Hi Humans!
As always we begin our week with a new post with everything you need to know about dogs and DOGTV.
Today’s special guest blogger is Andy Smit, Co Founder and CEO of Furlocity. Andy writes about pawesome travel tips for you and your dog.
The winter gear is gone and we’re getting ready for the outdoors of spring. Here are some pet travel tips for spring to make a rewarding and fun experience for the entire family without all the stress and hiccups. Whether you decide to take a car, recreational vehicle (RV), train or plane its important to know these transportation modes weren’t designed with our dog in mind. By planning your travel ahead of time, you can be sure you know what to expect when reaching your final destination. Have a more enjoyable trip this spring knowing that your pet will be safe if you follow these pet travel tips.
By Car
The first thing that comes to mind when traveling with your pets is to ensure that your furry family member has plenty of exercise prior to taking to the road. This is very important if you decide to crate your pet for the trip and can mean the difference between your pet getting very stressed or being comfortable. If you’re not using the crate or carrier, make sure your pet is properly secured by harness and never attach a restraining device to a pet’s collar.
Be sure to make frequent stops to walk your pet and give them a potty break. When making human stops, be sure to not leave your pet in the car alone even if the window is lowered. If this your pet’s first time traveling by car, short trips are recommended to let your pet adjust to this new mode of travel.
Do not allow your pet to stick his head outside the window because close objects can strike your pet and cause serious harm or even death. Also, flying dirt, rocks and other objects can get into your pet’s ears, nose, eyes and throat so keep your pet inside and safe.
Cars can get hot very quickly and your pet can easily get dehydrated. Give your pets plenty to drink but avoid feeding your pets too much during the trip as they can be prone to motion sickness.
By RV
Before heading to your destination, make sure you call ahead and see if your pet is allowed on the premises. Just because a place is “pet-friendly”, not all places will accept your pet’s breed, type, or size. Lizards, birds, and exotic pets may not be accepted in certain places.
Bring a carrier in case your pet is not use to the size of the RV. Plus, there’s furniture that may be in your RV that Fido can run into and cause harm to himself. It’s necessary to have your dog restrained to avoid harm during a sudden stop or accident.
Do not lock your pet inside without proper air flow. Temperatures inside an RV can rise fast during spring and summer and can cause a heat stroke. If you have to leave your pet inside the RV by itself, make sure your pet has proper air ventilation with water.
Traveling By Train
Traveling by train is often an option that will save you dollars in your purse or wallet, especially if you are traveling with pets. Train travel is also typically less stressful on pets than flying since they can usually sit with or near you, rather than in the cargo hold. However, don’t be surprised if the train operator in which you plan to travel does not allow pets on its trains. If you are, in fact, permitted to take pets on the train, you will not only need to prepare yourself for the trip, but also your pets. Research or contact your local train operator and find out if your pet is permitted on board. Some operators only allow service pets so be well informed on which operator you choose.
When you do find the right train operator for you and your pet, you will most likely need a carrier, a leash, a muzzle, and present up-to-date rabies and vaccination certificates when boarding the train. If your pet is fairly large and takes up an extra seat, you may need to pay another fee or a ticket to have your pet on board with you. Also, bring treats and anything that can keep your pet happy and safe during travel.
Taking Your Dogs On An Airplane
The first thing to do when taking your pup on an airline with you is to ensure that your know the policies ahead of time. Since all airlines differ based on Domestic or International travel, it’s important to contact the airline directly to help better understand what is expected. It’s important to book your dog’s ticket as soon as possible because most airlines only allow one or two dogs on each flight. Make sure there is a “seat” available for your dog on the flight and then purchase your own ticket. When booking, try to purchase a non-stop flight. This will cause less stress on you and your pet especially if your pet is in a cargo hold during the spring season. Also, some airlines also require a health certificate and when traveling internationally, a pet passport may be required to ensure vaccination are up to date. Before going on your trip with your pet, feed your pet a few hours before flight and play with your pet before boarding.
Regardless of how you arrive, go for a long walk with your pet before you check-in your final destination. Get ready for a lot of sunshine because your pet is ready for the travels and the adventures of spring!
