Traveling with Your Dog

It’s vacation time and you need to consider whether you will be taking your dog with you or leaving him behind. Part of your decision will be the kind of vacation you want to take and where. Make your decision early so you can adequately plan arrangements for him in either case.

Travel is Stressful on Your Dog
Traveling may be fun for you, but it is stressful for your dog, causing confusion and anxiety. Dogs are creatures of habit and routine. They are happiest when they are in familiar surroundings. As much as you want to have your dog with you, this is the time to think of him and what he needs as opposed to what you want. There will be situations where leaving Fido behind is better than taking him with you. If your dog is not well-behaved and well-trained, it would be better to leave him at home.

If you are planning on taking him, you need to plan and make arrangements in advance to avoid any surprises or catastrophes along the way. Call all locations you are planning on visiting and ask if they allow dogs. If they do, also ask if there are any restrictions.

Make Sure Shots are Up-to-date
You will need a certificate of health from your vet and a record of up-to-date shots if you are planning on crossing the border or flying with your dog. Your dog should wear his collar at all times while traveling. Make sure your dog has an identification tag with your contact information attached to his collar along with another form of identification such as a micro-chip or tattoo.

BYOF: Bring Your Own Food
Bring enough of your dog’s regular food to cover the duration of your trip, plus a few extra meals in case you are delayed in returning home for any reason. It’s best to take the food with you, rather than banking on being able to find his brand of food in the location you are traveling to. It is also helpful to pre-portion his food in single-serve packages. Also make sure you have sufficient water for him. Bottled water is preferable as your dog can get sick from drinking water in a strange location. Travel food and water bowls are convenient to have as you can fold them up and put them away when your dog is finished with his meal. It also saves having to carry heavier ceramic bowls, which can break in transit.

Clean Up After Your Dog
Remember to be a good citizen and be diligent about cleaning up after your dog. Nobody wants to stumble upon your dog’s poop.

What to Pack for Your Dog:
   Food & treats
   Bottled Water
   Food and water dishes
   Collar & Leash with ID tags
   Towels to dry off with
   Blankets or a dog bed
   First Aid Kit for Dogs
   Grooming tools – brushes, de-shedding tool etc.
   Toys and bones
   Poop bags
   Any medication your dog may be taking

Staying In a Hotel with Your Dog
These days, there are many pet-friendly hotel options available to pet owners. It is still a good idea to book ahead, letting the reservation staff know that you are bringing a dog with you. Most hotels set aside specific rooms as pet rooms, so even though a hotel allows pets, once they sell out of their pet-friendly rooms, you may be out of luck. Be prepared to pay a little extra for having Fido stay with you.

Don't Leave your Dog Alone
Never leave your dog alone in the hotel room. Your dog is in a strange environment, with new smells, people and sounds that he is not used to. Dogs in strange situations can bark more than they would if they were at home. No matter how well-trained a dog is, you may find that he barks continuously while you are gone, disturbing others or he may cause damage to the hotel room.

Find a "Pet-Friendly" Hotel
Look for hotels that don’t just allow pets, but are pet-friendly. They will have additional services and perks that cater to your furry friend.

can help you find those hotels that will take good care of your pet.