Traveling with dogs is amazing. You will be exposed to new places and people that you will not meet without a furry friend. You will explore local areas looking for local dog food options or other essentials making new friends, and getting to know the local area better. On the other hand, traveling with your dog might be necessary as you move places or go back home for the holidays. Either way, here are some rules that will help you.
1. Different places, different rules
Every location you may visit or border that you may cross will have a non-standard list of requirements. You will need to know them so that you can prepare in advance. Most locations require a health check from a veterinarian not more than ten days old. Some locations require canine quarantines that separate you are your dog for a week or more. Some locations like Australia and New Zealand do not allow certain breeds at all. Do your research and ask around for people who recently visited there.
2. Don’t fly unless you have to
Planes and dogs do not go well together, especially brachycephalic dogs like pugs. Try to make sure travelling by plane is the last option after eliminating every other option. Also, make sure the dog must travel if it has to be a plane journey. It may be better to leave your dog with sitters, friends or family, or designated facilities for a few weeks. If you have to fly, try to get your dog in the cabin instead of the cargo.
3. Train your dog first
While travelling, you will go to shopping malls, restaurants, hikes, and so many other places. Ensure your dog listens to your commands, that they can sit, stay, and are well-behaved. There are two main reasons for this. First, you will often have to request for your dog to be allowed in places. If your dog’s behaviour is calm and collected and they see you have good control over your dog, some exceptions may be made for you, and your requests will be received better. Second, you will have to leave your friend alone in hotel rooms for dinner or a place that is not dog-friendly. You will need your dog to be able to stay calm while you are not there. Training also helps with care personnel and new vets if there is an emergency.
4. Understand cultural differences
You will find people who will be shocked by how you treat your canine friend. Many cultures do not keep dogs as pets, let alone let them onto furniture and beds. A lot of people may be mortified by the smallest and cutest dogs. You will need to be wary of these differences if they exist depending on where you are visiting. Then, you will need to exercise control over your dog so that you respect their cultures.
5. Always ask
Airline policies about pets change all the time. Some restaurants have a pet-friendly sign attached to them but might not accept your dog’s breed or size. Some places have incorrectly been identified as dog-friendly on online forums. Some places will have removed their dog-friendly status without removing the signs from all online platforms. Always ask, put in a call, and never assume. This can save you from a lot of tension and stress when you reach a restaurant’s door that does not allow your furry friend to enter. Or you will be glad to find out that a non-dog-friendly place made an exception for you.
6. No roaming in cars
Personal cars are the best form of travel for your dogs, but there are some restrictions. Always prefer putting your friend in a carrier that is secured to the car in some way. Dogs roaming around, distracting the driver, and getting unbalanced during accelerations are not good for animals or humans. Carrier also stops them from putting their heads out the window and risk injuring them. If your car has airbags, put the carrier in the back seat as well; safety first.
7. Make your dog comfortable with the travel arrangement
Your dog will need a carrier with any form of travel, whether by car or plane. Sadly, those carriers feel cagey and are not comfortable. Similarly, you might need your dog in a dog carrier backpack as they might not be able to trek the entire trail with you. Weeks before travelling, you need to whip out the carrier and get your dog to understand the situation. Don’t surprise your dog on travel day with new carriers. Help your furry friends be less stressed on travel day by making sure only some travelling parts are new to them.
