Can I bring my dog on vacation?

Summer is here and what better way to celebrate than with some well-deserved time off! For some, an exotic island getaway may be on the cards, and for others, a few days away camping will be more than enough to reflect, relax, and enjoy the sunshine. One thing that all dog owners will agree on though, is that our pets are part of the family. And rightly so, we want them to be included in making special memories (including vacations!) If you’ve never been away with your pet pooch before, you may be asking the question ‘Can I bring my dog on vacation?’ or maybe you’re just a little unsure how to go about organizing a trip with a four-legged addition. So, here’s everything you need to know about taking your dog on your summer getaway.

What preparation should I do before taking my dog on vacation?

First and foremost, to make your trip as enjoyable for all as possible, you should ensure that your dog is vacay-ready before setting off. This includes making sure that they’re properly trained with a reliable recall and being able to settle in their crate. Not only will having a well-trained dog make the trip a lot more enjoyable but will make it a lot safer, too.

You should also be sure that your destination is dog-friendly for your dog. Just because somewhere has labelled their property or attraction as ‘dog-friendly’, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the needs of your pet, who you, of course, know better than anyone else, will be met. Is the outdoor space properly secured? Is the property located in a particularly lively resort which could result in your dog becoming overwhelmed? Do they allow dogs of all sizes or just those under a certain weight? It’s important to have questions like these answered before going away.

You should also visit your dog’s vet, where you can check that their vaccinations and flea and worm treatments are up to date. Just like us, dogs can be affected by motion sickness when travelling. If you know this is the case for your pet, your vet will also be able to prescribe your dog medication for the journey. If you’re travelling abroad, you will also need to be provided with relevant documentation, which we will discuss shortly.

How can I travel with my dog?

Travelling by car

If you’re vacationing in the same country, the chances are that you’ll be travelling to your destination by car. Before setting off on a long journey, you’ll want to make sure that you have everything you need to ensure the ride is as comfortable and safe for everyone as possible. For one, your dog should be restrained in the vehicle either with a dog seat belt, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard. Also, if it’s a warm summer’s day, you’ll ideally want to head out as early as you can in the morning or late in the evening when the car will be at its coolest.

During your journey, it’s important to make sure that your dog doesn’t overheat. You can help keep the car cool by keeping the windows slightly open, but not wide enough for their head to be sticking out. Alternatively, turn on the car’s air conditioning, being mindful not to have it directly blowing on your dog’s face.

We recommend making time to stop off at a dog-friendly service station for all of you to stretch your legs, for your pup to have a toilet break, and to have a refreshment (a portable dog water bottle is a great option!). When you arrive at your first stop, park in a shaded spot if it’s a warm day – this will help keep the car nice and cool for when you get back in. Needless to say, you should never leave your dog unattended in the car at any point on your travels.

Travelling by plane

When it comes to flying, the rules differ between airlines but in many cases, dogs, excluding assistance dogs, are only allowed to travel in the hold. Some airlines, however, don’t allow pets in either the hold or cabin, so please contact the airline you plan on travelling with to avoid disappointment.

Travelling by train

When it comes to travelling by train, things can be easier if you’re in NY you can bring your dog on the train if they fit in a dog carrier/bag. If your dogs are a nuisance or are endangering members of the public, then, of course, you could be asked to get off the train at the next stop. It’s also worth noting that you’re only allowed to travel with a maximum of 2 dogs.

Can I take my dog abroad?

If you live in the US airlines generally require health certificates from all shippers. So it’s a good idea to have a licensed veterinarian examine animals within 10 days prior to shipment and issue a certificate stating that the animal is in good health. These can be obtained from your vet but must be signed off by an official veterinarian (OV), so be sure that your practice provides this service. A maximum of 5 pets can accompany you unless you are travelling for dog training, a show, a sporting event or a competition, which you’ll need to provide written evidence of.

You can find more information on this by visiting the US Department of Transportation website.

Ultimately, what both of these certifications say is that your pet is fit to travel and is free of anything that has the potential to spread to other animals or humans, and has their up-to-date vaccinations, as well as yours and your dog’s information such as address, dog’s breed, pet and owner’s name.

Settling your dog on vacation

Taking your dog on vacation is as big an adventure for you as it is for them! For our pets, a new location means not only plenty of unfamiliar places but also so many new things to explore and smell. You should try to keep their routine similar to how it is back at home so that they don’t feel unsettled or stressed. For example, you should give them their food and walks at the same time as you normally would. At the same time, it’s also important to give your pet some time to settle in their new environment by letting them get enough undisturbed rest.

Taking something familiar to your dog is also a great way to help them settle. This can be their dog blanket, dog bed or a dog toy they enjoy playing with. The Nest dog bed from Omlet is perfect for travelling, as it can slide right into their crate. Plus, it’s super lightweight without compromising on comfort for any bumpy roads along the way. You can also take a dog pheromone diffuser for a more anxious dog, which can help them to stay calm.

Omlet and your dog’s vacation

Your dog’s vacation can not only be stress-free but an enjoyable trip for everyone with Omlet’s Nest dog bed, and dog blanket to offer them support in a new environment. Not heading away on summer break this year? Check out 7 things your dog needs this summer for some top tips for enjoying this season at home.

This entry was posted in Dogs