If you have any dogs in your life, you’ll know that sometimes you just want to bring them along on a vacation. There is nothing harder than dropping your pup off at the boarders when you’re heading off on a fun getaway.
For those of you that are considering taking your pup along with you…there are a few things to know before you do. Today, we are sharing a few tips for traveling with your dog that will hopefully help you feel a little more prepared next time you let your doggy friend tag along with you. Above all, consider your dog’s personality and before planning to take them on a vacation. If you decide that they are capable of handling the trip, then here are a few tips to help things go a little smoother.
Tips for Traveling with Dogs
Tip #1 Pack their shot records and keep them close by
This might not be something you ever need to actually show people but it is better to be prepared. It’s not something you would always think of bringing, but keeping their shot records is always a good idea. You never know when someone or somewhere you stay/go will require documentation of their shots and medical history. Better safe than sorry!
Tip #2 Bring a harness/collar that you know will be safe and secure
There is nothing worse than your dog getting free no matter where you are, but especially somewhere new and on vacation. We suggest bringing a harness/collar that you know they can’t get out of easily. That way you aren’t constantly worried about them getting free. Also make sure that the harness/collar you use is tight but not overly tight, of course.
Tip #3 Think ahead and search for pet-friendly hotels
If you don’t do some research beforehand, you might end up staying in a hotel with a $100 pet fee a night and a $125 cleaning fee. Some hotels are extremely pricey when it comes to staying with pets. But not all are that expensive! That’s why we suggest you do some research and think ahead to where you will be needing hotels so you can book pet-friendly hotels. For instance, most, if not all, La Quinta’s are very pet-friendly and don’t charge anything for pets under a certain weight to stay. You will be less stressed and spend a lot less money if you look into what hotels would be best to stay in with your pup. And guess what?? Disney now offers some pet-friendly hotels too! So contact us if you want help booking a Disney trip with your pup!
Tip #4 If you’re driving, make time for some quick potty breaks and a chance for the pups to run around a bit
For those of you that would be driving, make sure to schedule in some stops so that you can let your pup get out to potty, stretch their legs, and maybe grab a drink of water. It’s so easy to want to drive with as little stops as possible so you get to your destination, but traveling with a pup will call for a few more stops. Don’t make your pup wait too long to potty!
Tip #5 Search for nearby dog parks
Chances are your dog will have some built up energy after spending so much time in the car, so, look for dog parks around where you are staying! There are even some gas station chains that have dog parks at their service stations which would allow your dog to run around for a few minutes while you can fill up the car. Most towns should have some kind of dog park and this allows your dog to have a chance to run for a little bit off the leash like they would be able to at home.
Tip #6 Bring a comfort of home for them
Just like you would bring a pillow from home or your child a favorite toy, we suggest you bring along a comfort of home for your pup! If your dog has a favorite blanket, toy, bed, etc. we recommend packing it if it’s something that can easily be taken with you. Especially if the dog will be in a hotel by themselves at any point, having some smells of home might keep them calmer and more settled down.
Tip #7 Make sure they are properly and obviously, ID’ed
When you are traveling with a dog, the biggest tip is to make sure they are properly and easily ID’d if some sad reason they get separated from you. Even if they are microchipped, it might be a good idea to put a normal tag that is easily seen on their harness so that they can quickly inform you that they’ve found your pup. Also, make sure that the number is accurate and correct to the number of the phone you are traveling with- aka- no home phone numbers while traveling. You want anyone to be able to contact you easily if your pup gets away from you.
Tip #8 Bring extra medication and food in case of a trip extension
If your dog takes any kind of medication or eats a special food….make sure to pack extra! You never know when something might come up and you might have to stay another night. Just like you pack some extra medications for yourself in case that happens, remember to do it for your dogs as well!
Did you find these tips helpful? Have you ever traveled with your pup? Let us know in the comments!
magicaldestinationstravel.wordpress.com 