If you’re going on a short trip for a few days, going a long distance, or overseas, then it’s best to leave your dog at home with a pet sitter. They would miss you terribly, but it would be more comfortable at home. If it’s absolutely necessary, however, then here are some tips on how to travel safely with your best friend.
I’ll be discussing how to travel with them by car, plane, boat, and train.
Car
Traveling with your dog by car is definitely the easiest way to go. It’s best to have them in their crate while driving, so they’re not distracting you, as well as them being as comfortable as possible. If your crate is too big to be open in your car, try a doggy seat belt.
Depending how long and how far you’ll be traveling, you want to make sure you give them plenty of water, have some food for them, and make plenty of rest stops for them to relieve themselves and stretch.
Train
Traveling by train is the next easiest method. Depending on which line you use, you’ll want to make sure if they allow pets, as well as if they need to be in a carrier. Just like car travel, you’ll want to make sure they have plenty of water and food if necessary. If you’re going on a long train ride, let your dog relieve themselves at rest stops every so often.
Boat
Same with train travel, you’ll want to do research on which cruise lines allow pets on board. Some cruises allow your dog within your cabin, but some require you to have them in the ship’s kennel.
If the ship’s kennel is the only option, make sure the kennel is safe and clean. You’ll also want to check on your pup to make sure they’re doing okay.
Plane
Traveling by plane will probably be the most difficult. Unless you’re traveling overseas, traveling by car would be the best option compared to taking a plane.
First, you’ll need to contact the airline that your dog will be traveling with you.
- You’ll want to ask if they can sit in the cabin with you.
- This will depend on their size.
- If they’re too big, they’ll need to be placed in the cargo hold.
- If your dog has a short snout, the cargo hold is going to be a hard no, since these types of dogs have difficulty breathing.
- You’ll need to ask what specific type of carrier they require.
- Ask if you need any special health requirements
- This will be mandatory if you’re going overseas.
- If you are traveling overseas, you’ll need to do research on what your dog needs for that specific country to allow them in.
- If your dog has to fly in the cargo hold, ask if you can watch them load and unload your dog.
You’ll need to let your vet know if you’re traveling by air or overseas, so they can prepare the necessary vaccinations and sleep medications for your dog. If you’re traveling overseas, your dog needs specific vaccinations and an ID chip a few months before you actually plan on traveling.