Warmer weather means more than just a change of seasons: it means vacation! While vacation season once dictated boarding your pet, today more and more travelers opt to include their dogs in their getaway plans. Whether your dog vacation is a one-night getaway or an extended trip, we’ve got tips for making that first big trip a success for both you and your dog!
Ask Yourself If This Trip is Dog-Friendly
Be sure to plan a trip that can be enjoyed by both you AND your dog together. While a growing number of locations permit pets, many venues still don’t, including most museums, fine dining establishments, theme parks, protected areas such as wildlife preserves and caverns, and more. For most pet travelers, car travel is far easier than air travel. The exception would be small dogs under 20 pounds (and even smaller on some airlines) who will fit at your feet below the seat in front of you. If your dog does fly in the cabin of the airplane, he’ll need to remain in his kennel the entire flight; he cannot ride in your lap. If your dog is too large to fly in the cabin, please consider driving instead of flying your pet. Flying in the baggage compartment of an airplane is extremely difficult for pets (and many airlines do not fly dogs, especially brachycephalic dogs like bulldogs or pugs, during the summer months).
Ask Yourself If Your Dog is Ready to Travel
Okay, your trip involves car travel, some fun outdoor activities, and plenty of time for making pit stops along the way—so far, so good! Next, be honest with yourself about your dog’s behavior. Your dog should know basic commands and be socialized around new people before you take him to strange situations for an extended time. Puppies should be fully vaccinated before hitting the road, especially for stops frequented by other dogs, like dog parks.
Plan for Success
Watch for breed restrictions Do a search for your destinations (and destinations along your route) and the terms “breed restrictions” and “breed specific legislation” to make sure the destination is a fit for you and your dog. Look for pet-welcoming properties. Once you’ve pinpointed your destination, you’ll find that overnight stays are easier than ever thanks to the growing number of pet-friendly accommodations.
Plan on Flexibility
Traveling with your dog means slowing down and enjoying the journey. Be sure to plan for more frequent stops along the way—and build some flexibility into your itinerary. Sometimes the smallest stops—like the roadside photo session in the field of wildflowers or the visit to a new dog park you discovered—can be the most memorable.
Pack for Your Dog
Make sure you pack items for your dog’s comfort. Check out this fantastic Dog Travel Packing List Here
Travel Safely
Wherever you may travel, be sure to take proper safety precautions. Just as you buckle all your human passengers in the car, it’s important both to your human and pet passengers that you safely restrain your dog in the car. Crack the window to permit outside air and scents into the car but, for his safety, always keep your dog’s head inside the car where it belongs. Your dog’s first vacation will fetch memories that you’ll enjoy for years to come—and will set the stage for many great trips to enjoy together. Vacationing with your dog is a great way to explore a destination, unleashing fun for both you and your dog!
