Traveling With A Dog: Things To Think About Before You Go
Topics: traveling with a dog, traveling with a pet, pet travel tips, dog travel tips
If you are going somewhere, your dog is probably going to want to come along. But traveling with your dog does necessitate some special considerations. Here are some tips.
Should you take the dog?
Consider whether your dog would be better off sitting out this trip. If your itinerary is going to include a lot of time when you won’t be able to be with the dog, you will probably be better off finding other arrangements for the animal.
Another consideration is the temperature of your destination. You don’t want to leave the animal for any length of time in the car when it’s hot outside.
If you decided that it’s best to bring your dog along, ask your vet for tips on traveling with your dog. Your vet will be able to give you specific ideas based on your dog’s breed and temperament. You’ll want to make sure your dog’s collar is up to date with your contact information and pack a recent photo of your dog, in case the animal gets lost. Bring plenty of plastic bags so you can be a responsible pet owner and clean up after your dog wherever you are. You’ll also want to bring a leash, as well as bowls for food and water and the animal’s favorite toy and blanket. If your dog is crate trained, it will probably help immensely to bring the crate, even when traveling by car.
Air Travel. If you are taking a plane, you will generally need a specific type of crate for your dog. Contact the airline ahead of time and ask what kinds of travel accessories are going to be required.
Traveling by Car. If you are going to be in the car for any length of time, make sure that the climate is controlled. Never leave your dog unattended in a car that could get too hot. Dogs can suffer dehydration, heat stroke or even death from temperatures that become too high inside the car.
Doggy Lodging. There are a surprising number of hotels that are dog-friendly these days. Do a search online before you go and find out the rules and considerations of the hotel where you’ll be staying. You’ll want to make sure to bring a crate, and follow the rules for the particular hotel. Some will not allow you to leave the dog unattended in the room for any length of time. If you purchase a travel crate, make sure the dog is used to it before you use it away from home. If you aren’t sure how your dog will react to a hotel room, you might want to check it out on shorter trips before embarking on longer ones.
Traveling Overseas. If you are traveling overseas, it is probably best to find an alternate arrangement, unless you are planning to be gone for months at a time. If you need to bring your dog, contact the local consulate of the country you are visiting so they can tell you what will be required to bring your pet.
Alternatives to traveling with your dog
Ask a friend to pet sit (or hire someone to do it for you). Depending on the daily needs of your dog, you may be able to take care of your pet best by asking someone to come in and feed him and take him out for some exercise. Or ask your pet-loving friends to see if the animal can stay with someone while you are gone. This arrangement generally works best when you trade off with friends who also have dogs, since their home is already set up for animals. Plus, you can return the favor when their family travels.
Boarding your dog. Another option is to leave your dog in a kennel. Make sure to drop in for a visit at the kennel beforehand. Check to see if the animals appear well cared for and if the kennel facility is clean and comfortable. Again, ask your vet or your dog-loving friends for their recommendations. Some kennels offer a board-and-train program, where your dog will learn simple commands during a training program while you are traveling.
Jamie Jefferson writes for Momscape.com and Susies-Travel-Coupons.com. Check for pet friendly hotel coupons here: www.susies-travel-coupons.com . You can also prepare for your trip with the help of these pet supplies coupons: www.momscape.com
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Malta Notches Up Record Year For 2007 Holidays (1)
Both Germany and the UK have seen new low cost flight operators sucessfully applying to fly to Malta, and the increase in tourism can largely be put down to them.
Experience Alaska Adventure Travel At It's Best! (2)
Perhaps you will solely be capable of traveling for a couple of days, it won't be a problem. The majority of these companies have everything from brief tours lasting a couple of hours all the way to those that last anywhere up to a few weeks, it simply depends upon you.
Thailand Is One Of The Most Popular Golf Holiday Destinations (3)
But now the country has one of the largest assortments of golf courses in Asia. Majority of the world-class golf courses in Thailand were built during the great economic boom period.
Flexible And Fun Family Time: An RV Is The Way To Go (4)
The available makes and models of travel trailers is getting longer and longer. There are folding or tent trailers, which are small and light enough to be towed by almost any family vehicle.
Wisconsin Dells River Walk Hotels (5)
From the heart-pounding excitement to stunning natural beauty, think of the city as the best of Disney next to Yellowstone and you'll get the picture. This city may be known for its king size water parks but the city offers more fun and adventure in the form of amusement parks, live entertainment, go-cart, scenic tours, mini golf and many more activities and events which will completely fill out your schedules the day you reach the city.
Barbados, A Historical Sunny Sanctuary (6)
They soon established the cultivation of tobacco and cotton, which later was taken when they began cultivating sugar. Slavery was introduced into the island, with people coming from the African region to work the sugar plantations.
The Best Beaches In California (7)
It has separate swimming and surfing zones, which is definitely a good idea. Rio Del Mar Beach: This long, sandy beach is found in the town of Aptos, California, in Santa Cruz County.
The Key To Successful Emigration (8)
The joys you will find in your new life will be made up of both the familiar and unfamiliar - the expected and the totally unexpected - and that is the fantastic experience of emigration to a new country.
Why Spain Is The Retirement Haven (9)
Take for example my very own resolution to save my money as opposed to spending unnecessarily - this is a difficult routine to follow for someone who is accustomed to buying whatever she sees on a regular basis.
Carter Caves Park The Lowdown On The Underground (10)
Anglers will be thrilled by the opportunities at Carter Caves Lake, Kentucky's only trophy bass lake, which is home to bluegill, catfish, and crappie in addition to largemouth bass. Golfers are invited to test their skills on the resort's gorgeous 9-hole regulation golf course, then enjoy a break at its fully-equipped pro shop, where they can get rental riding carts, pull carts, clubs and more (the course is open year-round, weather permitting).
Travel Guide To Buenos Aires (11)
The high ceilings and factory chic decor stimulate a clubby atmosphere, while the Argentine-inspired cuisine and wine cellar are most formidable. To Do in Buenos Aires You need to see it live to love it like a native.
Motor Home Bonanza, The Quartzite Sports, Vacation And RV Show (12)
It's a huge social event with activities and all sorts of fun. Anybody who's been will tell you that it's paradise for RV lovers! This event was started 25 years ago, and it just grows bigger every year.
Discover The Little Inn, Newport Beach (13)
They offer unbeatable prices, still staying true to maintaining quality service. Offering many comfortable rooms and packages, they do more than enough to ensure you have a great stay in Newport Beach and save as much money as you possibly can.
France; The Perfect Destination For Activity Holidays (14)
One of area of France that is famed for its white water is the Tarn Gorge. Activity holidays in this region are heavily water based and tourists, whether expert or amateur, excitement is only around the next bend in the river.
Newport Beach Family Fun Vacation Ideas (15)
With something for everyone, it's hard to believe that Newport Beach is actually an undiscovered vacation spot for many. The area has so much to offer, that it's just a matter of time before people start to discover everything the area will provide them with.
Luxury Guide To London (16)
Attend a show at the world famous Royal Albert Hall. Daytime tours and exhibits are offered as well as evening entertainment that ranges from musical concerts to ballet to theater to film debuts.
Moss Landing, California: From Toxic Fish To Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary (17)
Phil's Fish Market and Eatery is still cooking though like anything it has lost something as it got bigger. In the old days everything on the menu was good.
Things To Know About Real Estate Business In Panama (18)
The cost is much lower for an old building. The condos in Panama consist of a swimming pool, balcony, recreation area, round the clock security, modern kitchens, multiple elevators, marble floors, quality furniture and beautiful views.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
A Guide To Vacations In Aspen Colorado (1)
OLCG.com, a site built specifically to assist travellers to Aspen. This is an online travel guide and gives all relevant information about the town of Aspen, its location, statistics, neighboring villages, modes of transport, major attractions.
Panama, The Travel Destionation With A History (2)
Panama got its independence from Columbia in 1903. Panama is widely famous for its canal, which is an engineering marvel and one of the most important trade routes on earth.
Permalink to Traveling With A Dog: Things To Think About Before You Go