Whether it be on a vacation to your favorite resort or just visiting the in-laws for the weekend, many people are choosing to take their dogs with them when traveling. Land or air, there are many things to take into consideration. The best advice is simple; be prepared!
Below are some great tips for traveling by air and land.
Preparing Fido for Air Travel
Unless your dog is a frequent flier, air travel is likely to be a very stressful experience, so you might want to think twice about subjecting them to the friendly skies. Each airline is going to have their own set of rules for traveling pets. Be sure to know the details prior to making any arrangements.
- Have your vet sign a document (health certificate) stating that your dog is healthy and free from disease.
- Make sure he is up-to-date with a flea and tic program.
- Do not feed our pet within 6 hours (some wait even longer) prior to departure. And no water for 2 hours before takeoff.
- Make sure you have proper identification tags on him. This includes his name and ALL your information… including address and phone number.
- You MUST provide an adequate crate for your dog to travel in. The crate must be big enough for Fido to stand in, free of any “debris,” and strong enough to withstand the rigors of travel. Be sure to check with your airline for more specific crate requirements.
- Attach a note to the crate stating your dogs feeding and watering requirements in the event that your flight is delayed or diverted.
- Carry a photograph of your dog in case he is accidentally lost. Finding your dog will be a lot easier for everyone if you have a picture.
Preparing Fido for Road Trips
- Keep your dog leashed whenever possible.
- Pack ID and a photo. Make sure your Fido has his ID tags, with all important, up-to-date contact information. Along with his tags, make sure you have paperwork with current vaccinations and important health notes.
- Book your lodgings ahead. If your road trip involves staying overnight somewhere, insure that your accommodations allow dogs.
- Is your dog ready for a long trip? If your dog is not used to long road trips, it might be a good idea to get him accustomed to being in the car longer than a trip to the grocery store.
- Keep your dog cool. If you don’t have air conditioning in the car, make sure you have a window down to let in fresh, cool air.
Traveling with your four-legged pal makes a great trip even better. If you follow these basic guidelines and educate yourself on rules and regulations for traveling and accommodations, you will have a great memory of your trip that will last a lifetime.
