It’s time to go on your much deserved vacation!
There are so many things to think about from what to pack to how you’ll keep your houseplants alive! Most importantly, will you leave your dog with a kennel or sitter or take them with you? Both options can inspire anxiety in both you and your pet days leading up to the trip, but traveling with your pet doesn’t have to be a hassle. With these tips, you’ll gain insight to the best ways of traveling and vacationing with your dog by your side, all you’ll need is a little planning and foresight ahead of time! 

First up, travel means:

Whether you’re flying, driving, or taking a form of public transportation, you’ll need to research ahead of time to see what kind of restrictions you’ll need to respect regarding pet laws. Since our pets are like any part of our family, you’ll also need to take into account what forms of travel your pet does the best with, this not only ensures that they feel comfortable, but also saves you from worrying about potential accidents.

There are safety considerations to take into account when you choose your travel means, will you be crating your dog? Will they be sitting in the front or back seat? Are there certain certifications or permissions you need? These are all things that if you take into consideration early on, it’ll make the entire trip more enjoyable.

Up to date information:

Make sure your pets tags and microchips are up to date. The worst thing that can happen is that you get separated from your pet while traveling, but having the knowledge that their tags and tracking is up to date will ease your stress incase of an emergency.

That being said, make sure you have a sturdy collar like this one, even if you attach leashes to any harnesses. They are very useful for quickly and easily identifying a stray animal. 

Check ahead:

This is an obvious one but needs to be said. Make sure your dog is going to be allowed in the places you plan to be, that goes for housing, hotels, transportation, restaurants, and parks. The phrase, better to ask for forgiveness than permission, doesn’t apply here and we recommend doing the proper and necessary research so you aren’t hit with any fees or looking like an irresponsible owner.

Avoid accidents:

Sometimes accidents just happen, especially when your pup’s nerves or excitement is high, but to do your best to avoid them, thinking ahead is key! Make sure your dog has had plenty of time to empty out before hopping in the car or on a plane and any necessary breaks are planned ahead. If you are flying, most major airports have dog relief rooms, so be sure to check and see if that is an option where you are headed.

What to pack:

You may want to create a checklist to make sure you have all of the necessities for your adventure!
Harnesses, collars, leashes, carrier bags, water and food, travel bowls, blankets, waste bags, medications, their favorite comfort toy, and… don’t forget the treats! It might be worth packing an extra bag with your dog specific items so that you can rest assured that you have everything in one place.
Ready for a cuteness overload? Try this backpack that your dog can wear themselves! Perfect for toting along treats, outfits, toys or whatever small items they may need.

Calm the nerves:

For many dogs, exploring new territory or getting caught up in busy crowds in the airport can be nerve-wracking, not to mention sitting through a plane ride or long car ride while in transit! Giving your dog CDB can be a great way to calm the nerves, just be sure that you are giving them a brand that is specifically designed to be safe for dogs and following dosage instructions carefully. Another great natural nerve-calmer is lavender, which can be found in the form of a spray or oil to apply to your dogs blankets or carrier.

Remember that bringing your pup along on adventures can and should be a boatload of fun with the right preparation. Always obey leash laws and make sure to tag us in your next adventure, @wagwear!