Traveling With Your Dog

I like to travel, but sometimes I have to stay at home.  When I do, I have a nice young lady who comes to stay at my house.  She’s fun.

Sometimes I go stay with my little friend.  Her mother does my grooming.  As a matter of fact, I just got back from spending two weeks there.  I had a blast.

Dogs that are trained make better travelers

But what I like to do most is go on trips too  Most dogs like to go on adventures, which makes travel attractive for us. This is our natural hunting instincts making us  want to meet new people and explore new places. However, it may pose as a problem since taking a dog along during your travels may be inconvenient.

Quite a few people are frightened of dogs and the mess that we can make while you’re traveling can be very troublesome. It should also be noted that many lodgings and transportation services don’t cater to pets such as dogs and cats.


Being watched over by a professional pet handler like I have may be necessary while your humans are on vacation.. You also have the option of staying at a boarding kennel. I did that once too.  I had a grand time, but I wanted my mom to think I was lonely and miserable.

Here are some things to tell your human to look for if they are looking for a boarding kennel for you.

Make sure it is comfortable and clean. The dogs staying there should also look content and well-taken care of. A few of these dog kennels allow you to provide your dog’s own sleeping blanket, toy and his favorite foods for while you’re away. Make sure, though, that your dog has had its immunization since it is a regular requirement for your dog’s stay in such places.

If you are lucky and get to go on vacations with your family, here are a few tips for them go prepare for your comfort.:

– Take along a clean bill of health from your veterinarian. Your vet should be able to provide you a certificate for this.

– Use a sturdy dog carrier. This is a must since you would rather not lose your pet en route to your destination. A few airlines have dog carriers available for sale though they can be quite expensive. Also, remember that some airlines prefer having your pet in the compartment for luggage . If you really can’t part with your beloved, get a reservation for an airline that allows pets to remain with you during the flight.

– Dogs need good ventilation to keep them cool. Try to get air-conditioned cars when traveling cross-country. This is also true if you are traveling in trains.

– Don’t let your dog hang his head out the window while the car is moving. It may be tempting to let your pet play around, but the risks of falling out or getting hit are still there.

– Leaving your dog inside the car or under the sun is risky. Heat stroke is a serious danger to your pet and can even be fatal.

– Never leave your dog unattended, especially when he is in his carrier. He may get stolen or kidnapped. This also goes for when he’s wandering around. Sometimes, pets can be too adventurous and may end up in trouble, or worse, getting you in trouble.

– Some countries have specific rules about pet travel. Try to familiarize yourself with them and try to follow them to avoid legal troubles later.

– A certificate for rabies vaccination and a notarized local language certificate from the closest embassy or consulate are sometimes required, though get one just in case. Better safe than sorry.

– In preparing for a long trip on the road, have ready identification for your pet. A collar with the dog’s name, your name and a handy contact number can save you from a lot of trouble.

– Have a ready supply of your pet’s favorite doggy treats during the trip. Make sure to take more than enough to last the entire trip to be safe.

– Pack the essentials: clean water, dishes, favorite dog toys, leash, brush, plastic bags and towels, anything than can help your dog stay happy during the trip. – A dog should be given the chance to answer the call of nature every two to three hours so it won’t make any embarrassing messes.

Hopefully, these tips can help you have a better time with traveling with your dog. Bon voyage!