Traveling with a dog can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both owner and pet. However, it’s important to ensure that all the necessary precautions are taken to keep both the dog and the people around them safe.

From how to prep your dog for a long car ride to how to keep them calm on a plane, here’s everything you need to know to ensure a safe journey with your furry friend.

Preparing Your Dog for Travel

Before embarking on any travels, it’s important to get your pet prepared and accustomed to the experience. Here are a few tips to get you started:.

1. Get Your Dog Used to Their Carrier

Whether you’re flying or driving, your dog is going to be confined to a carrier during the trip. It’s important to get them acclimated to it before you go. Start by leaving it around the house with a few treats or toys inside.

Gradually move onto short car trips so that your dog can understand that it is a safe, protected space.

2. Practice Crate Training

If you’re going to be flying, then your dog is going to be spending an amount of time in a crate. It’s important to ensure that your dog is comfortable in the crate.

Start with short stints – leave your dog in the crate for 15-20 minutes to get them used the idea of being confined. Gradually increase the time your pet spends in the crate to help them adjust and feel comfortable.

3. Visit the Vet

Before traveling with your pet, visit the vet first. Make sure that your dog is up to date with their vaccinations and get any necessary medication to help alleviate travel stress.

If you’re traveling overseas, make sure your dog meets the country’s entry requirements.

4. Get Your Dog Identification

In the event that your dog runs away, you want to be sure that they are identified properly. Make sure that your pet is properly identified with a tag with your home address and phone number, and consider getting them microchipped.

Traveling by Car

Traveling by car is a great way to travel with a pet because it’s familiar and you’re in control. However, there are still a few things you need to keep in mind when traveling with a furry friend.

1. Make Sure Your Dog is Buckled Up

Just like humans, dogs can be seriously injured or killed in a car accident. To keep your dog safe, make sure they are wearing a seat belt or harnessed properly in the car.

Related Article Dog Safety 101: How to Ensure a Safe Car Ride

2. Keep Your Dog Safe Inside the Car

It’s important to keep your dog in the back seat or the cargo area of the car. Make sure they are properly buckled or strapped down so they can’t get injured from sudden stops of accidents.

3. Plan Your Stops

Traveling with a dog means you need to stop frequently for bathroom breaks and exercise. Plan accordingly and find rest stops or parks along the way. Make sure your dog is leashed and kept under your control at all times.

Traveling by Airplane

If you’re traveling a long distance or overseas, you may need to travel by airplane. Flying with a dog can be a little bit more complicated than traveling by car, but it’s still doable.

1. Choose the Right Time of Year to Fly

It’s important to plan your trip so that you’re flying during a time of year when temperatures are mild. Heatstroke is a serious concern for dogs travelling in cargo holds in hot weather.

2. Choose the Right Carrier

It’s important to choose the right carrier for your dog if you are taking them on the plane. Make sure the carrier is the right size for your dog so they can stand up and turn around inside it. It should also have ventilation on all four sides.

3. Familiarize Your Dog with the Carrier

Follow the steps previously mentioned about acclimating your dog to their carrier. It’s important that they feel comfortable. If they are anxious or stressed, it could make the journey difficult for them and the people around them.

4. Book Your Dog’s Flight Early

Not all airlines allow pets, so it important to book your dog’s flight early and make sure that they are allowed on board. Make sure that you provide the airline with all the necessary paperwork required for your pet’s flight.

At Your Destination

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, there are a few other things you need to keep in mind to ensure your dog stays safe and happy during your travels.

1. Make Sure Your Accommodations Allow Pets

It’s important to make sure that the places you’re staying in are pet-friendly. Some hotels, for example, may charge an additional fee for pets or may not allow them at all. Make sure to check in advance to avoid any surprises.

2. Be Mindful of Other People Around Your Dog

Your dog may be friendly, but other people may not be. Always make sure your dog is leashed and well-behaved in public spaces, and ask other people before allowing your dog to interact with them or their pets.

3. Keep Your Dog Safe and Healthy

Your dog’s safety and health is important, even while on vacation. Make sure they are up to date on vaccinations, well-hydrated, and well-fed. Keep them leashed and under your control at all times and avoid letting them wander off on their own.

The Final Word

Traveling with your dog is not only possible, it can be an enjoyable and enriching experience. By following the above tips, you can ensure that you and your furry friend have a safe and memorable trip.