Tips for Traveling with Your Dog During the Holidays

The holidays are all about family; your canine companion is part of the family! So, that means traveling with your pup during the holiday season is likely. In that case, read below to learn some tips for traveling with your dog for the holidays!

Pack The Essentials

It can be hard to fit everything into one suitcase, depending on how you are traveling. But there are some essentials that you’ll need when traveling with your dog. Packing essentials such as food, your dog’s bed, toys, waste bags, treats, a collar, and a leash would be best. Don’t forget your dog’s medications, too! If you are limited on space, ensure you can purchase whatever you can’t pack at your destination.

Keep A Routine

Traveling can disturb your ordinary eating and sleeping routines. But, our companions are creatures of habit. So, when possible, try to stick to roughly the same schedule you have at home for your dog. This will help them adjust to the change in location. Bringing their toys, blankets, and other comfort items from home can also help them feel right at home during your visit, whether you are staying with family or in a hotel. With that being said, stick to their usual food and treats. This is because sudden changes in diet could cause digestive upset for your furry friend, which isn’t fun for anyone!

Safety

If you are traveling in a car, your pal should be in a carrier, crate, or seatbelt harness. However, if you are flying, ensure your pup travels on an airline-approved carrier. But, if you are unsure whether your pup can fly in-cabin or in cargo, call your airline in advance to find out if you need to make a pet reservation, depending on their size and weight limits.

ID and Microchip

The last thing we want to think about is losing our furry friend while traveling. But, it is best to be prepared for anything. So, ensure that your dog’s tags and microchip have up-to-date contact information to ensure a fast reunion if you get separated.

Follow the tips above to help make your holiday travels smooth and safe!