How to travel with your Dog
Having a dog in your life is one of the best things that could happen to you. Not without a reason, they are called Man’s best friend. However, there are a lot of things you should consider if you are planning to take your furry friend with you on vacation. This is the ultimate guide to save you and most importantly your beloved pet a lot of trouble.
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Before the trip
Before starting your journey, you should bring your dog to a vet and get him checked out. Traveling can be very exhausting, so it is critical that your buddy is healthy. Since all of the trips will cause your dog stress, you should train your dog long before you are going to take the actual trip. On the one hand, you need to make sure that your dog listens to basic commands. Only a well-trained dog should be taken on a journey. This ensures, that neither of you gets into dangerous situations. On the other hand, if you need to put your dog into a crate, you should get him used to it. Try to associate the crate with nice things, like toys or going into a park for example. Only if your dog is relaxed during the trip, it will enjoy traveling as much as you do!
The perfect destination
You should consider that not all dogs were made for all climates when planning your trip. For example, bringing your Husky to Spain in Summer or your pug to Alaska in Winter might not be the best idea. Dogs are highly adaptable, but trying to get them used to a different country only for a short trip might not be worth. However, there are a lot of helpful gadgets that can help your best friend, if you still want to travel to a country with a different climate. For example, a warm jacket for cooler regions and a cooling vest for warm areas. You should think about getting your dog’s shoes as well if you want to go to a hot and sunny. Yes, shoes! Walking barefoot – or in this case, bare pawed – can quickly feel like walking on hot coal.
On the way
In the following, you will find some important information, regarding the type of transportation that you are going to use.
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Plane
Traveling by plane is the least suitable way of traveling for dogs. Big dogs are usually considered as cargo. The cargo hold doesn’t make the trip a pleasant experience – even for the calmest dogs. This should only be your last option! Apart from that, small dog owners are a bit luckier. Some airlines allow you to bring your pet if it fits under the seat. Checking out the regulations of the airline is a must-to-do!
Train
Going by train is also very advisable. In most countries, dogs are allowed to travel on public transportation. However, you should not miss to check out the regulations in your destination country. They are not allowed to drive in public transportation in Asian countries like Vietnam for example. Some train companies even demand your dog to wear a muzzle in other parts of the world. Even if your doggo is a good boy!
Car
You should definitely consider driving by car if you own one. The chances are high, that your dog is used to it and stays calm while a ride. If not, you can again try to associate it with nice things, such as going to a park by car. Being able to take a break whenever you or your four-pawed companion wants to, is one of its biggest perks. Making sure to follow the necessary safety precautions goes without saying of course. This includes things like putting your dog in a crate for example.
You would really like to travel by car but you do not own one? Bring your own crate and enjoy the ride with one of our dog-friendly taxis. Book now!
Dog-Friendly Hotels
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Finding a nice and dog-friendly accommodation can be quite challenging. Here is a small list of places you could go to.
St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, Caribbean
Fort De Soto Dog Beach Park, Saint Petersburg