how can i take my dog on vacation

The Complete Guide to Traveling With Your Dog

Full Answer

What to pack for your dog when going on vacation?

You should pack the following:

• Proof of current vaccinations.
• An extra leash and collar.
• Soap and water to disinfect any wounds that might occur and keep the wound dry.
• Brush or comb. ...
• Towel for your dog. ...
• Tweezers if he does happen to get bitten by a tick.
• Dog bed, so he doesn't have to sleep on the ground.
• Life jacket if any boating will be involved.

How to prepare your dog for a vacation?

Take a practice trip.

• A practice trip will allow you to figure out if your dog suffers from motion sickness.
• Set your dog up in the car the same way he or she would be set up on the real trip.
• Try driving for about half an hour to an hour to see how your dog behaves.
• Be positive and reward your dog every step of the way on the practice trip. ...

Where to keep my dogs while on vacation?

Where to Find Professional Sitters or Kennels

• Local Humane Society
• Local Vet’s Office
• Yellow Pages
• Kijiji, Craigslist or online boards (make sure you get referrals and check them)
• Petsmart and a few other large pet stores will also house pets
• National Association of Professional Pet Sitters ( NAPPS – mostly USA)
• Canadian Pet Services at Canada’s Guide to Dogs

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Does your dog need a vacation?

Like humans, dogs can get a lot out of a good vacation. The chance to get out of the house and experience something new can provide a much-needed bit of mental and physical stimulation that will relieve some of the boredom and anxiety of being cooped up in the house.

Is it a good idea to take your dog on vacation?

Your dog's first vacation will fetch memories that you'll enjoy for years to come—and will set the stage for many great trips to enjoy together. Vacationing with your dog is a great way to explore a destination, unleashing fun for both you and your dog!

How do you go on vacation if you have a dog?

What to do with Pets while on VacationPet Sitting. Using a pet sitter is one way to fuse the personal with professional. ... In-Home Pet Boarding. While enlisting a pet sitter is a good option, so is in-home pet boarding. ... Traditional Boarding (Dog Kennels/Catteries) ... Family Friend/Neighbor. ... Take Them Along.

What is the cheapest way to travel with a dog?

Traveling In the Car While traveling by car is by far the cheapest route, gas prices can add up! Doing some research ahead of time while you plan your route can help those costs from surprising you. One surefire way to end up spending money is being unprepared.

Can I buy a seat for my dog on an airplane?

You can't buy an extra seat for your dog. Traveling with a dog this way, essentially as carry-on luggage, usually incurs a lower fee than if it travels in the belly of the plane. And by the way, a pet in its carrier counts as your carry-on bag.

Can you leave a dog alone for a week?

Pets should never be left alone for extended periods of time, particularly social animals like dogs. There are many different options to make sure that your pet is safe when you are out of town on vacation. The best choice will depend on the needs of your pet.

Is 2 weeks too long to board a dog?

Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM and veterinary expert for Pumpkin Pet Insurance, says generally, most dogs can tolerate two to four weeks of boarding. “It really depends on the individual dog. Some dogs start to react negatively after two weeks, others can stay for months and not be fazed,” says Dr.

How much is a plane ticket for a dog?

The fee is separate from your own ticket. Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $200 each way. A passenger who pays the fee and meets other requirements may then bring a crated dog into the cabin and place the carrier under the seat in front of her. Each traveler is usually limited to one dog, with a few exceptions.

How stressful is flying for dogs?

Most of the time, dogs travel quite easily and do well without the need for medication. Some dogs, on the other hand, experience tremendous stress when subjected to air travel. Consult your veterinarian to create the best travel plan for your dog if he doesn't travel well.

Can dogs fly 2022 planes?

The following major US-based airlines welcome pets to fly in 2022. However, only Alaska, American, and Hawaiian will transport companion animals in cargo. Delta and United, which accepted pets in cargo prior to the pandemic, suspended the service in 2020 due to staffing shortages and changing schedules.

Which airline is the most pet friendly?

Most pet-friendly U.S. airlinesAmerican Airlines: Best for West Coast travel.United Airlines: Best for East Coast travel.Delta Airlines: Best for small pets.Southwest Airlines: Best for cheap pet fees.JetBlue: Best for pet amenities.Allegiant Air: Best for pet check-in process.More items...

Can I take my 50 lb dog on a plane?

Yes, you can fly with large dogs so long as they are properly crated and prepared to fly. Many airlines require your pet to be at least 8-weeks old before flying. Any younger and dogs are thought to be too fragile for long flights. Your pet must also be free of fleas, ticks, and or infectious diseases.

Can you bring a 50 pound dog on a plane?

Flying with a large dog in the cabin is currently not allowed by any airline, for obvious reasons. Dogs are only allowed to travel with you as carry-on luggage if they weigh not more than 20lbs. And still, they have to be carried inside an airline-approved carrier that fits under the seat.

What do people do with dogs on vacation?

In-home boarding combines the best perks of pet sitting and traditional boarding. Instead of leaving your pets at home, an in-home boarding professional can watch your furry friend at their home. You'll have to bring your pets to their location, but they get all the comforts of staying at a house while you're away.

Can you leave a dog in a crate in a hotel room?

Although some hotels have dog beds on hand, it's always a good idea to crate a dog for its safety and that of any staff needing to enter the room, so make sure you have both brushed up on your crate training beforehand. Hargis also suggests bringing pet bowls and your dog's regular food.

Can you travel and have a dog?

Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin. If you are transporting your dog, make sure they meet the size requirements.

How do you travel with a dog without a car?

Here's how to get around it.Most ride-sharing services allow pets. ... If you need to use public transportation services like a bus or train, check online first to confirm their pet policy. ... Speaking of seats, when you get on the bus or train, make sure your dog is out of the way, either under your seat or off to the side.More items...•

What to consider when traveling with a dog?

Consider Your Itinerary . There are many things to consider when traveling with your dog, from where you'll go to how you'll get there to fun activities to do along the way. While in the decision making phase, Burkert recommends thinking about what you and your dog like to do together first.

Where to take a dog in San Diego?

Check out Fiesta Island in Mission Bay, or Morley Field Dog Park in San Diego's famed Balboa Park.

When did Amy Burkert adopt her dog?

It was mid-2008 when Amy Burkert and her husband Rod found themselves adopting a stray German shepherd. The puppy was found near their home in Philadelphia, and after a few weeks of looking for his family to no avail, they decided to adopt him as their own and name him Buster.

Where to bring your pet in Maine?

The 5,500-person town of Bar Harbor, Maine on Mount Desert Island is a great place to bring your pet companion, especially if you're interested in hiking at Acadia National Park. This island is the best of both worlds with mountains and sandy beaches within the park, and pet-friendly patios for eating in town.

Did Burkert search for dog friendly hotels?

Burkert searched online for dog-friendly hotels and dog parks along their route, but didn't come up with much. The trip went well, but the experience taught her that other people probably were also looking for the same information.

Which city has the most dog friendly restaurants?

Charleston , South Carolina. Charleston is one of the most dog-friendly U.S. cities on our list, featuring many pets-allowed restaurants like Brown Dog Deli and Poogan's Porch, named after the friendly neighborhood dog who greeted guests until he passed in 1979.

Where is Jim Thorpe?

The town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, is home to the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway, which offers breathtaking trips through the Pocono Mountains. According to Burkert, the trip is a must for dog owners and is among the best dog-friendly vacation spots in the eastern U.S.

Driving with Your Dog

What could be more fun than taking your dog on vacation when you take a road trip? Especially if your dog loves riding in the car like mine do. It takes some planning, whether you’re going somewhere locally or going on a road trip for days or more. You want to be sure you have what you need to make it as safe and fun as possible.

Flying with Your Dog

If you want to go a further distance to take your dog on vacation, you might consider flying with them. Some of the considerations are similar to driving with your dog, though, there’s a lot more to think about.

Dining with Your Dog

What could be more fun than eating out at a restaurant with your bestie? Before you head out, make sure your dog is allowed at the restaurant. I have learned the hard way that even if a restaurant has a patio, it doesn’t mean they will welcome your pup. Some restaurants really cater to the animal-loving crowds, though not all do.

Pet Care Options for When You Travel

You can bring your dog (s) to a boarding facility specifically made to care for pets. It can be a great option for more dedicated time with your dog, depending on the type of facility. Some offer dog daycare and boarding, so your dog will have the companionship of other dogs and people. But, not all dogs will do well in dog daycare.

What to do if my dog is traveling on an extended trip?

Health Checks. Bring your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup before going on an extended trip. Make sure all his vaccinations are up-to-date; take shot records with you. Health certifications are required for airline travel.

What is the best way to keep a dog safe in the car?

Crates. A crate is an excellent way to keep your dog safe in the car and is required for airline travel. It can also keep your pet from getting into trouble in a hotel or at your host’s home. Crates are available from most pet supply stores.

How to keep a dog healthy when traveling?

Remember that not all dogs will enjoy going on a trip. To keep your dog healthy as you travel, bring along a supply of his regular food. Don’t forget bottled water and be sure to bring any medications he needs.

How to keep a dog safe on vacation?

Puppy-proof the vacation home (or room). Before you let your dog have free run of his home away from home, make certain it’s safe for your dog to explore. Be sure that electrical cords are out of reach and that previous occupants didn’t leave anything on the floor or under furniture that could be potentially harmful to your dog.

How old do dogs have to be to fly?

Rabies and vaccination certificates are also required. Your dog should be at least 8 weeks old and weaned. Airlines make it clear that it is the owner’s responsibility to verify the dog’s health and ability to fly.

What to put in a dog crate?

Stock the crate with a comfortable mat, your dog’s favorite toy, and a water bottle, and your dog is ready to go.

How to keep a dog from getting bored?

Bring a supply of bags to clean up afterward and a leash. Bring games and toys. To make sure your dog doesn’t get bored, provide him with a few new toys — and a couple of old favorites. You might want to include a puzzle-type toy to keep him occupied. Pack food and water.

How to get a dog to stay at a hotel?

The emphasis being on the word “good.”. Just because a hotel will accept your dog doesn’t mean it’s acceptable to you. Remember, this is your vacation so find a place you would like regardless of its pet policy .

How much should a pet fee be per night?

A pet fee shouldn’t be more than 15-20% of what your room costs per night. Some hotels won’t allow a dog over a certain weight. This always confused me because little dogs can be just as destructive as big dogs. I’ve heard hotels prefer small dogs because if the dog pees or poops in the room, the mess is smaller.

Is the Carmel River Inn dog friendly?

Not every dog-friendly hotel is the Carmel River Inn, but if you do a little research, you’ll find a good place. 2. No hot weather (sorry sun-worshippers!) It’s essential that the place you’re visiting doesn’t get much hotter than 70 degrees because it’s likely you’ll have to leave your dog in your car sometimes.

Can you leave a dog in the room?

Make sure you understand the rules – the main ones being don’t make a mess (easily done if your dog is potty trained and you take care not to let food and hair get everywhere) and don’t leave your dog unattended in the room. (I couldn’t leave Lady in the room even if I wanted to, so my plan includes bringing her along everywhere we go.)

Do you need to relocate your home for your creature?

Just like with your own packing, you don’t need to totally relocate all the creature comforts of home for your creature abroad. We take food (meals in sandwich bags are easy), leash, bowls, brush and bed. That’s it. Anything else that comes up, like a bee sting or wound, you can buy what you need at the drug store.

Do chain hotels accept dogs?

Most chain hotels accept dogs – just call ahead and check. It’s becoming more and more trendy to accept pets, so you have that going for you.There are books and web sites listing pet-friendly hotels, like this one. If they’re pros, they’ll only charge you an additional $20-$30 a day for your dog.

How many dogs can a dog sitter walk at a time?

Dog sitters have facilitated people’s desire to have dogs, and are popular options in urban areas where you would often see an individual walking up to ten dogs at a time.

Why is dog sitting so popular?

Dog sitting has grown in popularity as people’s lives have become busier and busier, and many people employ these services year round if they have jobs that mean they are out of the house for long periods (which is of course not conducive for keeping a dog under normal circumstances).

What is boarding kennel?

A boarding kennel. This is a classic option, and involves taking your dog to an external kennel operator where your dog is cared for by professionals who take in a number of takes at any one time while their owners are away. The positives here are that the facilities are usually more than adequate, and the staff are well trained, ...

Can you have a dog visit before you go away?

Visits can be organized before you go away so your dog develops familiarity with your sitter, and this is an option that facilitates the keeping of strict routines should your dog require that level of attention. “If your pooch has medical issues, then the one-to-one care offered by in-home boarding services can be invaluable, ...

Who is Ashley Halsey?

About the Author: Professional writer, marketing expert and dog lover Ashley Halsey can be found contributing her business insights at LuckyAssignments and GumEssays, where she has established her reputation as an erudite and intelligent observer of business trends.

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What are the best ways to travel around Europe?

When travelling longer distances around Europe, the two main options are catching a train or flying. There are also long-distance buses, although they are not usually dog-friendly. Plus ferries may be an option between some destinations, including when travelling between the UK and continental Europe.

How many countries are there in the EU?

Want to know whether you will be travelling to an EU country? Currently, there are 27 countries in the EU: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden

Do dogs need rabies tests?

The most onerous requirement is that when returning to the EU from some non-EU countries, your dog will require a rabies titre test. It’s best to get this before leaving the EU, so there is no waiting period. For full details, check out my guide to travelling between European countries with your dog.

How many hotels in Europe allow pets?

I recently researched how many hotels in different European cities allow pets, and found that the percentage ranged from 84% in Helsinki (closely followed by Zurich and Berlin) to a tiny 4% of hotels in Dublin (with Lisbon and London also performing poorly).

Where to take your dog on a vacation?

If you’re taking a holiday and would love to take your dog along, whether for a shorter vacation or long-term travels, Europe is your ideal destination. Not only is Europe about the most dog-friendly part of the world, it’s easy to travel with your dog in between many of the countries.

Can dogs be on trains in Europe?

It’s usually cheaper overall and takes you right into the city centre. Luckily then, most trains in Europe allow dogs on board.

Where to go with a dog in Europe?

Scandinavia is a beautiful part of Europe to visit with your dog. Check out these guides:

Can you take your dog on vacation to Hawaii?

I just laid out all of the steps you need to take to get your dog to Hawaii when you’re moving. The steps for bringing a dog on vacation are exactly the same. You’ll have to decide whether it’s worth it to bring your dog to Hawaii for a trip.

How to fly with a dog to Hawaii?

How to take your dog to Hawaii without quarantine 1 Checklist 1: your dog isn’t located in Hawaii and you’ll be flying with your dog to Honolulu (Oahu) 2 Checklist 2: your dog isn’t located in Hawaii and you’ll be flying with your dog to Kona (Big Island), Lihue (Kauai), or Kahului (Maui) 3 Checklist 3 & 4: applicable to dogs that are currently in Hawaii, will be leaving the island and will be returning to the state at a future date

What to do if my dog doesn't have a microchip?

This is important to get right before starting your process: ensure your dog has a working microchip. The microchip number will be used to identify your dog upon arrival in Hawaii and the number is used on the blood test that your dog will need to pass. If your dog doesn’t have a working microchip, get one implanted.

How long was Hattie quarantined in Hawaii?

Our dog Hattie getting met by a vet at the gate in Maui for Direct Airport Release. She avoided the 6-month Hawaii quarantine!

How long after second flu shot can I bring my dog to Hawaii?

The vaccines needed to be 30 days apart and we needed to also wait 30 days after the second vaccine to do her blood test. Planning and plenty of time are key to ensure that you get this all done before you want to bring your dog to Hawaii! Two things to note here:

How many rabies shots do dogs need in Hawaii?

To do that, your dog needs to have had at least two rabies vaccinations in their lifetime, and the most recent rabies vaccination must be active (not expired) before they arrive in Hawaii.

How long does it take to get a neighbor island inspection permit in Hawaii?

If you’re applying for a neighbor island inspection permit, submit your application paperwork at least 30 days before you plan to arrive in Hawaii.

Is Quarantine Required for Pets Travelling to Hawaii?

There is a chance that pets arriving in Hawaii may be quarantined for up to 120 days. This is what would apply if you arrived in Hawaii without any preparation (or if you missed some of the steps). This also applies to pets with failed blood tests and puppies or kittens that aren’t old enough to complete all the steps.

Are There Any Exceptions?

If you are travelling directly to Hawaii with a pet from the British Isles, Australia, New Zealand or Guam, there are less steps required (including no rabies titre test), as these locations are also free of rabies.

What If Your Pet Requires Quarantine?

Ideally your pet is eligible for Direct Airport Release. However, there are some circumstances where this doesn’t apply, and instead the “5 Days or Less” animal quarantine program applies:

What time does a pet arrive at the airport?

It’s best to ensure that your pet arrives at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu between the hours of 8am to 3:30pm. It takes up to an hour for pets to then be transferred to the Airport Animal Quarantine Holding Facility (AAQHF), and their inspection hours are 8am to 5pm daily (including weekends and holidays).

How to get a pet out of quarantine?

Ideally your pet is eligible for Direct Airport Release. However, there are some circumstances where this doesn’t apply, and instead the “5 Days or Less” animal quarantine program applies: 1 AQS didn’t receive your paperwork at least 10 days in advance 2 You submit paperwork only on arrival 3 There are discrepancies with original documentation, including the microchip number

How many times should I get rabies shots in Hawaii?

This needs to be done at least twice, more than 30 days apart. The most recent rabies vaccine needs to be have been administered more than 30 days before you arrive in Hawaii, plus still be current. Your veterinarian should give you a rabies vaccination certificate for each vaccine, see the checklist for the full requirements of this certificate.

How long does it take to get a health certificate in Hawaii?

Health certificate from a veterinarian, from within 14 days of your arrival date. Ideally this should be the original; if not, you need to provide the original on arrival in Hawaii. The veterinarian must also treat your pet for ticks within 14 days of your arrival date and record this on the health certificate.