Pets are a worldwide phenomenon with tens of millions of pet dogs in the US alone. And when it comes time to travel, many pet owners scramble to figure out how to travel with a dog across long distances.
Taking your pooch along for the vacation is actually a feasible option for today’s traveler. There are plenty of accommodations available to make traveling with a pet as simple as transporting an additional piece of luggage.
However, as a pet owner, you should be prepared for the entire journey long before you take your first step. With that in mind, keep reading to learn how to travel with a dog as well as a few essential pointers for your upcoming trip.
How to Travel with a Dog: What You Need to Know
When traveling, you undoubtedly want to keep expensive items like electronic devices safe while traveling. That same concern should extend to your pets, and we’ve come up with a quick list to help you out:
1. Use a Durable Carrier
It’s not the best idea to travel in a car with a wandering pet, and few airlines allow pets aboard if they aren’t secured in a carrier. In fact, traveling in one is actually better for the pet as it keeps them safe and can be buckled down to remain stable.
Carrier prices vary widely depending on the name brand and the features that come with them. Ultimately, you are free to choose your own preferred product, but the professionals recommend a carrier with these components:
- Large enough size for your dog to lay down comfortably
- Doesn’t have any cracks that would allow leaking
- Has a space to look out and for oxygen to pass in
- Durable enough to withstand biting or chewing
2. Bring Toys or Something to Remind Your Dog of Home
When we take kids on journeys, we’re likely to bring along a pacifier or a favorite toy to give them that piece of home while away. Pets have emotional needs, too, and should be able to travel with their favorite toy or blanket for comfort.
You won’t have to bring their entire collection; a single toy or two will do the trick.
3. Allow Plenty of Exercise
Before you take your dog on any trip, whether it’s in a car, on a plane, or another form of travel, you’ll want to let them get their energy out.
There’s a misconception that bigger dogs, such as labs, need more exercise whereas tinier dogs like Yorkshire Terriers (view here) do not. All dogs need plenty of exercise before going into a confined space for hours at a time.
Lifestyle Hacks, Traveling Tips, and more from Let’s Be Game Changers
Learning how to travel with a dog will save you a bunch of stress as well as ensure your pet has the most enjoyable trip possible. They don’t get to prepare like we do and instead need the support of responsible owners to avoid panic.
Want more insider tips and tricks? Head over to the Let’s Be Game Changers blog today for more insightful reads!