Pets are like family, so even the thought of leaving them behind at a boarding facility can conjure up feelings of separation anxiety. With that in mind, it’s no surprise a survey revealed approximately 77 percent of pet owners admit that their travel plans are influenced by their furry friends. While some people want their four-legged friend along for the ride for personal reasons, a service animal may be necessary for those with a physical or mental disability. For recovery survivors, a pet can help minimize feelings of stress and anxiety on the road while alleviating symptoms of depression — especially when spending time outdoors. So, if you’re planning on hitting the road anytime soon, make sure you’re prepared so that your pet stays happy and healthy.
To Fly Or Not To Fly
When it comes to flying the friendly skies with your pet, there have been a lot of regulatory changes lately, so it’s best to check with the specific airline you plan on flying with so you’re privy to their rules and regulations for carry-on. As a general rule of thumb, you need to make your reservation over the phone — there’s an extra fee attached. Only one pet per passenger is allowed and the animal (cat or dog) must be contained (from gate-to-gate) in an escape- and leak-proof carrier that’s properly ventilated. Make sure you have your vaccination certificates and identification tags on hand in case of an emergency. Larger dogs will need to be crated and placed in the cargo section of the plane, but you really need to consider your dog’s age and temperament before making this decision, as it can be extremely stressful for the animal. If you do go this route, consider a sedative (never a tranquilizer), give them a piece of your clothing or an object with a familiar smell, and make sure they have plenty of water. Avoid traveling in extreme temperatures, as that can adversely affect the conditions.
Plan A Dog-Friendly Road Trip
Providing you don’t have a car sick pooch, it can be easier than ever to take a road trip. All it takes is a little careful planning to make the excursion a success for both of you. Consider pet-friendly destinations near a beach, national park, or forest preserve so you can ensure you’ll both get ample exercise.
- What to pack: If you have a high-energy dog that won’t sit still, make sure you have a crate or carrier that’s large enough to give him/her the freedom to move about. A bed, blanket, and toys are also necessities. It’s important to take regular breaks so the both of you can stretch your legs and take care of personal business, so have a leash on hand. Keep treats, food, and a collapsible water bowl in the car for feeding times, and don’t forget vitamins or any applicable medications. Scan medical records (including proof of vaccination) on a USB drive so you don’t have to carry around a file folder full of documents. It’s not a bad idea to upload a photo of your pooch in case you two become separated.
- Research your destination: Prevent a situation where you get turned away for having a dog. Do some research in advance to ensure the lodging (from hotel to home rental), restaurants, and activities are pet-friendly. You’re likely to be surprised at how many options are out there! Make sure you look into the regulations for animals if you’re traveling internationally.
No matter your method of transport, always make sure you have your dog’s medications, as well as a first aid kit. It’s not a bad idea to give your pooch bottled water — especially when traveling abroad. Don’t feed your dog for a few hours before departing, and take a long walk beforehand. Try to maintain the same routine for feeding, sleeping, walks, etc. as you do at home so there aren’t any adjustment issues.
Traveling with a pet adds an extra layer to making travel plans. But with a little research and planning, you and your furry friend can have happy travels.
Article Submitted By Aurora James.
Like most dog owners, I enjoy spending as much time with my pup as possible, and sometimes that means bringing him with me to dog-friendly restaurants and shops.
He’s very well-trained so I trust him to behave properly around other dogs and humans. And before bringing him to a business, I always make sure I know their rules regarding dogs.
Unfortunately, not all dog owners keep close tabs on their pup’s behavior when out in public. At DogEtiquette, we thought it might be good to come up with some hard and fast rules for dog owners to follow when bringing their pets to coffee shops, specifically, and we’ve included them in a new infographics. – AuroraVisit her on her website DogEtiquette.info.
Photo Credit: Pixabay