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HOLIDAY TRAVEL TIPS

Taking your dog on the family vacation can make for a great trip, if you plan carefully.  Are you traveling by car or plane?  How long will the trip take?  Will you be staying with family, or friends, or at a hotel or motel?  Is your dog in good health?

These are some of the questions you will need to start answering to make your trip safe and fun.

SAFETY

A crate should be used for your dog’s safety when traveling.  Crates are available from most pet supply stores.  Make sure to provide plenty of water and a favorite toy to make your dog as comfortable as possible.

Check the crate for the following:

  • Large enough to allow the dog to stand, turn and lie down.

  • Strong, with handles or grips, and free of interior protrusions.

  • Leak-proof bottom covered with plenty of absorbent material.

  • Ventilation on opposing sides, with exterior rims or knobs to prevent blocked airflow.

  • “Live Animal” label, arrows upright, with owner’s name, address, and phone number.

TRAVEL BY CAR

When traveling by car, be sure to keep your dog comfortable.  Bring along a favorite toy to make your dog feel secure.

If it’s hot, open car windows to provide sufficient ventilation.  Do not let your dog stick its head out of the window, this may lead to eye or ear injuries.  Also, do not let your dog travel in the back of an open pickup truck, your dog could be injured in an accident.

TRAVEL BY PLANE

When traveling by plane, plan to visit your veterinarian before your trip.  Certification of health must be provided 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.

Airlines make it clear that it is the owner’s responsibility to verify the dog’s health and ability to fly. Ask your veterinarian whether it would be best for your dog to be tranquilized for the trip.

Remember each airline has its own regulations and services.  For example, if your crate doesn’t meet their requirements, the airline may not allow you to use it.  They may, however, allow your dog in the passenger cabin if your crate fits under the seat in front of you.

When making reservations, you must make reservations for your dog. There are restrictions on the number of animals permitted; they are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.  Check with your individual airline to determine their requirements.

LODGING

If you plan to stay at a hotel or motel, be sure to find out in advance if they allow dogs, many do not.  If your dog is allowed to stay at your hotel, respect the privacy of the other guests. Keep your dog as quiet as possible.

Do not leave your dog unattended.  Many dogs bark or destroy property in strange places.

Prevent any possibility of unwanted messes.  You may want to keep your dog in its crate at night. Also, ask where you should walk your dog.  The hotel or motel may not appreciate its grounds being used for this purpose.

OTHER HELPFUL TIPS

  • However you travel, keep these tips in mind:

  • Make sure your dog has a sturdy leash and collar. The collar should have identification tags, a license, and proof of a rabies vaccination.

  • Have recent pictures of your dog with you. If you are accidentally separated, these pictures will help local authorities find your dog.

  • Before your trip, implant your pet with a microchip for identification.  See our article entitled “Home Again Microchip.”

  • Take the phone number of your veterinarian and any special medication your dog needs. Some dogs can’t adjust abrupt changes in diet, so pack your dog’s regular food, bowls and a cooler of water.

APHIS (Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service) Contacts

  • Deputy Administrator—(301) 734-4981

  • Eastern Region—(401) 571-8692

  • Central Region—(817) 885-6910

  • Western Region—(916) 857-6205

Note: This article is provided by Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital® for informational purposes only.