Travelling the world is one of the most fulfilling things that you can do with your spare time. You get to connect with new cultures and landscapes let yourself be altered and remade by new perspectives and awe-inspiring sights. Once you make the leap to adding a fluffy new member to your family, people are all too fond of telling you that you’ll never be able to travel again, that your whole day and life will be restructured and that all your freedom is gone. This is not true. Dogs are pack animals; they like to do things with the pack. They also like new smells and new places. This being said, travelling with your dog requires a little more preparation than travelling with just yourself or your partner. With that in mind, the following will explore some of the things you might want to bring with you if you’re travelling with your dog.
Of course, some travel locations have additional requirements for your dog. It’s a good idea to speak to a veterinarian about any vaccinations or medical preparations you need to make, depending on where you’re going. In some places, the bacteria and parasites are drastically different than they are where you live. This can give your pet problems in the same way that it can give you problems. Some countries also have vaccination requirements to let your dog in.
The Basics
No matter where you’re going, when you leave the hotel or hostel or campground, you want to bring the basics with you: food and water dishes, food, water, training treats if you use those, a favourite toy or two in case your dog needs to be distracted, and any medications and papers your pet needs. Yes, you’re basically going to be carrying an extra “dog bag,” almost like a baby bag.
Applications That Help You Travel With Your Dog
Given the era of easy travel that we’re living in, there’s an app for everything. Travelling with a dog is no exception. Take, for instance, All Trails, which is an app that offers up trail maps (more than 50,000 of them). The app also specifies which trails welcome dogs. Another app worth checking out is Bring Fido; this app helps users search hotels, restaurants, and attractions that welcome pets. Finally, maybe you want to download Pet First, the app created by the American Red Cross. This app helps you find nearby emergency animal hospitals and can help with common pet emergencies by providing step-by-step instructions.
Transportation Ease
When you’re moving around, you’re going to want something that helps out your tired doggo. If you have a smaller pet, this might be something like a pet carrier. If you’re going to be biking a lot, you might be looking for one of these 9 dog bike trailers so your canine friend can sit in the back and chill as you pass new scenes. Whatever you choose, be sure to get your dog used to the device before the trip begins. Ideally, they should be comfortable with the smell and with sitting inside as if you wait for a new environment to spring a new tool on them, they might become overwhelmed.
A Plane Safe Crate
If you’re travelling by air and your furry friend is too big to sit on your lap on the plane, you’re going to need a crate that is plane safe. These are different than normal crates; they’re often sturdier and lock more securely. When bringing your dog on a plane, understand that the experience could be frightening or overwhelming (think of all the new smells). Some people give their dog treats with calming vitamins in them and include a blanket that smells like them in the crate, so the dog has something to comfort him or her. Be sure to follow airline regulations with care and take note that not all airlines charge intense fees. If you start looking for flights early, you should be able to find something in your price range. Be prepared for a nice long run around outside the second you get out of the airport before you even hop in a taxi and make your way to the hotel or hostel.
The above information should help you have all your bases covered when it comes to travelling with your pet. Don’t forget to bring your camera! Your dog sitting atop a mountain at sunset is a once-in-a-lifetime image. Why not share the magic of travel with your best friend?
