8 Questions You Should Ask Before Traveling With Your Dog

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5 days ago

Going on vacation with your dog can be a great way to forge unforgettable memories and explore a new place without having to leave your canine companion behind.
'Traveling with your furry friends can be a lot of fun,' Maddi Bourgerie, a travel expert with the RV rental marketplace RVshare, told HuffPost. 'According to globalvetlink.com, 78% of American pet owners travel with their pets each year.'
But not every pet is suited for travel ― and not every destination and trip type is suited for pets. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a long-haul flight across the country, you should carefully consider if it makes sense to bring your pup with you on the journey.
So where to begin? Below, dog and travel experts outline eight questions to ask yourself before taking a trip with your dog.
'For those who are looking to bring their pups along for the ride, be sure to consider the different pet-friendly accommodations available in the area,' Bourgerie said.
Do your research and find out which hotels and home rentals are available to you and your pup. Lauren Gumport, the vice president of communications and brand strategy at Faye Travel Insurance, recommended using the filters on sites such as Booking.com and Airbnb.
'It's always nice when hosts or your hotel also love animals,' she said. 'I've had great experiences where a hotel asks me the size of my dog in advance so they can put an appropriately sized dog bed in the room.'
In addition to dog beds, some accommodations offer pet-sitting services, treats and even special dog menus.
'A pet-friendly hotel will be a better option for you and your dog than one that's simply pet-tolerant,' said Dr. Tammy Hunter, a veterinarian with VCA Animal Hospitals. 'This is because while a pet-tolerant hotel will allow your dog to stay with you, a pet-friendly one will likely be more welcoming and have different dog-specific amenities available. Look for places that allow dogs access to on-site areas and offer plenty of outdoor space for your dog to play.'
'Always consider if your travel destination is somewhere your dog would enjoy being,' advised Nicole Ellis, a dog trainer and pet lifestyle expert with Rover. 'Is your dog comfortable in new environments, are they comfortable around strangers or in crowded areas? Some dogs are better suited to quieter destinations with lots of nature, while others thrive in bustling towns.'
On the other hand, some dogs might just be more comfortable at home playing fetch with a pet sitter. In addition to your pet's temperament, assess whether the destination has dog-friendly public spaces and activities that your pup could enjoy.
'A dog-friendly vacation should have walking areas, a dog-friendly beach, stores that allow dogs and ample parks, trails, beaches or other outdoor spaces where dogs are welcome to join ― leashed or off-leash,' Ellis said. 'Destinations with dog-friendly hiking trails or even kayak and boat rentals that allow dogs are a huge plus too. Ask yourself, are there dining options that [are] pet-friendly, such as on the patio?'
'You'll want to consider the weather conditions of where you're headed,' Bourgerie said.
A Fourth of July trip to Florida might sound fun for you, but is that level of high heat exposure good for your dog? Are you able to ensure proper ventilation and temperature control in your car and your accommodations? Can you pack enough water and food to keep them safe in the event of an extreme weather incident?
'Depending on the size and breed of your dog, they may not be comfortable or safe in certain climates like extreme heat or cold,' noted Angela Laws, head of community at the home- and pet-sitting service TrustedHousesitters.
'Consider the length of your trip and how your dog handles travel, whether by car, plane or train,' Ellis said. 'A long journey might be stressful for some dogs, and some may love it where you can work in some nice roadside stops together.'
Stress, anxiety, motion sickness, getting lost and exposure to infectious diseases are all potential issues for dogs in transit to a far-off destination. If your trip is short, consider whether it's worth the hassle and risk to bring your pup with you, versus letting them relax at home with a sitter or run around with other dogs at their favorite doggy boarding spot. Talk to your veterinarian if you're still unsure.
'When traveling with your pet, make sure to have access to their veterinary records, proper confinement ― bag, crate or both ― and any medication they may need,' said Dr. Carly Fox, a veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. 'In addition, make sure your pet has clear identification and is microchipped.'
She recommended putting together a pet emergency kit with everything in one place. Beyond health and safety, consider their happiness and sense of security away from home. Are you able to pack familiar toys, blankets and grooming supplies? What about a water bowl, leash, waste bags and plenty of their regular food?
'How you get to and from places on vacation is something people may not think about until they get there, so dog parents should check in with public transportation, ride-share services and taxis to see if they're dog-friendly,' Laws recommended.
Assess what you'd like to do on your trip and how to get there. If most activities are within walking distance, that can work out quite nicely.
'Always check local pet policies before you go, including leash laws and breed restrictions, just in case,' advised Dr. Michelle Dulake, a veterinarian and co-founder of Fera Pets.
Destinations like Hawaii have strict rules and requirements for canine visitors, so you'll want to make sure you have the proper documentation. And other places simply do not allow dogs or limit their access to certain areas.
'If you're heading to national parks, make sure they accept dogs,' Gumport said.
Service dogs may be exempt from certain restrictions, so do your research and make sure their paperwork is up to date.
'Finding cities and destinations that have local veterinary clinics, pet stores, dog-sitting services and boarding is a major plus for your pup's care,' Laws noted.
Make sure to look up the resources available for you and your dog before you reach the destination. Get a sense of your proximity to care in the event of an accident or sudden illness.
'I always look for the nearest 24-hour veterinary emergency hospital in case of an unexpected emergency,' Fox said. 'It's better to be safe than sorry!'
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