Taking your dog with you when you travel can be a wonderful experience, or it can be a disaster!
It may sound silly but write out your answers. Writing it out will help you to organize your thoughts and revisit them before you dive into the planning stage. This step will help to simplify your trip and to help it be more successful!
Here are five quick things that you should consider before planning your actual trip.
- What do you hope your trip will be like, and what do you hope to accomplish? Is this a fun trip for your dog and you? Is this a training trip for your dog? Is this a necessity trip?
- During your trip, are you willing to adapt and make changes when needed for the comfort of your dog? If there are specific places that you want to go to and they are not dog friendly, you may want to plan two different trips , so that you don’t feel frustrated that you are missing out on something that you want to do. Leaving your dog in a hotel room or tied up is often not safe for your dog and it may be illegal in some instances as well. Finding a reputable doggy daycare should you need to leave your dog for a couple of hours may be something you want to look into.
- Is your dog friendly with other dogs and/or people? If your dog is not, you will need to think of how you will keep the situation safe for everyone that comes in contact with your dog. You will also need to think of how to keep your dog safe. In addition, remember that even though you love your dog and think that he/she could do no harm, your dog could behave very differently in new, different, and stressful environments and situations. Remember that not all people like dogs. Some people are allergic to dogs. Some people have genuine fear of dogs. I know that it is hard to believe, as we love our dogs, but it is true. It is important to be considerate of others.
- Do you have the money and means to purchase the items that your dog will need to go on this trip? You need to consider the environment, the weather (including temperature), dog friendly lodging, items your dog will need to use as you travel (such as dog shoes to protect their feet), and any other necessities.
- Is your dog healthy enough to make the trip? Is your dog up-to-date on his/her vaccinations? You don’t want your dog to become ill from something that they come in contact with as you travel. Are you doing a lot of physical activities? If so, is your dog in shape to do those activities with you? Remember that besides their muscles and cardio vascular health, you need to consider their whole body including their paws and making sure they won’t overheat. Be aware if the area you are going to has any current health hazards. For example, some outdoor parks are experiencing problems with the bubonic plague and/or bacteria in the streams that can kill a dog. Lastly, remember to contact your veterinarian for professional advice about your dog before taking them on a trip.
