Travel the Right Way: Don't Leave the Pup Behind

Have you ever heard other dog owners complain that they can’t go anywhere because they have pets? There is an assumption that it’s too hard to travel, if not completely impossible to take your pooch with you wherever you go. Of course, there are some vacations that it is easier to call the dog sitter or set up a stay at a kennel, but this doesn’t always have to be the case. In fact, those situations might be rarer than you think.

You don’t have to empty out your wallet to pay for pet sitters or other accommodations. Bring the dogs along! This might take you a little extra planning, but by the time that you embark on your trip, you might realize that it wasn’t nearly as difficult as you initially thought. Here are some helpful tips to traveling with your furry family members.

Get Your Supplies Together

Now is not the time to forget anything! Everyone knows what it feels like to leave one of the essentials behind on a trip. You don’t want to do the same with your pets. When you are traveling with pets, the best thing that you can do is prepare. If you have everything that you’re going to need, then it’s going to be a breeze. You won’t have to worry about where you’re going to find replacement pet supplies on vacation.

If you’re not sure about what to bring, here is an easy checklist that can remind you what to pack:

• Bowls for water and food

• Dog food

• Dog beds

• Medical records

• Medication

• Toys

• Pet carriers

• Harnesses

You want to make sure that you have everything necessary for your dog's safety. Likewise, you want to make sure that the trip is comfortable. This is going to be a giant change to your dog’s routine. While some dogs cope with change easier than others, it is always helpful to keep some things the same. Having your dogs’ favorite toys on the trip can help.

You might also want to think about the weather. Will you need a raincoat for your dog? Will you need to protect your dog’s feet from the hot pavement? Think about the location and the types of activities that you have planned while you’re away. Carriers, leashes and harnesses are among the most important. If you’re traveling by car, make sure you have a pet seat or travel harness for to keep your pooch safe in the car. If your dog spends time in a carrier or crate, you may want to make sure that you have dog bowls that won’t tip. There are hanging dog bowls you can attach straight to the kennel!

Research Pet-Friendly Options

Don’t assume that there aren’t pet friendly options where you are going. It’s easy to plan a vacation and assume that the dogs won’t be allowed. In a lot of cases, you might be surprised. Start by looking up pet-friendly hotels. There are a lot of places that allow dogs on the trip. Now some may have different restrictions when it comes to breed, weight and even how many dogs you have. Don’t let this discourage you, however. You simply have to find the right accommodations for you and your four-legged friend.

Meet New Dog Owners

Between you and your dogs, you are not the only social one! Dogs are a great way to meet people. When you’re out in a new neighborhood or walking through a new city, it is easy to meet other dog owners. In fact, your dog may be the one that initiates that contact. When you’re in a new place, try to meet others. Go for walks with your dog, visit the local dog parks and look to see if there are any other dog-friendly places.

In addition to meeting people in public, don’t forget to use the internet as a resource also. A lot of dogs have their own Instagram nowadays. If you find a dog local to the place that you’re visiting, ask the owner of the account for any tips about traveling with a dog in his or her city. The more dog owners you find, the more likely you are to have access to dog-friendly areas.

Have Documents Ready

If you plan to travel across the country or internationally, then you need to make sure that you have your dogs’ health records ready. Think of your dogs’ health records as passports! These are your proof that your dogs are up to date on all vaccines and that they are in good health. In some cases, you may have officials ask you about your dogs’ documentation.

While you’re traveling, you don’t want to think about any of your dogs suffering injuries or getting sick. When you travel, it’s important to ask yourself what you’ll do if something happens, however. You need to be prepared for anything. If you’re out of the country or even far from your local vet, you need to present medical records to the new vet.

Pet parents don’t have to leave their dogs behind when it’s time for a vacation. Forget the high cost of pet sitters or the anxiety that you might feel being away from your pets. Remember, your dogs will miss you too. Instead, take your dogs on the journey with you. As long as you follow some basic tips, you could be traveling with your pets in no time. It’s easier than you think!