Top 10 Tips for Travelling with Your Dog
Taking your four-legged friend away with you adds a whole new whole element to holidays. Whether you’re staying in the UK or holidaying abroad, travelling with your dog can be great fun provided you’ve planned ahead!
There’s nothing nicer than sharing your holiday with your dog or puppy. Here are our top 10 tips for stress-free travelling with your pet.
Preparation is key
If you’re organising a vacation with your pet, it’s worth planning ahead. A quick Google search will find you plenty of dog-friendly hotels and accommodation and it’s always a good idea to book early for the best choice of options and planning ahead.
Make sure your dog vaccinations are up to date
Most dogs need a rabies injection before travelling abroad. You will not get a UK pet passport without proof that your dog is up to date with their vaccinations. Make an appointment with your local vet and get your pet protected.
Apply for your dog passport
Speaking of UK pet passports, you can’t take your dog overseas without one! Your dog must be microchipped and have an up-to-date vaccination record to qualify for Defra’s Pet Travel Scheme.
Keeping your dog calm during travel
Bringing your dog’s favourite comfort toy or blanket with you when you travel is a great way to ensure a stress-free trip. Keeping the familiar smell of home close by will help to keep him calm and relaxed on your journey.
Driving with your dog
You wouldn’t start a long trip with a full stomach or bladder, so don’t expect your dog to either. Make sure your dog has access to enough water to stay hydrated throughout the journey. Dogs should not go without food and small, easy to digest meals are the best option.
Make regular comfort stops that incorporate a small, healthy snack and the chance to stretch those legs, yours and your dog! And remember never leave your dog in a parked car, especially on a hot day.
Flying with your dog
Most airlines publish their own guidelines about travelling with pets, and rules vary depending on who you’re flying with.
It’s a good idea to check out the website of your airline before you book and reread this again before you travel. Follow their advice can help you have a stress-free flight with your dog.
Stay in a dog-friendly hotel
The best pet-friendly hotels offer special welcome and facilities for dog owners and their pets. Most will recommend parks and open spaces for you to exercise your dog.
Keep in contact
While you won’t want to let your dog or puppy out of view, new sights, sounds and smells can prove too tempting for some them. Always make sure their tag shows your current mobile phone number in case he or she does wander off, so you can be reunited fast!
Keep your dog documentation with you
Taking a copy of your dog or puppy’s vaccination records and other documents with you when you travel in case of an emergency. You never know when you might need it, particularly if you’re holidaying outside the UK because you may or may not easily obtain them from your vets especially the time difference abroad depending on where you are in the world.
Home comforts
If you’re travelling very far from home, it is often a great idea to bring your dog’s favourite food and treats with you. The familiarity of their favourite snack can help settle any nerves or anxiety caused by the long journey, as well as avoiding the upset stomachs that can be caused by unfamiliar food.
Your vet will be happy to answer your questions about travelling abroad with your dog or puppy. Please contact your local vet.
Here is an interesting video by The Dog Momager on How I Prepare for Travel with a Dog/What I do to prepare and items I ensure to pack. Check this out:
