How to Travel with a Dog Without Stress: Tips for a Smooth Trip

Many people view traveling with their pets as a challenging experience, much like traveling with children. Truthfully, it can become a challenge if you plan everything at the last minute.

With a little bit of preparation in advance and knowing what to expect, you can enjoy a smooth and stress-free journey! In this complete guide, we’ll teach you basic travel tips for dogs and their owners to make travel fun for everyone!

5 Essential Things to Do Before Traveling with Dogs

Follow this 5-step pet parent checklist on what to do before you embark on a journey with your pooch.

Ensure your doggo is up to date on vaccines and preventive medications for fleas and worms. Additionally, research and identify the nearest vet, including the “out of hours” veterinary center, at your travel destination.

Pro tip: As a responsible pet parent, put together a comprehensive pet first aid kit to ensure you’re ready for any emergency, even during a short trip.

2. Use medications to calm your pet during travel

If your pet isn't used to traveling, there are some ways to help them feel more comfortable on the journey. You can find both over-the-counter and prescription sedatives that might make the experience a little easier for your furry friend. These sedatives will put your dog (and you by knowing they’re calm!) in a more relaxed state, alleviating the stress associated with travel.

Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Sedatives should never replace proper training and behavior modification techniques. Ideally, desensitizing a dog to travel through behavioral methods should be prioritized alongside the use of medications.

• When using sedatives, follow the vet’s instructions and administer the medication in advance to allow sufficient time for it to take effect. The timing may vary depending on the specific sedative used.

3. Check transport travel requirements

It’s vital to check pet travel requirements, as each type of transport has a distinct set of rules.

4. Check the country or state travel requirements

Check the entry requirements of the country/state you’re heading to. For example, your dog may need a microchip, a passport with valid rabies shots documented (the list may vary depending on the destination country), information about the quarantine period, and tapeworm treatment (this also varies from country to country).

Also, double-check if you need a vet certificate issued by a state vet institution and a Rabies Titre Test.

5. What not to forget before traveling with a dog

The list of things you need to pack when traveling with dogs might seem a bit daunting, but trust us, these are essentials that will save your nerves and keep your pup happy during your travels.

Here’s what you should pack:

• Water bowl (or dog drinkers if you can’t stop on the way)
• Food bowl for dry food only (in case it’s a long-distance journey)
• Treats (to reinforce calm behavior at the beginning)
• Toys (or a smart bone to distract your pooch)
• A warm blanket if it’s cold (sometimes it also helps to fall asleep faster)
• A cooling blanket if it’s too hot
• A pre-fold diaper (in case of vomiting)
• First aid kit: antiseptic, bandage, band-aids, sedatives if needed (check the list with your vet)
• Dog ID tag
• Documents

How to Travel with a Dog in the Car

To make a dog ride less stressful, follow these basic rules for traveling with dogs in cars:

• Prepare the travel space. Support your pet's paws and limit their movements, regardless of the mode of transport.
• Before the trip, ensure your dog gets plenty of physical activity to release excess energy.
• Prepare accessories. Start with a comfortable crate or carrier that offers enough ventilation and space. For car travel, consider a specialized car seat with a protective car seat cover or hammock. This keeps your car clean while giving your pet a safe spot.

• For larger dogs, use a sturdy barrier in the luggage compartment to secure them. A safety harness that attaches to the seat belt is also recommended – it keeps your pet safe while allowing them to sit or lie down comfortably.
• Check the law in the country you’ll be driving to. For example, in the UK, it’s illegal not to have the pup secured by a seat belt or crate.
• Avoid placing your dog next to the driver or letting them stick their head out of the window. Opt for a back seat.
• Taking bathroom breaks every two to three hours gives your dog a chance to stretch their legs, relieve themselves, and stay well-hydrated during your travel. Such rest stops during a dog ride are beneficial for both owners and their furry travel companions.

How to Travel with a Dog by Plane

Traveling by plane can be quite challenging for your pet, affecting both their physical and mental well-being. To help your pet cope with this stress, it's essential to prepare thoroughly before domestic flights or traveling internationally.

How to prepare for travelling with dogs on planes?

• Conduct a full health check-up: consult your vet, buy all the medications for a pet first aid kit in advance. Get a health certificate for your pup, if needed.
• Be aware that some airline regulations may not allow sedatives if prescribed by your vet.
• Refrain from feeding your pet at least 6 hours before the flight and provide only bottled water.
• Inform the airline in advance that you'll be traveling with your pup.
• Choose an appropriate crate or pet carrier.

Important: Training your pooch to stay calm while alone or in an enclosed space, long before a short-distance or international travel, is essential. Here's when crate training comes into play.

Before hopping on a plane with your pup, research the following:

Note: Keep in mind that now (since 2021, to be exact), most airlines no longer allow emotional support dogs to fly for free with you, and this means you need to pay extra fees and use a carrier. However, trained psychiatric service animals can still fly for free (due to legal protection).

Taking your Dog on a Boat

Whether you’re about to go ocean crossing or taking a short boat trip over the weekend, here’s the checklist below to make your journey worry-free:

• Check policies for the boat ride (cruise line rules, marinas, ferries, and docking spots).
• Arrive earlier. And when aboard, before the departure, let your pet explore the boat while it’s docked. This will help your pup feel at ease.
• Use a dog life jacket for safety (like Ruffwear Float Coat dog life jacket).
• Find a secured area on boat with a lot of shade and a familiar blanket or dog bed to secure a rest zone for your puppy.
• For potty situations, pack potty pads or artificial turf for longer trips. Always clean up right away.
• If traveling in the warm period - don’t forget to pack dog sunscreen. They need it too!
• Keep checking the deck temperature to prevent heat stroke, and always keep fresh water available.
• As motion sickness is common among many dogs, consult your vet for a remedy before your trip.

Bus and Train Travel with a Dog

Travelling by train or bus is another option you can take advantage of. Likewise, your pup needs to stay calm inside the crate or carrier (or else be always kept on the leash), and you have to collect all the necessary documents before travel.

Here’s what to do before taking a train or a bus with your dog:

• Not all trains and buses allow pets, some train companies apply fees, so first things first, check the train company's policy (for example, Amtrak trains now allow all dogs, while Greyhound bus policy has its own rules and allows service animals only).
• Grab a comfortable carrier or leash, depending on the rules.
• Pack water, a collapsible bowl, treats, waste bags, and your dog’s favorite blanket.
• Walk your travel buddy before the trip to reduce anxiety and get rid of extra energy.

Additional Dog Travel Tips and Resources

• Check out some dog travel directories like BringFido. There you can find listings of pet-friendly lodgings, including pet-friendly hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and campgrounds. What’s even better – you can read user reviews and detailed pet policies to help you choose an accommodation!
• If you’re into reading, get a copy of dog travel books such as DogFriendly.com's United States and Canada Dog Travel Guide, with curated information on dog-friendly beaches, parks, and attractions for in-depth guidance.

Bonus: How to Find Dog-Friendly Accommodation

• Finding the right dog-friendly lodging is key to an enjoyable getaway with your furry companion. Here are proven tips and tricks:
• Start by searching for dog-friendly hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, or vacation rentals listing pet policies in the booking info. Check details on dog size limits, pet fees, and pet beds or on-site walking areas. Staying at dog-friendly resorts might surprise you in a pleasant way, as many offer added perks like welcome treats, fenced play areas, or dog-sitting services. So, your pup will stay at a 5-star hotel!
• If you're headed into the wild, explore pet-friendly campgrounds, parks, and beaches.
• Google contact info for a local veterinary emergency hospital, just in case.

Wrap Up

Traveling with your pet can be enjoyable if you plan ahead and consider your furry friend's needs to safely reach your final destination. Remember, a bit of preparation can significantly enhance the journey for both you and your loyal companion. Happy travels!

FAQs