Travel Talk

Traveling Safely With Your Dog On Road Trips and Airplanes

June 27, 2023November 15, 2023 by SHABL Staff

Going on an incredible vacation with your dog can be an exciting and rewarding experience, whether you go to the beach or the bahamas.

However, it’s crucial to take the necessary precautions to help make your travel experience manageable for both you and your furry friend. For safety precautions, it’s nice to have a dog brace on hand visit Go Hero Go for more details.

In this article, we’ll provide you with valuable tips and insights on how to travel safely with your dog, whether by road or air.

Table of Contents

How to Prepare Your Dog For Travel

Before hitting the road or catching a flight, there are essential steps you should take to ensure a smooth travel experience with your dog. These include:

Health Check-up and Vaccinations: Schedule a visit to your veterinarian to ensure your dog is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations. Obtain a copy of their vaccination records, as it may be required for certain accommodations or airline travel.

Proper Identification: Ensure your dog is wearing a secure collar with an identification tag that includes your contact information.

Researching Pet-Friendly Accommodations and Airlines: If you’re planning an overnight stay or a longer trip, research pet-friendly accommodations in advance. Look for hotels or rental properties that welcome dogs and have appropriate facilities. When traveling by air, research airlines that have pet-friendly policies and comfortable options for your dog’s travel needs.

Packing Essentials for Your Dog’s Comfort and Safety: Pack a travel bag specifically for your dog, including items such as their regular food, medications (if applicable), collapsible food and water bowls, waste bags, favorite toys, a leash, and bedding to provide comfort during the journey.

What To Do When Taking Your Dog On The Road

If you’re hitting the road, whether it be to Montana or Los Angeles, with your furry companion, make sure to keep these tips in mind:

Plan rest stops and exercise breaks
- Plan frequent rest stops along your route to allow your dog to stretch their legs, relieve themselves, and get some exercise. Research dog-friendly parks or areas where your dog can safely roam and burn off energy.
Secure your Dog
- For your dog’s safety, it’s crucial to keep them properly restrained while driving. Consider using a secured crate, a dog seat belt, or a car barrier to prevent them from moving around the vehicle and causing distractions.
Keep your dog comfortable
- Ensure your dog is comfortable during the trip by providing them with their standard bedding and toys. Maintain a moderate temperature inside the vehicle and avoid exposing your dog to direct sunlight.
Hydrate your dog and take regular food breaks
- Offer your dog fresh water at each rest stop to keep them hydrated throughout the journey. Provide regular food breaks while ensuring not to overfeed them before or during travel to minimize the risk of an upset stomach.
Never leave your dog unattended
- Under no circumstances should you leave your dog unattended in your car, especially during summer heat waves. The temperature inside a parked car can quickly become dangerous, even with the windows cracked open.

Air Travel With Your Furry Friend

If you’re opting for air travel with your dog, it is important to consider the airline that you take, along with:

1. Understanding Airline Policies and Requirements

Research airline policies and guidelines regarding traveling with dogs. Each airline may have different rules, including crate dimensions, weight restrictions, and health certificate requirements. Keep in mind the specific regulations of the airline you’ll be flying with.

2. Booking a Dog-Friendly Flight and Cabin vs. Cargo Options

Choose a dog-friendly flight that allows dogs in the cabin if your dog meets the size and weight requirements. If your dog is too large or the airline doesn’t permit in-cabin travel, explore safe cargo options specifically designed for pets.

3. Crate Training and Familiarizing Your Dog

Ensure your dog is comfortable in their travel crate by crate training them well in advance. Familiarize them with the crate, making it a positive and comfortable space before the journey. This will help alleviate stress and anxiety during air travel.

4. Preparing Documentation and Health Certificates

Check the required documentation for air travel, which may include health certificates issued by your veterinarian. Some destinations or airlines may also require specific vaccinations or additional paperwork, so it’s essential to be well-prepared.

5. Arriving Early at the Airport and Navigating Security Procedures

Arrive at the airport well in advance to allow enough time for check-in and security procedures. Be prepared to remove your dog from the crate during the security screening process, following the instructions provided by the airport staff.

Important Safety Considerations

Regardless of your chosen mode of travel, keep the following safety considerations in mind:

Keeping Dogs Secure and Restrained: Always ensure your dog is properly secured, whether in a crate, using a seat belt harness, or within a designated area of the vehicle or carrier. This prevents them from being a distraction to the driver or potentially escaping during transit.

Avoiding Windows or Openings That Can Be Hazardous: When traveling by car, ensure your dog cannot reach or accidentally open windows, as they may pose a danger if the dog leans out too far or tries to jump out. Additionally, avoid letting your dog stick their head out of the window, as debris can cause injury.

Never Letting Your Dog Roam Unleashed in Unfamiliar Areas: While on the road or at the park, always keep your dog leashed to prevent them from getting lost or potentially biting a person or another dog. This also helps ensure the safety and comfort of other travelers and their pets.

Monitoring Temperature and Weather Conditions: Be mindful of temperature and weather conditions during travel. Extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold, can have long lasting effects on your dog’s health, so plan your travel times accordingly.

Bringing a Pet First Aid Kit and Knowing Basic First Aid: It’s always wise to have a pet first aid kit on hand during your travels. Include essential items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and any necessary medications. Learn about the basic first aid techniques for dogs to handle any unforeseen situations.

Anxiety and Motion Sickness On Your Journey

Some dogs may experience travel anxiety or motion sickness during journeys. Here is how to help alleviate these issues:

1. Recognize Signs of Anxiety and Stress

Be attentive to signs of anxiety or stress in your dog, such as panting, whining, pacing, or excessive drooling. Understanding their behavior will help you address their needs and provide comfort.

2. Explore Calming Techniques and Products

Explore various calming techniques, such as providing a comforting blanket, using anxiety wraps, or playing soothing music during the journey. Certain natural products or pheromone sprays may also help reduce anxiety in some dogs.

3. Consult With Your Veterinarian for Anti-Anxiety Medications

In severe cases of travel anxiety, consult your veterinarian. They may recommend anti-anxiety medications or other suitable treatments to help your dog feel more relaxed during travel.

4. Addressing Motion Sickness

If your dog experiences motion sickness, avoid feeding them a large meal before travel. Consider providing a small, light snack or withholding food for a few hours prior to the journey. Additionally, consult your veterinarian about motion sickness medications that may help alleviate symptoms.