If you are hitting the road for a vacation, or an extended time away from home, you want to make sure your dog is well taken care of during this time. Some people may simply put their dog in a kennel or hire a pet sitter, but these days, it is not uncommon to travel with your pet. If you have a dog that travels well, then you may want to consider bringing him along for the ride. Traveling with your dog does take some planning, so here are some things you will want to consider before heading out.
Get Your Dog a Checkup
Make sure your dog is healthy and ready to go. Before you even consider leaving the house with your dog, you need to make sure he is well enough to travel. A quick trip to the vet will help you feel at ease. Older pets or pets that are on medication may not travel well, so keep this in mind.
You will also want to ask your vet to get your pet updated on all routine vaccinations, including kennel cough, and have all the paperwork in hand when you leave the office. Take your dog’s proof of vaccinations with you while you travel.
ID Your Dog
You never know when your dog may run away from you or get lost. The best form of identification is a microchip. Your vet can do this for you. While it is a little more expensive than regular tags, you will have peace of mind knowing your dog has the right kind of identification that won’t fall off or get lost. Even if your dog is microchipped, go ahead and put a collar on him along with the current id tags and a rabies tag.
Choose Lodging that Accepts Dogs
Make sure your dog is welcome to your vacation spot. Whether you are traveling to Uncle Bob’s house or a luxury seaside villa, make sure there are accommodations where your dog will be accepted. There are many places that will not allow you to have pets, and then there are some hotels that will. Make sure you call ahead and find out before you leave. The last thing that you want to happen is to arrive at your destination only to find out that you will have to kennel your dog in a strange town.
Check Flight Requirements
If you are flying with your dog, you will need to take the time to check out the flight requirements. You may have to pay to have your dog fly, and there are probably some type of precautions and guidelines you must follow. Call ahead and find out before you leave.
Bring Along Dog Supplies
Make sure you have packed all of your dog supplies when you leave on your trip, including toys, shampoo, and bedding. If your dog eats special food, make sure you have an adequate supply. If you are driving, bring along a traveling water bowl, a blanket, and some dog treats. Also, if your dog takes medication, don’t forget to bring it along. Also, don’t forget that you will need to clean up after your dog no matter where you go, so bring along plenty of plastic bags for the trip.
Your dog will enjoy a vacation as much as you. Many people are finding comfort and fun when they know they can take their cherished pooch on a vacation. With a little planning, you can be sure that you and your dog will have a great vacation.
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