Tips For Traveling With Your Pet

One of the most fun aspects of traveling with my dogs is discovering new parks, and one of the most annoying aspects of traveling with my dogs is discovering new parks!

On a recent trip to Florida this was illustrated once again. We visited several dog parks, all of which were well maintained with shady areas, water fountains, sometimes dog-washing areas, doggy bags and seating areas for pet-parents. Many of the pet-parents we met were a pleasure; friendly, responsible and with wonderful dogs. However, as always seems to be the case, there are a few owners who are either simply clueless, or just don’t care about keeping their hounds under control and maintaining a clean and pleasant park for everyone.

Trying to enter one park we were bombarded with a pack of leaping, out-of-control canines. We waited outside the gate while a couple of the owners ineffectually called their pooches. Eventually, things calmed down a little and we ventured inside only to have the pack surge upon us again. As we fought our way through the melee one of the owners commented that they were trying to prevent this from happening by having the county (who are responsible for the park maintenance) move the gate!

I was incredulous. The problem certainly wasn’t the county’s, nor was it the location of the gate. It was a two-fold dilemma. First, all the owners were hanging around within a few feet of the gate and so all the dogs were hanging with them. Moving further into the park and away from the gate (wherever it may be situated) would go along way to preventing such a fiasco. Second, a little training would help to teach the dogs to respond when they are called away and maintain order in the dog park.

Anyway, enough of that. The purpose here is to offer guidelines that will make travel with your pet safer, easier and a pleasanter experience for all concerned, so let’s get on with it.

Safety:

Make sure tags and IDs are up-to-date and keep collars on at all times unless you feel really secure in the safety of your hotel room or friend’s home. Remember, even the best behaved dog can get excited or panicked in strange surroundings. And keep a list with you of all important phone numbers and IDs – veterinarian (in case of an accident you may need your pet’s records) and micro-chip company. It’s also a good idea to locate the emergency veterinarian in the areas where you plan to stay and have the address and phone number at the ready, just in case.

Read Finding Fido for more helpful hints.

TRAVEL BY CAR:

Adjusting to the car: Rover is probably used to riding in the car and even looks forward to it. But if the only trips he takes are to the vet, he may associate driving with bad things and be anxious or downright panicky. That being the case, you need to accustom him to the vehicle before embarking on a long journey.

Start going for regular short trips, especially to fun places like the bank drive-through (where he gets a treat), the park for walks in the woods, even the pet store where he might get a toy or treats or meet other dogs. You get the idea.

If Rover is still a little tense, try a holistic remedy. A dose of Bach’s Rescue Remedy (I never travel without it) might do the trick and there are many other products now readily available that can have a calming effect. And if that doesn’t work you may have to talk to your vet about anti-anxiety medications but use them carefully. I once had a cat freak-out and start doing back-flips when I gave him a veterinarian prescribed treatment that was supposed to relax him!

Plan ahead: Be prepared to stop every three or four hours, or even less. A dog that can “hold his own” all day at home may need more frequent relief with the excitement of travel. And be sure you have these things handy:

Leash
Water and bowl
Toys to keep Fido entertained
Blanket or bed to keep him comfortable and reassured
Treats (but not too many, or your pooch may get sick)
Medications, if necessary
Medical records
Emergency contact information (vet, pet-finder, etc)
First Aid Kit
Doggy bags

TRAVEL BY AIR:

This is not a happy experience for any pet. Smaller animals may be able to ride in the cabin, subject to FAA rules. Most pets, however, are considered cargo and have to fly in the hold. The Air Transport Association offers some helpful advice about air travel and pets but it is essential that you contact the airline you plan to use for full disclosure of all rules and regulations.

There is one airline, Pet Airways, that is in business only to transport pets. They are by far a better option than other commercial airlines, unfortunately they service only a very few cities in the United States.

ACCOMODATIONS:

Hotels: Most hotels do not allow pets, so do your due diligence before you depart or you and Fido may be curled up together in the back seat of the car.

There are a number of websites that can aid in finding suitable accomodations. Try Pet Friendly Hotels or Dog Friendly or do a search of the local area in which you want to stay. And while there are several hotel chains that say they allow pets don’t assume that to be so. Always check first as there are some franchisees who may change the rules.

Be aware also that a pet deposit is often required and it is rarely refundable and some hotels have size restrictions, allowing only dogs under 40 or 50lbs, or will restrict the number of dogs that can stay. That’s why I often use La Quinta. They have over 700 pet-friendly properties without the restrictions and with no deposit required and the price is reasonable.

Friends and Family: You may be welcome to stay with friends and family but don’t assume your pet is. Ask first!! And…

Be considerate: I always travel with carpet cleaner and lots of paper towels, pet wipes and doggy bags. If my pet makes a mess – I clean it up!

PACKING FOR YOUR PET:

You might be surprised how much “stuff” Fido needs when he’s on the go. That’s why I make a list to be sure nothing is forgotten – medications, food, water, treats, favorite toy(s), grooming aids, towels, emergency medical kit…….

FUN:

Again, search online and you’ll find dog parks, dog-friendly restaurants, events and more. Don’t be shy about asking hotel staff for suggestions, and some of the best tips you’ll get will be from other dog owners at the parks or in your hotel.

While traveling with pets can certainly restrict some activities my husband and I always have a great time with Vinny, Angel and Coco. We enjoy al fresco dining, lazing at the beach, walks through forests and mountains and, best of all, sharing time with our favorite “people”.

“Did you ever notice when you blow in a dog’s face he gets mad at you? But when you take him in a car he sticks his head out the window!” ~ Steve Bluestone