The Complete Guide to Traveling With Your Dog
Taking your dog along can make the family vacation more fun for everyone, if you plan carefully. Here are some trip tips to make traveling with your dog enjoyable.
Health And Safety
Health Checks
- Bring your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup before going on an extended trip. Make sure all his vaccinations are up-to-date; take shot records with you. Health certifications are required for airline travel. Ask your veterinarian if your dog is in proper mental and physical shape to travel. Remember that not all dogs will enjoy going on a trip.
- To keep your dog healthy as you travel, bring along a supply of his regular food. Don’t forget bottled water and be sure to bring any medications he needs.
- Be prepared for an emergency. Find the number of the nearest 24-hour veterinary emergency hospital and program it into your cell phone, along with the office and emergency number for your regular veterinarian (in case the veterinarians need to speak with each other). That way, if there’s a situation where your dog needs medical attention, you are prepared with the necessary information on hand
Read also: Routine health care for dogs
-Advertisement-
Learn More

Crates
- A crate is an excellent way to keep your dog safe in the car and is required for airline travel. It can also keep your pet from getting into trouble in a hotel or at your host’s home. Crates are available from most pet supply stores. Look for these features when purchasing:
- Large enough to allow the dog to stand, turn, and lie down.
- Strong, with handles and grips, and free of interior protrusions.
- Leak-proof bottom covered with absorbent material.
- Ventilation on opposing sides, with exterior rims or knobs to prevent blocked airflow.
- “Live Animal” label, arrows showing upright position, with owner’s name, address, and phone number.
- Stock the crate with a comfortable mat, your dog’s favorite toy, and a water bottle, and your dog is ready to go.
Read also: Top 10 medication prescribed for dogs
Identification
- In the event that your dog gets away from you on your trip, you can increase the chances of recovery by making sure he can be properly identified:
- Make sure your dog has a sturdy leash and collar. The collar should have identification tags with the dog’s name, your name, and your home phone number, as well as proof of rabies shots. If you plan on being away for more than a few days, consider purchasing a second identification tag giving the location and phone number of your vacation spot.
- Consider a permanent form of identification, such as a microchip.
- Bring a recent picture of your dog along with you, as well as a copy of his health records listing all of his recent vaccinations.
For more information and updates join our WhatsApp group HERE
Like our page on Facebook HERE