Travel is about breaking out of your comfort zone and trying something new, but sometimes, it is nice to try something new with someone familiar — like your best four-legged friend. If your dog has the right temperament for travel, taking him along with you can lead to a fun and memorable vacation.
Flying or Driving?
If your pup is toy-sized, flying with your dog is a doable option, but otherwise, it can be pretty risky. When you trust an airline with a large breed, your dog is essentially being treated as luggage. They are stored under the plane with the other cargo and are susceptible to escape, being shipped to the wrong place, and being left unattended. All this without the added mental trauma the experience of being shipped in a cage under a loud aircraft will inflict upon your pet. If your dog is not small enough to fit in a carrier that can be brought as a carry-on item, your best option is to drive to your destination.
Of course, driving is not riskless. Many dogs experience motion sickness or anxiety while riding in the car. Help him create a positive association with riding in the car by giving him treats whenever he gets inside the vehicle. To help put your dog at ease for the journey, strap him in with a specialized canine seat belt for safety. You can also put a dog anxiety vest on your pup to help reduce anxiety. Some trainers also encourage having a special “car toy” that he can only play with while you’re out on a drive. You can also talk to his vet about anti-anxiety and anti-nausea medicine options.
Picking Your Vacation Destination
Once you’ve determined how your dog will get there, you’ll have an easier time picking the destination of your vacation. For example, if you live in the southeast United States and know you want to drive to the beach, going to California is not a reasonable option. Instead, look at vacation destinations within a shorter distance.
Once you’ve figured out where you’re going, you need to find a place to stay, and if you are bringing your dog, you’ll need to find pet-friendly lodging. Places that accept pets may have amenities or activities your dog will enjoy. It’s the easiest way to ensure every member of the family will have a fun-filled vacation.
The Other Option: Leaving Your Dog at Home
If your vacation plans don’t have room to bring Fido around, that’s just fine! There are plenty of options to keep him safe and happy while you are off on your adventure. Dog boarding facilities come in all sizes, and provide your dog with plenty of attention and playtime with other pups — a perfect situation if your dog is the social type!
Another option is hiring a dog sitter that will watch your canine and your home while you are away. Many people get friends or family to help out with dog sitting, but you can also browse pet sitting sites, Craigslist, or Nextdoor for people in your area that are up to the task.
If you want to escape the mundane and travel a bit, there’s no law stating you have to leave your dog at home! Flying is an option for smaller breeds, but unless you want your pet to be treated like cargo, driving is a better option for large dogs. If you are bringing your dog with you to your destination, find a place that has pet-friendly accommodations so everyone can enjoy themselves. For some people, bringing their dog with them while they travel is not an option. Boarding your pet or hiring a sitter ensures they are well taken care of while you are on the road.
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