Your dog is a part of the family, so, understandably, you wouldn’t want to leave them at home while you’re off having adventures. But what if you didn’t have to? It’s getting easier and easier to travel with your pet, meaning they can share in your vacations too!
Taking your pet on vacation can help you create some magical memories together. They’ll love discovering new places, smells and your undivided attention – breaking away from the normal routine of home.
Ready to get going? Here are some top tips for traveling with your dog.
Get your plans in order
Vacations need some careful planning at the best of times, but if you plan on traveling with your dog, then you’ll need to kick the plans up a notch. Do your research for the best places to take your pet on vacation – you might be surprised at the possibilities! From a weekend camping to a trip to Europe, your dog could accompany you on adventures around the world!
Some careful planning will help make traveling with your pet much easier, helping to avoid the stress of leaving things until the last minute. It can also help you prepare for any additional costs for your travels, as things might be a little more expensive once you add a dog into the mix.
Find some pet-friendly accommodation
As part of your travels, you will need to find some pet-friendly accommodation. It’s easy to assume that everywhere will accept four-legged guests, but this isn’t always the case. There are some luxury pet-friendly hotels where pets are given a warmer welcome than their owners, getting five-star treatment from treats to personalized robes!
Check out this one dog’s stay at the Ritz in NYC:
@explorewithtravelpass You NEED to add this dog-friendly hotel to your bucket list! 🐶 📍The Plaza located in New York City The Plaza not only welcomes pets, but pampers them too! Check out the link in our bio for discounted rates for The Plaza. 💖 Shoutout to @Shelby for highlighting how dog-friendlt this hotel is!! #plaza #theplazahotel #explorewithtravelpass #travelpass #plazahotelnyc #nycdogfriendly #dogfriendly #dogfriendlyhotels #nychotels #nycdogfriendlyhotels #newyork #tiktokhotels #petfriendlyhotels #petsoftiktok ♬ som original – Vênus
Warning: Your dog may get too used to being treated like royalty.
An alternative to a dog-friendly hotel is an Airbnb or other self-catering accommodation. You’ll need to check the house rules, but it may be a simpler choice of accommodation that can also help you establish some sort of normal routine during your vacation.
Make sure you pack their supplies
Just like traveling with an infant or a child, traveling with a pet is going to require packing a lot of supplies. This can help ensure you pack everything they need to enjoy a relaxed and happy stay. Some of the things you’ll need to pack include:
- Dog food and treats
- A leash and collar or harness – whatever you usually use to walk your dog!
- Doggy bags to pick up after them.
- Blankets
- Dog shampoo
- A brush or comb
- A dog bed (if you’re staying somewhere that doesn’t provide one).
- A pet carrier – find the best one for your pet’s needs.
- Toys
- Any medication they might need.
Even if you leave something at home, you’ll easily find a pet supplies store to help you stock up on what you need.
Prepare them for travel
They say it isn’t always about the destination, it’s the journey. However, that’s not usually the case when it comes to traveling with your dog. Travel can be quite stressful for pets, especially if they experience sickness or are anxious. Some tips to help prepare your pet for travel include:
Get the all-clear from your vet
Before your pet embarks on any long journey, especially if it involves flying, then it’s important to get the all-clear from your vet. They’ll be able to make sure they’re in good health, and ensure they’ve got the necessary vaccinations. Your vet may also be able to advise on methods to keep your pet calm, including any medication that may be suitable for them to help make them less anxious during travel.
Explore different types of travel
There are different ways you can travel with your pet. In the car is the easiest option, as they’ll likely already be familiar with car journeys. You might also be able to take your dog on a train for a simple mode of transport that will allow you to travel with your dog next to you.
Flying with your dog is becoming easier. Many airlines allow dogs in the cabin now, which can reassure you both. Check out airline pet policies to see if they accommodate your pet in the cabin – especially if they’re an emotional support animal. While some owners are happy for their pets to travel in the hold, but it may be stressful for your dog, and not worth the strain if you’re only going away for a short break.
Learn more about what to expect
Traveling with your pet can be easier if you know what to expect. Fortunately, there are plenty of insightful articles and videos that can give you information and tips for travel, like this one:
@remyaroundtheworld If you are flying with your dog in the states you can choose the online option! However, if you are flying with your dog on an international flight with @United Airlines you will need to call their customer service line for in cabin flights! Texas here we come for Christmas! #unitedairlines #dogfriendlyairlines #flyingwithdogs #traveldog #dogfriendlytravel ♬ You’re On Your Own, Kid – Taylor Swift
Build up to it with shorter journeys
If you’re unsure about taking your pet on long journeys, why not build up to it with some shorter journeys first? You can start with shorter car journeys, trains and even short flights. Getting your pet used to travel can make it less frightening, and ensures that it’s the right thing for them. If it becomes too distressing for your dog (or you!) then you can cut your losses and make some alternative arrangements.
Keep them calm
Whether you’re traveling by car, train or plane, it’s important to keep your pet calm on the journey. You may want to give them a sedative or calming aid prescribed by your pet or simply provide them with plenty of reassurance. A long walk before you travel can help make sure your dog is nice and tired, in the hope that they’ll sleep for most of the journey. You can also keep them occupied with treats and chews – so remember to pack their favorites.
Take a look at some additional tips to comfort your pet while flying, which could come in handy for other forms of travel too.
Give them time to adjust
When you arrive at your destination, give your pet time to adjust and explore their surroundings. Everything will be new to them, so it’s good to establish where they’ll be eating, sleeping and going to the bathroom. Allow them to get settled, they’ll be tired after a long journey!
Be respectful
When staying in a hotel room or vacation property, it’s important to respect your surroundings. Dogs can make a mess easily and quickly, so taking steps to prevent this is important. Lay towels and blankets down to protect furniture and use your pet carrier if needed to keep them safe at night.
Enjoy pet-friendly activities
Now the vacation can really begin! Plan plenty of pet-friendly activities to help keep your pooch entertained and make some wonderful memories together. From long walks to pet-friendly restaurants and cafés, there are so many different places you can take your dog. Some cities are more pet-friendly than others, so if you’re somewhere like Paris, you can expect a warm welcome in many places for you and your dog, while New York and LA also have their fair share of dog-friendly places.
Traveling with your dog is an incredible way to enjoy some of the best bits of life together. While it can take a little work, the rewards will be worth it. There’s a whole world out there, so why not explore it with your best friend?
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