Traveling with Your Dog: Yes or No?

If you love pets, sooner or later you’re going to wonder what to do with your pet when you have to take a trip. To travel with your dog or not to travel…that is the (Shakespearean) question. The answer is: “it depends”. Read on to find out everything you need to know about traveling with your dog.

The world is getting more “pet-friendly”

The US and other countries are becoming more and more pet-friendly, allowing us to travel with pets without any problems.

Pet-friendly destinations, or places that allow pets to enter, are popping up everywhere. For example: 

• Transportation
• Hotels and other places to stay
• Restaurants, bars, and cafes
• Public spaces (museums, offices, movie theaters, etc.)

To travel or not to travel with your dog can become a Shakespearean dilemma…or not. You should analyze all your options before you decide whether to take your dog with you or to leave him with someone. 

Traveling with your dog isn’t a problem, unless it’s stressful

We assure you that as long as you comply with the rules of each pet-friendly establishment, traveling with your dog shouldn’t be a problem.

However, in order for your trip to be a success, your four-legged friend should want to go. We say that because some dogs find traveling stressful, especially on certain means of transport.

Put yourself in your dog’s place. All of a sudden, he’s in a cage and then he ends up in a strange place. He has no idea where he is, and then he hears strange noises as everything begins to move.

That’s why it’s important to help your pet get used to a travel carrier before you go on an adventure like this. 

Before traveling with your dog, see a veterinarian

Your dog can go through many stressful situations on different means of transport, even if it’s your own car. So before you decide to take him on a trip with you, see a veterinarian first.

Ask a professional to evaluate your dog’s health. Some conditions might limit his ability to travel. For example:

• Age: Puppies and older animals should not be moved around too much.
• Certain illnesses.
• Recent surgery or other reasons for convalescence

If the vet approves your dog’s trip, ask him to give you the health documents that you might need for traveling (vaccinations, deworming, etc.) In addition, you should ask how to make the trip as stress-free as possible for the animal.

Options for peaceful trips if you can’t bring your dog

However, if because of health or other issues, you decide not to bring your pet on your trip, then don’t worry! If no friends or family members can take care of him, or if you’re scared of leaving him in a kennel, where he will probably get stressed out, by no means should you cancel your trip.

Nowadays, there are plenty of people who will pet sit for you. That’s because the internet continues to surprise us more and more every day. Also, the internet is the perfect tool to find people near you that will be willing to take care of your dog.

These “pet sitters” are rated by other users, so that you can be confident about choosing them. In addition, in many cases, insurance companies endorse them for extra peace of mind.

Keep in mind that, over time, you can get to know your dog’s carer and see how he interacts with him. Also, while you’re on the road, the caregiver can send reports and photos of your dog so you can see how he’s getting on. If you want, you can even ask him to send a live video. Isn’t technology great?