet and schedule a check-up and get a clean bill of health before any travel. Make sure your fur baby’s vaccinations are up-to-date and that their vaccination book reflects that. Make sure to carry your original documents and a copy of each to ensure hassle-free travel. The same goes for your pet.

When flying your pup, you will have to choose an IATA-approved pet crate. Such a crate is designed specifically to be strong and sturdy on the ground and in a flight. If you have a larger dog, buy a crate that is slightly larger than them, so they have the maximum possible space during the flight.

It is important to specify the plane you’re flying in to have a temperature and pressure-controlled cargo hold. A good animal travel company can verify if an airline has a reliable reputation for transporting pets, and if their plane has a temperature-controlled cargo hold. Such a company can also make sure that your pet has sufficient food and water before take-off.

Flying your pet can come across as a more laborious process when compared to roadways or railways, but that tends to happen with every area of air travel. If you are unsure about the documentation process or feel hassled by the airline’s requirements, you can always choose a pet travel company to assist you with your relocation needs.