Travel Tips for Dog Owners This Summer

With the world of travel experiencing a boom, people are on the move in a big way, and they’re taking their pets with them. If you’ve been thinking about a dream summer vacation, but can’t get a pet sitter organized, it may feel like you're stuck or tied down; but fear not. 

Whether it’s a weekend away, a scenic road trip or a globe trotting adventure, you can take your pooch with you, and it’s more than likely that they’ll love it just as much as you! Now, reading this may feel like a dream come true; travel? With my beloved dog? What could be better? There are, however, a few things to consider. 

There is a little bit of prep you’ll need to do to keep those tails wagging, so let’s figure it out together so you can zoom off with your fury co-pilot for the adventure of a lifetime. From cruise ships to cobbled streets and road trips, we’ve rounded up some essential tips for traveling with a dog so that you, and your pack, can enjoy a stress free, memory filled summer vacation; let’s dive in.

1. Sailing into Summer: Cruising with Your Dog

Think cruise ships are just for humans? Think again! A lot of cruise operators do hold a firm ‘no pets’ policy, however there are a few operators that are making waves in the industry by allowing dogs to join their owners on a voyage. You can enjoy a transatlantic crossing with your furry best friend, for a small additional fee, of course, and you can both do so in pure luxury. Your pup will be fitted with their own life jacket (yes, it’s as adorable as it sounds!), have a designated area to play and socialize with other traveling pups (and do their business, of course). You’ll have full access to the kennels so you can do some human stuff while your pooch safely awaits your return, and they will be treated to all the gourmet doggy treats they can get their paws on for the duration of the trip. It’s luxury travel with a leash in hand. 

Before you board, you’ll need to make sure your pup is travel-ready with: 

• A passport
• Microchips
• Correct vaccinations

Remember that vet-approved vaccinations are pretty much always required when taking dogs abroad, even on a cruise. You also may need to give your furbaby a bit of time to adjust to the high seas, not everyone gets their sea legs straight away. Give them a chance and watch as they thrive at sea. 

2. Road Trip Ready: Hitting the Highway with Your Hound

Ah, the great American road trip; windows rolled down, music blaring, and your dog’s ears flapping in the breeze. Is there a better choice for a vacation? It’s hard to beat, that’s for sure. A road trip is probably the ultimate vacation to share with your pup; you’ve got the freedom to do as you please, no strict itinerary and you can just stop on the side of the road for a potty break! But that’s not to say that road trips are good times, and good times only; there are a few things to bear in mind before setting off to give yourself the best chance of a successful drive. 

So, before you toss the leash on the back seat and go pedal to the metal (not literally, of course), let’s take a look at some of the things you should consider to make your pup as happy as possible on the road.  

Pooch Safety

If you’re already here, reading this article, then it’s probably fair to assume that dog safety is already a high priority for you, and with good reason. This is something that should absolutely be carried through for a good road trip, so make sure you’ve got an accurate and up to date collar, or microchip, in case of extended doggy wanderings. You’ll also need a secure and safe place for your dog to be during the driving portions, and maybe some water, and a few snacks. 

Check State Law

The laws regarding dogs in cars vary from state to state, so be sure to read up on pup-safety laws for your destination states. Some will require dogs to be secured in the car with belts, some have very strict laws about doggy/ driver distractions and most (as they should!) will have hot car laws that include dogs; so be sure you can take your pup with you wherever you go.  

What to Pack

Bring your pup’s favorite bed, and make sure it’s easy to carry! You’ll be loading it into and out of the car, at pretty much every stop. You’ll also need to bring enough food for the duration, or be sure that you can grab the food you usually get along the way. You’ll also need a toy, approved by your dog, for the drive and it’s probably a good idea to bring a spare leash, just in case. 

Plan Your Stops

It’s a good idea to stop every 2 to 3 hours along the way so you and your dog, stretch your legs, have a good sniff around, do some business and have a little play. Use platforms like BringFido to help you find the perfect pet stops on any trip.  

Check Your Accommodation

Although it may seem strange to a pet lover, not everyone feels the same about our dogs. Make sure your accommodation knows you’ve got a pooch accompanying you, and be sure to check with each stop along the way that the proprietors allow dogs. With a little forethought, the open road will become your playground, instead of a stress-fest for you and your furry best friend. Plan accordingly with these dog travel trips and you can enjoy the perfect pooch and pet parent vacation on the road.  

3. Jet-Setting with Your Pup: Flying Dos and Don’ts

Not so long ago, flying with a dog in tow would have seemed completely far-fetched, but in today’s world, it’s a different story. To make it work you’ll need a good strategy and some bits to ensure the journey is good for your pooch, and your fellow passengers 

Much like cruise operators, airlines all have their own pet policies, so call your selected carrier and double check their policy on flying with pups; they might need to travel in the cargo hold, or they could well be allowed to travel in-cabin with you. The size, breed, and end destination all play a factor in whether or not your dog can fly, so be sure to give them all the information you can before booking. Once you know for sure your dog can travel, and what method you’ll need to use to transport them, be sure to get them used to the travel arrangements as soon as possible.

If they can ride in the cabin, you should get their soft sided carrier and practice with them in the build up to the flight. If they will be in the hold, do some crate practice with them to make it as stress free as possible. No matter how much prep you put into this, it could well be a stressful experience for your dog, so try to ensure you have direct flights, a way to make your pup comfortable. Follow as many of the official guidelines as you can to ensure a smooth journey. 

4. Going Global: What to Know About Taking Dogs Abroad

Dreaming of Parisian lights or hiking in the mountains of South America with your furry beloved? If you’re looking to travel outside of the USA on a mega holiday with your dog, then we would strongly recommend that you do, but, as we have already touched upon, there are things to consider before you get jet-setting.  

Plan Ahead: Jabs Need Time

Many countries around the world have strict policies for those traveling with pets, particularly with vaccinations, microchipping, and even quarantines; missing a step could mean that you and your dog are denied entry. Make sure you’re planning your dog’s vaccinations ahead of time as many of these requirements are not quick processes. For the countries that require proof of a rabies jab, you’ll need to have the jab administered at least 21-30 days prior to entry, plus a health certificate from your vet covering all the necessary information. Other countries, like the UK and Japan, require tapeworm treatments and blood tests done months in advance

For the most up to date and useful information, check out the USDA Pet Travel website; it will be your best friend and greatest resource when looking to travel successfully with your furry best friend. It will give you a breakdown of country-specific requirements and help you to plan your trip; bookmark it, and thank us later.

Consider Cultural Attitudes

Once you’ve got all your paperwork on lock, you’ll need to consider the location you're visiting and how they, as a nation, will feel about your dog. We love dogs in the USA, they’re generally welcome in most public spaces, if they behave, but other countries might feel different.

A good example of this is Italy and Morocco. Italy loves dogs, they are welcome in cities, parks, cafes, and pretty much most other places; Morocco on the other hand is a different story. Due to historic, religious and cultural differences, dogs are not widely kept as pets in Morocco and are very rarely allowed indoors. They’re considered unwelcome in public places, not to mention that many locals may well be fearful or downright scared of your dog. It’s super important to take into account the views of the culture you’re visiting, not just for a great trip with your pooch, but also as a matter of respect and kindness to the people who call your destinations home. 

Fetch Your Dream Adventure Now 

Traveling with your dog does not have to be difficult, stressful or challenging for humans or pooches; it can be an incredible journey that allows you to strengthen bonds, experience the world together and get plenty of tails wags going. Be sure you have a good plan in place well before you go, get the right gear for you both to ensure smooth sailing and be sure you have a solid understanding of what to expect. From airplane seats to back seats, and from sea to sky, every trip is better with your four legged friends along for the ride; just be prepared for the adventure and you will be sure to earn plenty of tail wags as you explore together.