Traveling with dogs

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Traveling with your pets can be really fun - there's nothing better than exploring a new place with your best friend. However, the preparation involved is a bit different than when traveling with only human companions. Have you ever wanted to take your dog(s) on a trip with you but it just seemed too complicated? Or you weren't sure what to pack to make them comfortable? Read on for tips!

Consider the best way to get to your destination.

Is it too far to drive or a fun road trip destination? If you are road tripping, has your dog been on a long car ride before? If flying, have they flown before? Lots to consider here! If flying, you'll want to do your research into the airline's rules and regulations around pets. Oftentimes there is a restriction on the size of pets that can travel in-cabin versus in the cargo area, but this can vary by airline. If your dog is a service animal, check the specific rules around that with your airline as well so that you are prepared for your trip and know what to expect.

If you are road tripping and your dog has never experienced a long car ride before, you may want to do a "test drive" before your trip. This test drive doesn't need to be the same length as the drive you will take on your trip, but maybe you can drive somewhere more local for an hour so that your pup can experience it and you can assess how they will do on a longer trip. When road tripping with dogs, it is important to have supplies handy so that they can eat and drink if needed (here are our favorite portable food and water bowls made by Qalo). You may also want to have cleaning wipes handy in case of emergency car sickness situations (but fingers crossed you don't have to use them). Many rest areas and gas stations have grass areas that you can take your pup to the bathroom in - just be sure to have poop bags handy to pick up after them. If you do not have a seatbelt attachment for your dog(s), you may want to consider that as well to make sure they are able to ride safely with you (for example, this one from Kurgo that has been crash tested up to 75 lbs).

Where will your pup sleep?

This a key comfort consideration for the trip. First you will want to ensure that where you will be staying is pet-friendly. There are many pet-friendly hotels and rentals across the world - the key to finding them is using search filters for "pet friendly" or "pets allowed." For example, on AirBnB you can filter for homes where pets are allowed. For hotels, the website Pets Welcome is a search tool that shows you pet-friendly hotels at your destination, as well as breed restrictions (if any) and applicable fees.

Regardless of where you are staying, you'll want to bring a few of your pets comforts from home. This can include a bed, a crate (if crate-trained), a blanket, favorite toy(s), etc. This will help create a comfortable sleeping environment for your pup. If the home or room you are staying in has furniture, you may also want to bring sheets to throw over the furniture to keep it from getting damaged or dirty (and you from having to pay an additional fee for that).

How will you keep your pup safe if you leave them alone?

Even if your dog is typically well-behaved when home alone, they may act completely different in an unfamiliar environment. If crate-trained, having their crate is a great way to prevent any harm to your pup or the space you are staying in. You may want to bring removable baby gates that you can set up to prevent them from going into other rooms. A camera to keep an eye on them may help give you peace of mind as well (our favorite is the Furbo dog camera, and you can even throw them treats while you are away). Of course, do not leave your pup alone outside (such as in a tent) - this can be hazardous due to temperatures, weather, other animals, and other people.

Above all, HAVE FUN!

After all, that's the whole point, right? We would love to hear about your next trip in the comments.