Pets on Vacation

Infinity Fun and Travel

 

Can I Take My Pet on Vacation With Me?

We all love our pets. They are part of the family and it's hard to go away and leave them.  My little dog Molly has separation anxiety. It may be because she was a re-home dog and is afraid of losing us. We usually have my sister-in -law keep her when we go away so she is with someone she is used to. But what if we wanted to take her with us sometime? I did some research on what to do to prepare for a trip with a pet.

Taking your pet with you can be enjoyable with a little preparation. I found the following guidelines from the AKC. 

Health and Safety

1. Health and Safety

•     Make sure your pet is in good health and up to date on their vaccines.  You        will need to bring the records with you as you travel.
•     Bring along his regular food and plenty of water.  It's not a good time to try        new foods and have an upset stomach.
•     Don't forget bottled water and medications.
•     Be prepared for emergencies.  Look up a 24-hour Veterinary Emergency            Hospital near your destination to save time in an emergency.

Traveling Crates

2. Crates

Crates are required on airlines and are a good idea for hotels and homes you are      visiting in. Remember your pet will be in a strange environment and may react        differently than they do at home.

Look for these features when purchasing a crate:

• Large enough to allow the dog to stand, turn and lie down.
• Strong, with handles and grips, and free of interior protrusions.
• Leak-proof bottom covered with absorbent material.
• Ventilation on opposing sides, with exterior rims or knobs to prevent blocked airflow.
• "Live Animal" label, arrows showing upright position, with owner's name, address, and phone number.
• Stock the crate with a comfortable mat, your dog's favorite toy, and a water bottle.

3. Identification

Just in case your dog gets away from you while you are on vacation you can increase the chances of recovery by having identification on him.

• Make sure your dog has a sturdy leash and collar on. The collar should have ID tags with the dog's name, your name, and home phone #, as well as proof of rabies shots.  If you're going to be gone for more than a few days consider purchasing a second ID tag with your vacation location.
• Consider a permanent form of identification such as a microchip.
• Bring a recent picture of your dog along with you, as well as a copy of his health records and recent vaccinations.

Traveling by Car

4. Traveling by Car

• Get your dog used to the car by taking him on short rides before your trip.
• Avoid carsickness by letting your dog travel on an empty stomach.  However, make sure he has plenty of water at all times.
• Keep the car well ventilated.
• Consider a dog seat belt or dog car seat to keep him safe.
• Do not let your dog ride with his head sticking out of an open window. This can lead to eye injuries.
• Never let your dog ride in the back of an open truck.
• Stop frequently for exercise and potty breaks.  Be sure to clean up after your dog.
• Car rides are boring for everyone, so instruct your children not to tease or annoy the dog in the car.
• NEVER, EVER leave your dog unattended in a closed vehicle, especially in the summer.  If you must leave the car, designate a family member to stay with the dog.

Flying

5. Flying

• When traveling by plane, plan to visit your Vet before your trip.  Certification of health must be provided to the airline no more than 10 days before travel.  Rabies and vaccination certificates are also required. Your dog should be at least 8 weeks old and weaned.
• Ask your veterinarian if it would be best for your dog to be tranquilized for the trip.
• Federal regulations prohibit shipping live animals as excess baggage or cargo if an animal is exposed to temperatures below 45 degrees or above 85 degrees for more than 4 hours during departure, arrival or while making connections.
• Check with your airline for their regulations and services as each airline has their own. (For instance the crate may have to fit under the seat in front of you.)
• When making your reservations you must make reservations for your dog.  There are restrictions on the number of animals permitted on each flight.  They are accepted on a first come first serve basis.

6. Traveling by Train, Bus, or Boat

• Amtrak only allows dogs under 20 pounds on trains.  There is also a $25 fee.
• Dogs are not permitted on buses operated by Greyhound and other interstate bus companies. (except for Service dogs.)
• Cruise lines do not permit dogs except for Service dogs. You need to check with your cruise line for their policies.

Pet Friendly Lodging

7. Lodging

• Find out in advance which hotels at your destination or on your route allow dogs.  Many do not allow pets or have size restrictions.
• If your dog is allowed, respect other guests, staff, and the property.
• Keep your dog as quiet as possible.
• Do not leave your dog unattended. Many dogs will bark or destroy property if left alone in a strange place.
• Ask the management where you should walk your dog, and pick up after him.  Do not leave any mess behind.
• Remember that one bad experience with a dog may prompt the hotel management to refuse to allow any dogs.  Be considerate of others and leave your room and grounds in good condition.
• Puppy-proof the vacation home (or room).  Before you let your dog have a free run of his home away from home, make sure it is safe for your dog to explore.  Be sure that all electrical cords are out of reach and that previous occupants didn't leave anything on the floor or under furniture that could be potentially harmful to your dog.

8. Travel Insurance

Is travel insurance for pets available?

• Yes, you can protect your trip investment with a protection plan. You can find Travel Insurance providers that have a protection plan for pet owners, providing trip cancellation and interruption benefits if a pet or service animal suffers a sickness, injury, or death.  There are even plans that include pet kennel benefits.

9. Best Practices When Traveling with Your Dog

• Plan bathroom breaks. Before you leave home, train your dog to relieve himself on multiple surfaces - not just grass. Having the ability to potty on different terrains, such as concrete, mulch, and gravel, will alleviate his discomfort as well as the possibility of accidents while you're on the road.  Bring a supply of bags to clean up afterwards and a leash.
• Bring games and toys. To make sure your dog doesn't get bored, provide him with a few new toys - and a couple of old favorites.  You might want to include a puzzle-type toy to keep him occupied.
• Pack food and water. Think about only giving your dog bottled water while away from home to ensure he doesn't get an upset stomach.  Buy collapsible bowls and let him get used to using them one week or so before you travel.

Remember, it's a vacation. Traveling can be stressful, but a calm owner usually has a calm pet. Our animals pick up on our stress, so if you're nervous and uptight, there's a good chance your dog may show stress and anxiety too.  Don't forget that some dogs don't enjoy traveling, and your dog may prefer to stay home with a dog sitter.