Holiday traveling tips with your dog

With the holidays fast approaching, planning to travel with your dog can be easy and stress free with these few tips for both air travel and road trips.

General preparation

1. Contact your vet to make sure all their vaccinations are up to date and you have enough prescriptions for the trip.

2. List of necessities: food, bedding, favorite toys, treats, doggie bags, water bowl, leash, up-to- date dog collar / microchip information, medications, grooming supplies, paper towels and cleaning supplies.

3. Check to see if the accommodations are pet friendly and what amenities or services they provide.

4. Crating your dog is the safest way to travel and also provides a safe and familiar place to keep them more comfortable, don’t forget to include a pet pad to keep them dry and comfortable.

5. Bring a current photograph of your pet in case they get lost

Traveling by air

1. Contact the airlines for their guidelines, crate requirements, health records, etc.

2. Make sure if your dog is aggressive to bring a muzzle in case they have to be removed from the crate during a security check.

3. If your dog will be in cargo, try to fly direct to cut transit time and notify the staff when you board to let them know you have a pet in cargo.

4. Make sure their collar can’t get caught in carrier doors.

5. On your airline approved crate, make sure to affix an easy to read travel label with your dog’s identification, contact information, medications and special instructions.

6. Provide them the proper clothing or bedding for extreme temperatures

7. Do not feed your pet 4 to 6 hours before the trip, however you can give them small amounts of water such as ice cubes attached to a tray inside the crate.

8. Do not give your pet a tranquilizer.

9. Make sure to have all your paperwork: health certificate, proof of vaccinations, medical records, emergency contact, medication list, etc.

Traveling by car

1. Plan out the stops ahead of time, typically your dog needs a 15 to 30 min. break every 4 hours and even better if you find pet-friendly stops like a dog park.

2. Avoid car sickness by letting your dog travel on an empty stomach but make sure he has plenty of water.

3. Keep the car well ventilated

4. Do not let your dog ride with his head out the window it can lead to eye injuries.

5. If your dog is not in a crate make sure to purchase a doggie seat belt for safety

6. Give him something to chew on to keep him busy.

With proper planning and preparation, traveling can be stress-free and safe for both your and your dog!