Dog Friendly Travel

Vacationing with dogs can add an extra dimension of complexity to your vacation plans. Not only do you have to remember to take everything that you'll need for the people in the family, but now you have to pack for the pets as well.

It's also important to plan ahead for accommodations. Many hotels do not accept pets under any circumstances, while others will allow pets in certain rooms of the hotel—often for an extra charge. Find out ahead of time if your pet will be allowed to join you.

Don't plan to carry your pet into the hotel hidden in a pillow. It simply doesn't work. Hotel personnel are fairly savy these days, and if you get caught trying to sneak your pet into the hotel, you might find yourself out on the street—looking for another place to stay.

I've included several sections on various kinds of dog travel and ideas on what you will need in the line of pet travel supplies. I hope that you will find them to be helpful!

Dog Friendly Travel in Cars

Photo by Whitney and Matt Dellinger, Atlanta, GA

If you are planning to take your pet with you on vacation, chances are that you will be going by car. Some of the items that you will need to consider, specifically for dog friendly travel by car:

• Pet car seat
• Dog water bottle
• Dog seat cover
• Travel dog bowl
• Travel sickness – is your pet a good traveller?

Dog Friendly Travel on Boats

When you first arrive, show your dog around the boat. Show him how to get onto the boat safely. If you own the boat, consider purchasing a ramp to make boarding your boat safe and easy.

Does the boat have bulwarks (sides above the deck) high enough to keep your dog safely in the boat?

Photo byMichael Pereckas, Milwaukee, WI

Do you have a life vest for your dog? Make sure that it is sized correctly—they come in sizes according to the weight of your dog.

Potty Trips

If the boat has a deep draft, do you have a dinghy that you can use to take your dog to shore? Live-aboards often teach their dogs to use one of the decks in a particular area—which eliminates the need to go ashore each time the dog needs to “go”. They simply wash down the deck each time the dog does his business.

Does your dog get seasick or queasy when he's on the water? How will you handle this? There are anti-nausea products on the market, many made with safe ingredients like herbs, that can help to calm your dog's stomach when you are on the water.

Swimming with your Pet

If you plan to put your pet in the water for a swim, consider attaching him to the boat with a nylon line, so that he doesn't float (or get caught in a current) too far from the boat. If you do this, it's best to use a harness so that you don't risk strangling your dog by accident.

If you will be swimming in a river or the ocean (with a current), he can easily drift away. Many dogs are not strong enough to swim against a strong (or even not so strong) current. If you attach your dog to the boat, you won't have to worry that he will drift away unnoticed if you get distracted for even a short while!

Lastly, consider purchasing a dog ladder to help your dog get into the boat by himself—from the water. I wish this had been invented years ago.

We lived aboard our trawler with Pepper, our miniature schnauzer. She loved the water and she loved to swim. But, we had to keep a close eye on her and, when she got tired, we had to quickly get her into the boat. The dog ladder is a wonderful invention that will keep your dog safe and help you to have more relaxed fun in the water!

Going to the Beach with your Dog

The last thing you want to have happen is to arrive at the beach and find out that your dog won't be able to join you. Leaving him in a hot car is just an invitation to disaster!

Pet Air Travel

Photo by habitatgirl@flickr

International Dog Friendly Travel

• What kind of carriers will be accepted?

• Do you need to get a pet passport?

• Will your pet need to be quarantined?

• What vaccinations will be necessary?

• Do you need to get a letter of health from a veterinarian? How close to your travel time must this be? Many countries are very specific about the number of hours before entry into the country that the letter must be written.

Dog friendly travel can be complicated, and certainly requires that you plan your trip with your pet in mind. While it can be difficult, sometimes its better for them to leave them at home.

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