When planning to travel with your dog, it is not only important to find a suitable pet friendly accommodation place, and it may seem idyllic to allow your pal to hop into the front seat and hang their head out the window, but a truly ideal travel experience for your dog involves a few more considerations. For a perfect outing with Fido, follow these 5 simple steps.
There are many things to consider when taking your dog traveling with you. Many people consider traveling with their dog an easy ritual. There are, however, a few things that can often go overlooked by both novice and newbie. No matter who you are or how many times you’ve taken your dog on an outing, these 5 steps are crucial for a successful pet friendly trip.
1. Fido’s own luggage.
Just as you would pack your own necessities for travel, it’s important to do the same for your dog. Preparing a backpack with your dog’s essentials can make a trip run a lot smoother and make travel more comfortable for your dog. Include their food and & water dishes with a Ziploc of food and an extra bottle of water. It’s also good to include toys, treats, medication, doggie bags, and an animal first aid kit in their pack.
2. Fido’s own seat.
Allowing your dog to run free in the vehicle can be potentially fatal to them in case of an accident. It can also restrict the driver’s ability to maneuver the vehicle safely. Giving Fido his own seat is the best decision for you and your pet. A secure pet carrier with good ventilation is best for long trips as it will allow Fido to move around comfortably and safely in his own space. For shorter trips without a carrier, there are several types of harness seat belts available to keep Fido safe and secure in his own seat.
3. Fido’s ID.
You wouldn’t leave home without your ID, so why let Fido go anywhere without his? Proper identification is a necessity when taking your dog traveling. They should have their own unique collar on them at all times complete with ID tags and recent vaccination tags as well. Proper identification is your safest bet in case your pet runs away unexpectedly or gets lost. Also handy to keep with you is your pet’s microchip ID number if your pet is microchipped. Bringing along your pet’s health record is also a great idea in case of emergency.
4. Fido’s attire.
Along with Fido’s ID, his collar also acts as his restraint. It’s also good practice to never take your dog’s collar off during travel, as it is impossible to predict how your pet will react when you stop the vehicle to let them out. His second piece of essential wear includes his harness and/or leash. Before you allow Fido to leave the vehicle, always make sure your dog is held securely and fastened to a leash. Bringing his leash along also allows Fido to join you in more places on your trip and makes traveling a whole lot more enjoyable.
5. Fido’s itinerary.
Lastly, planning ahead for a pet friendly destination is a must. Setting out with no particular destination in mind can end disastrously and leave you and your pet discouraged. Many places do not allow dogs, so it’s a good idea to do your research on hotels, parks, and trails. Making reservations at pet friendly accommodations is the best way to ensure you and Fido will have a great trip.
All in all, follow these top five travel recommendations and you’ll be sure to succeed. You’ll be better prepared to not only have an easier trip, but to also handle any emergency safely and responsibly. Fido may not get to hang his head out the window, but we’re pretty sure he’ll be happier not having been stung in the face by an angry paper wasp ricocheting of your windshield.
