Whether you are moving across the country, relocating because of your new job, going on a long holiday or even a short adventure, packing and preparing for your trip can be a real pain in the neck. If you are a dog owner, you may decide to bring your pet with you. If your dog is tagging along on your trip, you mustn’t forget about its needs. You cannot simply grab your pouch and head out. Packing your dog’s essentials as is important as packing your own suitcase. Here is everything you need to know about travelling with your furry companion.
Pet Policies
Unless you are travelling with your own vehicle, make sure you double check pet policies before booking tickets. If you travel by public transportation, consult the transport operators whether pets are allowed and what are your responsibilities. If you are going on a cruise, check if there are kennel facilities and that they are safe for your pet. The same goes for air travel. After you make certain that pets are welcomed on the flight, find out what are the other requirements. Do they have any special demands in terms of pet health and immunization; what kind of dog carrier is allowed; can you take your pet in the cabin with you? These are some of the questions you’ll need to ask. You should take special precautions if you own a brachycephalic breed because flying can be extremely dangerous for them.
Source: lifelearn.com
Documentation
You mustn’t forget your dog’s medical records, travel documents such as a pet passport along with the pet I.D tag. It is a good idea to have a recent photo of your dog as well. Also, microchip your dog to ensure it won’t get stolen or lost.
Leash and Collar
Your dog may be the friendliest and most adorable pooch, but it doesn’t mean that your fellow travellers feel the same way that you do. Prevent your dog from roaming around with leash and collar, or use a harness. In some countries muzzles are mandatory for every breed. Bring one with you just in case.
Source: scot-petshop.com
Dog Carrier
No matter which form of transportation you use, the safest way for your dog to travel is in a portable dog carrier. The dog carrier you choose should be lightweight for your convenience because you need to be able to carry it around and anchor it to the vehicle. If you are travelling with a plane, before you choose a dog travel crate make certain that it is accepted by the airline. Next thing you want is maximum ventilation and comfort because your pet shouldn’t feel like it is trapped in a cage. Get a portable dog carrier that is tough built and can withstand your pup’s shenanigans. It is also important to know the right size for your dog. A dog travel crate that is too small would make the journey uncomfortable and potentially dangerous because your pup can get stuck or trapped.
Snacks, Food and Water
Bring tasty snacks and treats to reward the goodest boy. Don’t experiment with food before you travel and be careful not to overfeed your pet because it may make it ill. Take your dog’s favorite food with you just in case you don’t find it on the road. Pack collapsible food bowls which take up less space than ordinary ones. Don’t forget to provide your dog with fresh water as well.
Clean Up Essentials
The next thing you’ll need to consider is hygiene. Pack clean up essentials such as poop bags, wet wipes, paper towels, disinfectants, shampoos, conditioners, dental care products and ear cleansers. Don’t forget the brushes and combs to keep your pup’s fur pretty and detangled. Flea and insect repellents also come in handy when travelling along with a pet first aid kit. Proper pet care and hygiene on the go are as important as at home.
Accessories for Fun Travels
Long travels can be boring and if you packed your book, tablet, or Ipad to keep you company, then you shouldn’t forget that your dog can get bored as well. Give your dog its favorite toys to pass time. Plus, travelling and relocating can be stressful for some breeds. If you have a territorial dog, changing his territory can make it anxious and restless. Providing it with its favorite item can make adjusting to the new circumstances easier. If your dog is an absolute sweetheart and doesn’t cause any problems, reward that good behavior with a toy to keep it entertained.
Source: www.pretravels.com
Snoozing on the go
As mentioned above, change in territory can make your dog anxious and long distance travels can be tiring. Comfort your dog by bringing a portable pet bed and a soft blanket for some quality naps. You can choose from roll up travel pet beds or collapsible ones. They are easy to stack and pack and usually lightweight. If you want to treat your dog with a “business class” seat, choose orthopedic pet bed that provides support and comfort.
Pet Clothes and Apparel
Depending on the breed and the destination you are headed to, some pets may need additional protection from weather conditions. Make sure your dog stays warm by bringing a sweater or a jacket.
Do Some Research
After you reach your destination, do some research to find some dog-friendly parks and trails for your pet to explore. Before hitting tourist attractions or restaurants, see if your dog is welcomed to avoid any last minute change in plans. You can also install some apps which will help you locate pet-friendly spots on the go.
Travelling with your dog can be a fun experience for the both of you if you plan carefully. You need to be prepared for any scenario in order to avoid unnecessary troubles. Create a checklist for the essential things or use a ready made one to make sure that you are ready for your adventure.
