by Mary Green
In 2024, my dogs traveled to eight states to compete in dog sports. They are seasoned travelers for sure, but I have learned many tips and tricks to aid in successful travels.
If you are even thinking of taking your dog with you on a trip, be prepared!
Before you go, make sure your dog is up to date on vaccines, and keep a copy of the vaccine records with you. I keep a paper copy and a photo of the veterinarian’s statement on my phone. Some states will require you to present documentation of rabies vaccination, and the rabies tag is insufficient.
Have multiple methods of identification for your dog. Tags on the collar, kennel/crate, and harness are necessary. I also have my phone number written on the collars in Sharpie or embroidered in case the tags come off. Your dogs should be microchipped, and it’s a good idea to ask your veterinarian to scan your pup to be sure the chip can be located. And be sure the registration information is correct.
Several GPS options are available to keep track of your pup if he becomes separated from you. You can put an AirTag on the collar (be sure it is in a waterproof cover), or you can invest in a tracking service such as Tractive, Fi, or Halo.
Always have a current photo of your dog.
Does your dog have motion sickness? Talk with your veterinarian about remedies, and try them out before you leave.
If you are taking a road trip in a car or RV, there are some things you can do to help your pup be secure and comfortable.
Secure the pet in a crate in your vehicle if at all possible. The crate you use at home might not be sufficient protection if you have a vehicle accident. Impact-resistant crates are made by Gunner, RuffLand, and Impact.
If you can’t fit a crate into your vehicle, be sure the dog is secured with a seat-belt harness. Get a well-fitted harness with a substantial chest piece, and attach that to the seat-belt receiver.
You can never have enough “poop bags” with you. Tie one onto the dog’s leash so you will always have one handy. Properly disposing of pet waste is your responsibility.
Be Considerate
Are you staying in a hotel, Airbnb, or private home? Be a responsible, considerate dog owner. Be sure your dog is welcome. Know the pet policy. Most hotels charge a pet fee or deposit. Many hotels also have pet weight restrictions. Bring a sheet from home to cover the beds if your pup is likely to get on them.
Bring your own food and water bowls from home to help your dog feel more secure.
I prefer that my dogs are crated in a hotel or Airbnb if I am not with them. I can either use my vehicle crate or a lighter, collapsible crate. Just be sure your dog is comfortable in the crate and won’t chew it up!
I also leave my cell-phone number in case of emergency or if my dog is disturbing other guests by barking (which, thank goodness, has not happened on any of my travels!).
Enjoy the Outdoors
Camping with your dog, whether tenting, RVing, or glamping, can be so much fun! Being prepared can make the experience much easier for all.
Consider a hiking harness for your dog if you will be exploring. I love Ruffwear harnesses, which have reflective strips and sturdy construction. A backpack is another great option so your pups can carry their own water bottles. Just be sure to practice with them. A dog should never carry more than 10 percent to 15 percent of his body weight in the backpack.
If you are in an RV, you might want to bring an exercise pen to give your pup some outdoor freedom at your campsite. You might want to use an outdoor rug or a woven multipurpose mat to provide some comfort and protection for your dog on bare ground.
If you are boating or swimming, consider having a life jacket on your dog. Even dogs that are the strongest swimmers should wear vests on the lake in case of going overboard.
Take to the Air
Traveling by air with your dog can be smooth with a little planning. Here are some solid tips to help make the experience as stress free as possible for both of you.
Feed your pet only a light meal about four to six hours before departure, and choose direct flights whenever possible.
If your dog is traveling by cargo, check airline policies. Different airlines have different rules on weight limits, crate dimensions, fees, etc. You will also need a health certificate for the dog.
Be sure the crate meets all the requirements of the airline. Post clear identification, instructions, and a photo of your dog on the outside of the crate. The airline should provide you with “LIVE ANIMAL” stickers for the crate.
If your dog is traveling in the cabin, be sure the size of the dog and the size of the carrier meet the requirements. Airlines are becoming stricter about service dogs because of so many fake service dogs. This is making travel more difficult for people with disabilities to travel by air with their trained service dogs. You should never represent your pet as a service dog just so you can get him on the plane with you.
Mary Green is a Certified Professional
Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessed
(CPDT-KA), Certified Dog Behavior Counselor (CDBC), and Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI) at K9 Manners
& More in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
