A dog is man’s best companion, and it is always exciting to be able to bring your four-legged friend with you outside the confines of your house — whether it be a quick trip to the park or cross-country to a beautiful vacation spot.
However, you need to prepare well for this because dogs have special needs, too. You have to take some extra measures to make sure they are comfortable and equipped for the trip. Here are the important things to bring with you when traveling with your dog:
Collar & Leash You have to bring your dog’s collar and leash, first and foremost, for identification purposes. Make sure his collar has the proper name tag and your contact information. If you will be walking your dog outside, you might want to consider using a sturdy martingale collar to keep him in check. A martingale collar is a special type of collar that automatically closes in on your dog’s neck if he lunges forward. This accessory will help you discipline dogs in a proper way while minimizing the risk of injury.
Carrier Your dog should have his own personal space when traveling, whether in public or in your own vehicle. This helps calm him down and makes him more comfortable. A proper carrier also ensures the physical safety and security of your dog and protects him from injuries from surrounding objects. Make sure his carrier has proper labeling and identification and added protection such as plastic covering in case of inclement weather.
Food & Water Food and water are basics that you should always have on hand when traveling. Bring an ample amount depending on the length of the trip you are taking. If you will be away for months at a time though, it would be better to source your dog’s food in the place where you are going because the stored food might spoil. You might want to consider bringing canned food instead. Don’t forget small nibbles and treats to keep him well-fed in transit.
Identification Papers If you will be traveling for an extended period of time and if you are staying in a new city, it would be wise to bring with you copies of your dog’s identification papers as well as other pertinent documents, such as his vaccination and health records. In case you need to bring him to a local vet, you can provide a complete background on his health status and other medical conditions such as allergies or any other past procedures done on him. It would also be a great idea to keep an updated photo of your dog with you at all times, just in case he gets lost and you would need to locate him.
Toys Never forget to bring along with you your dog’s favorite things, such as toys. These can serve as a distraction during rough moments throughout the trip and can keep him active when he has the chance to play outdoors. You can also bring along his favorite blanket, perhaps, to keep him company and to make sure he is calm during travel.
Traveling with Your Pet Traveling with your pet is a great way to have more special moments together. However, always keep his safety and welfare in mind. Sometimes, it may not be a good idea to bring along your dog to certain locations or under certain weather conditions. It may be best to leave him behind at home or under the care of a trusted guardian. For your next vacation, be sure to choose a suitable destination where he can definitely enjoy the trip.
I love travelling with my dog along side me – we have such fab adventures! But yes, it’s definitely important to think about what he needs before you set out. I have a dedicated box for all his bits and bobs that sits in the car ready for us.
Traveling with a pet could be stressful, I use a soft dog crate.