Don’t want to leave your dog at home to go on vacation? Or maybe you can’t. Whatever the reason to travel and go on vacation with your dog, bringing a dog does require some extra considerations and preparation. Here are our top five rules for traveling or taking a vacation with your dog.
Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should
Consider whether you should bring your dog on vacation with you. Crowded, public places can make some dogs especially anxious. As can traveling in a car for hours and being left in a hotel room all day. Don’t forget that dogs need a lot more sleep than humans. Bringing your dog everywhere for jam-packed days without rest can be too much for even the most energetic dog. Consider your specific plans and whether bringing your dog along is what’s best for them, not just for you.
Research the pet rules of where you plan to go and what you plan to do. We always encounter visitors in peak season arriving at the dog beach at 10am only to realize dogs aren’t allowed until 6pm. Know when and where dogs are allowed, and take that into consideration before booking your trip with your dog in tow.
Choose The Right Accommodations
Wherever you are staying, make sure to review the pet policy before you book. Some pet friendly accommodations don’t allow dogs to be left unattended, while others require pets to be crated if you leave. Some hotels allow dogs in all common areas where others only allow you to take your dog up a staff stairwell to get to your room. Make sure you know the rules and that you can comply.
Once you’ve chosen an accommodation, think about any specific adjustments. Is your dog sensitive to noise and might bark? Ask for a hotel room away from the elevator. Does your dog need to go out frequently? Request a ground floor room. Small changes can make a world of difference.
Meet Your Dog’s Exercise Needs
Traveling and breaking routine can be an adjustment for any dog, so make sure they get the mental and physical exercise they need, especially if they are anxious. Scope out nearby walking trails or parks, or consider using Sniffspot to find a fenced-in backyard where your dog can run free.
Don’t forget that just sniffing is a workout for your dog’s brain and can make dogs calmer and less anxious. Puzzles, snuffle mats, or treat balls can give your dog an easy mental workout indoors.
Bring Familiar Items
Bring your dog’s bed, blanket, and/or favorite toys. Traveling and new places can be exciting but also overwhelming and stressful for a dog. Familiar items and smells can bring some comfort and help relieve some of the anxiety. Treat balls, puzzles or snuffle mats can also mentally challenge your dog while serving as positive distractions from new sounds.
prepare for the unexpected
We don’t necessarily expect things to go wrong, but it’s best to be prepared in the event that they do. Bring any necessary medical documents and research nearby vets (and their hours) ahead of time. Speaking from personal experience, the last thing you want (or can physically do) is to Google nearby vets when your dog is suffering and time is of the essence.
Make sure your dog is microchipped and wearing identification that has your most current information. We don’t expect our dogs to get loose or escape, but it’s best to be prepared in the event that it does.
What About You?
What have you found to be effective or ineffective when traveling/going on vacation with your dog? Let us know in the comments!