October 28, 2021

How To Travel With Dogs

No one wants to leave their furry friend behind when they go on vacation. While traveling with dogs is fun, it can also be stressful at the same time. It can be particularly challenging to find a hotel that allows pets to stay with their guests.

This is why it’s important to take the time and do some research before you travel with dogs. After all, you want to make sure your pup is comfortable, safe, and enjoying their experience, too.

Here are some tips on how to ensure that you and your furry friend have an awesome time exploring new places together.

Safety and Health

If you are going on a long trip and want your dog to come with you, the first step is to take him for an annual check-up at your local veterinarian. Make sure all of his vaccinations are up-to-date. This will be more difficult if he’s never had any before but it can still help protect him against new diseases in an unfamiliar territory.

Find out beforehand about health certifications that might be necessary if you are traveling by plane, depending on where you’re headed. Some countries require that animals have rabies shots while others may need proof they’ve been vaccinated for leptospirosis.

Also, keep in mind that some pets travel better than others so make sure both mental and physical preparations have taken place prior to departure.

Take Several Copies of Your Pet’s Documents

You may need your dog’s health records if you are crossing borders or traveling internationally. This is necessary in order to prove that your furry friend is healthy and vaccinated, so make sure they’re on hand just like a human’s passport for international travel.

Depending on the destination, some countries’ officials may ask to see them. Also, some will keep the originals while others might want a copy of everything. If there is an emergency abroad where it becomes required by law, i.e., rabies control, then healthcare providers can access this information as well without having any contact whatsoever with previous vets, which saves time for both parties involved.

Thus, it is always important to have a spare copy of your pet’s medical records and veterinarian information on hand in case they need care. You should always keep both digital (on your phone) as well as physical (print outs) copies.

Make Sure Your Dog Follows Your Commands

You know what they say, a man’s best friend is his dog. The better-behaved your pup is when you’re out and about town, the better off everyone will be. No one wants to deal with a misbehaving dog who won’t listen.

It’s best to start teaching your dog some basic commands before you hit the road. This way, he’ll be easier to manage while traveling and can stay behind in a hotel room or rental home when you’re taking out time for yourself without worrying about your dog getting into trouble.

Although seeking help from a certified dog trainer can be expensive, it is worth the investment. There are also many resources online to help ensure that your beloved pet will be obedient and ready for the journey.

Never Assume

Dogs are usually allowed in restaurants and hotels, but it’s not a universal policy. Some establishments make exceptions for larger breeds or smaller sized dogs who may cause damage to the hotel furniture.

It is important that you know what type of pet your establishment allows before booking so as not to be disappointed by an “unfriendly” place. When you are in doubt, always ask and never assume that dogs are or aren’t allowed. Whether a place has a pet-friendly policy or not, it is best to double-check just in case your assumptions were wrong, which can lead to confusion and frustration.

Be Respectful

While there are so many great places you can explore with your pet, the fact is you will have some furry friends and not-so-furry folks around you while traveling. Be considerate and understand that it’s okay if people say no when asked about pets being allowed on the premises. No matter where you take your dog during your upcoming trip, try to maintain respect for those nearby.

Human relationships with dogs vary across cultures. You’ll be surprised to see how many dogs roam in the streets in Guatemala. As a matter of fact, it seems like there are more street dogs than pets. In this culture where people often live without boundaries and the concept of ownership is one that does not exist as much, it is fascinating to see a different attitude towards canines.

Don’t Forget the Essentials

As much as you’d like to just grab your furry friend and go, there are a few things that will help make their time away from home more enjoyable. Poop bags, leashes and harnesses and ID tags for dogs who don’t have microchips implanted in them yet are some of the necessary things you need to carry.

Here’s what we recommend taking with you:

  1. Dog food
  2. Water dishes or collapsible bowls for carrying plenty of fresh H2O around
  3. Toys if they’re not easily distracted by every passing squirrel but need something to keep themselves busy while being cooped up in an unfamiliar place
  4. Their favorite pillow so they feel right at home, no matter where you travel

Conclusion

It is important to keep in mind that you and your pup are on a journey together, so it’s natural for both of you to want different things. We hope these tips will help make sure that you have a good time while you travel with your dog. Let us know if these ideas resonate with you.