November 12, 2024
Whether traveling by car or plane, bringing your dog with IS an option!
When traveling by car, comfort is key.
Does Fido love riding in the car? If not, some practice outings are in order. Growing up I had a dog who got car sick. Not fun for anyone! When a dog doesn’t settle down and relax in the car it could be another sign that bringing them is not a good plan.
Provide a secured crate in the car for a safe ride. Bring water, food, dog treats, chews and a toy if that provides comfort.
Pack their leash and doggie bags. Make regular stops so they can go potty and stretch their legs. Be sure to offer plenty of water.
When going overnight, call ahead and find accommodations that allow dogs.
A limit of two dogs per family is pretty standard. Some places have a weight limit on the size of the dog as well.
There is generally an extra charge for a dog. Most also add a deposit fee that is refunded at check out. Typically you will be put on the first floor at the end of a hall. Establishments try to separate their guests with dogs from guests without dogs. In turn, it is convenient for taking them out potty.
Due to the possibility of a dog being scared in a new environment, hotels do not permit dogs to be left alone in the room.
Safety
Check to be sure their collar fits well so they can’t slip out of it.
An ID tag and dog license/rabies tag will help to reunite you with your fur baby should they get loose.
Microchipping is a great idea. A vet can scan for the chip over their fur. This would provide a positive ID of your dog if found. .
Microchipping is a simple procedure of inserting an implant the size of a grain of rice under the skin.
Flying with a dog
Here are a few things to know before considering this as an option.
- OVER 20 pounds are not allowed in the cabin. They will need to fly in the cargo area of the plane. If they suffer from separation anxiety I would think twice about putting my dog through this stress.
- Flying with a dog in cargo has temperature restraints. Airlines close the cargo area to dogs during the colder and hotter temperatures of the year for their safety.
- UNDER 20 pounds can fly in the cabin. Dogs must be in a carrier that they can comfortably turn around in.
- The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you on the plane. Our furry friends are not allowed out of the crate.
Reservations are required
- Call the airline to make sure there is room on the plane for your dog(s). Two dogs are allowed. The total number of dogs allowed on any given flight is limited to six.
- Accordingly, there is a fee charged for each way your dog flies, which needs to be paid up front. The cost varies from airline to airline.
- The dog’s carrier needs to be within the dimensions allowed. Visit the airline’s website for all this information.
- When going to the airport, you must check in at the airline counter.
The airplane carrier
We love this carrier made by Sherpa.
It has soft sides with good air flow, a carrying strap to put over your shoulder and a zipper compartment in the back for their leash. The front and top zip open for easy access. This is available at several different retailers.
We took time to get our dogs used to the carrier. Let them sniff it to start with. It is okay to give them a treat for going into the carrier. Remember to praise them. When they feel comfortable, close the front opening. Then, move on to picking up the carrier and carry them around the house. The carrier does get heavy when you are waiting in lines at the airport. It’s good to see what that weight feels like.
Going through TSA
First we check in at the airline counter and get our seats, then we head to TSA. We always need to take our dogs out of their carriers and walk through the simple scanner. Next, you will be taken aside (DON’T PANIC-THIS IS STANDARD PRACTICE) Then, a TSA agent will wipe both of your palms with a wand. The pad on the wand is put into a machine to analyze for anything illegal.
Then, boom! Done! Go and wait for your flight and have a great vacation!
Whenever I bring out the airplane carriers, they think we are taking a trip….
For more information:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/travel/complete-guide-to-traveling-with-your-dog