Jet Set Paws: Traveling with Pets

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Travel season is here, and for pawrents who like to take their furry family members on trips, here is the latest scoop on traveling with your pets.

According to a recent survey by the American Pet Products Association, it’s estimated that 70% of U.S. households have pets. There has also been a rise in pet travel. People are increasingly including their dogs and cats on their trips. Dog friendly vacations make a fun time for the entire family but traveling with pets takes some advance planning and attention to detail. Here are top tips for an enjoyable road trip with your dog.

Make sure your dog is fully acclimated to and has a positive association with car travel and adventure. This can be accomplished by taking your dog on short car trips and errands around town. You may also want to take them to the park and other areas where they will be introduced to different environments as well as be around new dogs and people. End these trips with playtime, praise, and reward for good behavior in the car.

Prepare for the trip by making a folder with your packing lists, hotels, restaurants, activities, and all the fun things you can do with your dog.

Pet’s Packing List

  • Food/treats
  • Medication
  • Water
  • Water and food bowls
  • Bedding and towels
  • Car seat cover
  • Vaccination records
  • Flea and tick prevention
  • Favorite toys
  • Car harness/carrier
  • Leash + extension
  • Pet first aid kit
  • Pick up bags
    • Medical
  • Is your pet healthy and able to travel? Visit your veterinarian for a check-up.
  • If all is well, get them up to date on vaccines.
  • Get copies of paperwork with proof of vaccines and medical care.
  • If your dog requires medication, bring enough for the trip plus a few days extra for the unexpected.
    • Identification
  • Make sure your dog is micro chipped and has a collar with identification attached.
  • Bring photos of your dog with contact information on the back, kept in your purse or wallet.
    • Car Trip
  • Map out pet friendly stops with the help of GoPetFriendly.com.
  • Add markers for possible restaurants, attractions, landmarks, and shops. Also, research highly rated emergency veterinarian offices in or near cities you will be driving through.
  • Plan to make frequent short stops to exercise, provide water and give your dog appropriate bathroom breaks.
  • Learn your dog's stress signals and make sure to take a break when needed.
  • Practice good pet etiquette while out and about.
  • Make sure your pet is restrained for safety via a booster seat, carrier, or harness.
  • Do not leave your dog in the car at any time.
    • Lodging & Food
  • Make a list of pet friendly accommodations along your route.
  • Bringfido.com helps you search for dog-friendly lodging, and it’s available as a mobile app to easily find hotels.
  • Bring your dog’s own bedding.
  • Check hotels pet rules and places to walk pets for potty breaks and exercise.
  • Eat out at dog friendly restaurants.
  • Bring containers with your dog’s food.
    • Activities

    Enjoy your time together in your new surroundings. After a long day on the road, your dog will likely want to be close to what’s familiar and if you’re in a new location the most familiar thing for them will be you. Be prepared to spend the majority of time outdoors. Here are some fun things to do:

  • Picnic at a dog park
  • Relax on a Pet friendly beach
  • Take a dog friendly hike
  • Go kayaking
  • Attend an outdoor music concert
  • Visit a state park (Check state parks pet regulations).
    • If you are traveling by plane with your dog, here are additional things to prepare for:

    *Check your airline for specific regulations, health documents and fees. Policies vary by airlines.

    *Get your pet used to its carrier before the flight.

    *Purchase flights with fewer connections or layovers.

    *Walk your pet before leaving home and again before checking in. Keep pick-up bags, wee-wee pads, paper

    towels and hand sanitizer accessible.

    *Bring favorite non-squeaky toys and treats and play a little before boarding. Keep your pup on your lap if possible

    and communicate throughout the flight to reduce stress.

    *If your plans include international travel, contact the International Pet and Animal Transportation

    Association (IPATA) for required information.

    Here are seven websites that provide helpful information about hotels, restaurants, events, and attractions that

    welcome pets:

    1.BringFido.com

    2.PetTravel.com

    3.PetsWelcome.com

    4.GopetFriendly.com

    5.PetFriendlyTravel.com

    6.TopDogPetTravel.com

    7.TripsWithPets.com

    (Bon Voyage)