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Sept 17, 2019

How to travel with your dog around the world

By Pawzy Team
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When your dog feels like a member of the family, leaving them behind when you go on vacation can seem plain wrong. Luckily, there are plenty of options for vacationing comfortably with your furry friend so you can keep them by your side the entire way. Here are some essential tips that will make your trip go smoothly for you and your dog.

Before you travel with your dog:

  • Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date and bring a copy of their vaccination record with you. Depending on your destination, you may need a veterinary certificate too. Contact the embassy or consulate at your destination to see what information they need before letting your pet into their country. 

  • If you don’t already use a carrier, get one well in advance and get your dog used to it. Your trip will be a lot easier on both of you if your dog thinks of their carrier as a second home. A good carrier has either a metal or plastic shell and offers plenty of room for your pet to fully stand up, turn around and lie down in. Accidents might happen so safeguard against those with washable blankets or absorbent bedding. Treat their carrier like any other kind of baggage you’re bringing by marking it with your name and contact info. Make sure the carrier meets the size and weight requirements set by your specific airline or passenger train. 

  • Travel-specific insurance for pets is extremely limited. Depending on your destination, the age and breed of your dog, pet health insurance is an option that could provide the peace of mind you need to know that they’d be covered for vet visits, tests and medications should an emergency arise.

  • Put ID tags on your dog’s collar with your current phone number and address. Owners often overlook this important step when travelling with their pet. You can also microchip your dog with a unique, scannable ID. Talk to your veterinarian about whether getting a microchip is right for your pet. 

Travelling with your dog by car:

  • Get your pet used to the car by taking starting with short trips to the park or pet store, then gradually making longer trips, working up the length of time. 

  • If your dog can’t sit still and you don’t want to keep them crated for the whole journey, invest in a pet harness restraint that keeps them in one spot. It could save their life should you get into an accident. 

  • Take regular breaks to let them stretch and relieve themselves. Breaks outside the car are also a good time to put out a water bowl or bottle and let them stay hydrated.

  • Never leave your dog alone in a parked car! 

Travelling with your dog by plane:

  • Book as direct a flight as possible to reduce the amount of time your pet is in transit and minimize any situations where the chances of your furry friend being is left to wait on the tarmac between flights. 

  • Each airline has different restrictions when it comes to pets as carry ons or checked baggage, including how many pets can travel on a specific flight. Be sure to let the airline know that you intend to bring your dog with you when booking. 

Travelling with your dog by train:

  • Depending on the breed (i.e. Pitbulls may not be allowed to travel if they’re banned in areas you’re travelling to), size and age of the animal, your dog may be allowed to travel in the passenger car with you so long as their carrier meets the passenger train’s size restrictions. 

Booking accommodations for you and your dog:

  • Many hotels are or are becoming dog-friendly. Travel sites like Expedia or Travelocity have built-in filters that can highlight all of the pet-friendly hotels at your destination. There are also dog-specific sites like BringFido go one further by listing dog-friendly restaurants and activities along with hotels and campgrounds. 

On the day you leave:

  • Wear them out! Take them for a good run, let them loose in the dog park and do your best to get them good and tuckered. If they’re tired, they’re less likely to become stir crazy while in transit. 

  • Be sure to pack enough food and water for your dog for the duration of your trip. Your destination might not have the same brand of food your dog is used to, and diet changes may cause extra stress for your dog.

  • Pack their toys, blankets and even a bed depending on the length of your planned trip to remind your dog of home. Toys are great for distracting dogs and keeping them busy.

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