Tips for Traveling with Your Dog Over the Holidays
With the winter holidays coming quickly, it’s time to start prepping for traveling with your pet! Dogs need regular access to potty spots, water, and food throughout traveling, so pet parents must add several breaks to their travel time. If you’re planning for some cross-country or across-the-state adventures to grandma’s house, you’ll have to accommodate your travel needs and Fidos too! Here are some of our favorite tips for making traveling with Fido easier!
Health & Safety
Before any trips, ensure Fido is up to date on their vaccines and ask your Vet for a shot record (if you’re flying, airlines require a pet’s vaccination record). Another essential health tip is to bring plenty of food and water to keep your pet adequately fed and hydrated. Keep mental notes of their last potty break, and try to take exercise breaks to help keep their energy levels at bay.
Should I bring a crate?
Crates are great tools for providing your furry friend with their particular spot in the car while containing chaos. Having your dog unleashed in the vehicle can be hit or miss for owners; some dogs can calm down and sit still, while others will drive their driver nuts. If you’re staying at a family member’s house, bring your crate to respect their home, they might not want your pet running around if the humans are gone. For a guide on buying the right crate: check out this article!
Car tips
- Avoid any carsickness by making sure Fido is fully fed and hydrated beforehand.
- Keep the vehicle ventilated; our pets love to feel airflow and stay cool.
- Stop for frequent potty breaks.
- Never leave your dog in an unattended car; always designate someone to stay with your furry friend.
- Don’t let Fido keep its head out of the window for long periods; this can lead to eye injuries or extreme dryness.
- Consider dog car seats.
Plane tips
- Dog certifications of health are required by airlines for pets to travel. These must be provided ten days before travel and include vaccination records.
- Research your specific airport and airline website about their pet policies and safety.
- Check that your crate is up to regulation from your airline.
Train/Bus tips
- Only pets under 20 pounds are allowed on Amtrak trains (with a $25 fee too).
- Dogs are not allowed on buses unless they’re registered service dogs.
- Check your local train station’s website for their pet policy.
Check out these related articles for more pet holiday tips!
Is Your Dog Up-to-Date on Their Shots?