Traveling with Dogs

Traveling with pets can be a stressful time. Insure your vacation stays stress-free and fun with these helpful tips.

Travel by Car:

1.  Bring a collapsible exercise pen with you if you are traveling by car. This will ensure your puppy has a safe and comfortable place to stay, without the worry of him/her getting into the unknown while on the road or in a pet friendly hotel room.  
2.  Make stops every four hours or so for potty and drink breaks. A portable water dish or bottle makes this a breeze. 
3.  Most important—have familiar smells to keep your baby calm. Whether it is an old shirt, shoe or his/her favorite blanket, the smell of home will make any puppy on vacation happy and secure.   

Hotel Stays:

1.  Check online to ensure your hotel destination is pet friendly.
2.  Book on the phone when possible to ensure booking a pet friendly room and getting a person-to-person confirmation. First floor rooms are always best and make for easier potty breaks. 
3. After making sure the hotel allows dogs, make sure it is truly pet friendly. Is there green space near by for potty breaks? How many floors is the hotel—and is there a balcony?

Airline Travel

Your pet’s travel crate should be sturdy and breathable. There are many on the market—but beware! Each airline has their specific pet carrier specifications, so check each airlines web site, and when in doubt call customer service.

There are also companies who take care of the travel for you. Starwood Animal Transport and Animal Transportation are companies that give door-to-door service. Whether your destination is Florida, California, England or India, these companies will take care of vaccinations, immigration papers, cargo tickets and more.

House Rentals

Want a more leisurely vacation—rent a house. Dogs can discover a new home with pet friendly rentals. Sometimes a vacation home can be a more calming environment for you dog instead of the hustle and bustle of a busy hotel. With more room to roam, and less noise to distract your vacation becomes your pet’s vacation!
Helpful links: www.petravel.com, www.dogfriendly.com, www.starwoodanimaltransport.com, www.vrbo.com