The best way to learn about the world is to see it for yourself. Traveling and learning about new cultures, enjoying nature, and staying open to new experiences is one of the greatest joys in life—but wouldn’t it be better with your best furry friend by your side? With these tips, you can easily travel with your pup and have a fun, safe experience seeing the world together.
Invest in a Harness
No matter where you’re traveling with your fur baby, it’s vital that they’re safe and secure in a dog harness. A good harness will fit them comfortably around the chest, arms, and neck, and have some sort of padding to ensure it doesn’t dig in around their armpits if they pull on the leash out of excitement. There are a variety of types, shapes, and sizes available, and some are better for certain breeds and personalities than others. For example, a smaller dog will need more padding to protect them, and frisky dogs who love to wiggle off the leash will need something more snug and secure. You can use the best dog-walking application to monitor and track their activities. No matter which style or brand you choose, make sure you test it in a controlled environment before heading out on your next adventure to ensure it works well with your pup.
Do Your Research
Depending on where you’re going or your method of travel, you may face restrictions regarding where you can bring your four-legged friend. Some train lines allow pets, while others only allow service dogs. Certain breeds are not allowed on specific airlines. Some hotel chains are universally pet friendly, while others charge a fee or may not allow pets at all. Getting all your travel plans in order beforehand and getting a better understanding of what you can and cannot do with your dog. Don’t forget, if you’re traveling internationally with your furry friend, there may be rules for bringing a pet into the specific country. While traveling with your pet always make sure to follow tips for your pet’s health. Talk to your vet about getting the right paperwork—such as vaccine and microchipping requirements—in order with ample time before you leave.
Plan Your Itinerary
Before you embark on your journey, plan on the places you’ll be visiting and the best times to stop for trips to the bathroom, as well as snack and water breaks. If you’re traveling through a city or urban area, look for dog parks or nature areas along the way where your dog will feel comfortable doing their business. For long hikes and outdoor adventures, plan plenty of water breaks, especially if it’s hot out. Remember to also pack enough dog food, waste baggies, toys, and treats for good behavior along the way. These are the important things to dogs for living a healthy life.
Keep Them Leashed
Your dog may love making new friends, but that doesn’t mean other dogs and humans are comfortable around your dog, especially if you’re in a new country where you are not familiar with customs and cultures. Even when traveling locally, it doesn’t mean the dogs you’ll encounter along the way will be as friendly as yours. Keeping them safe should be your number one priority when traveling together, and keeping your pup leashed is the best way to ensure you always have a handle on their movement. If you’re concerned about their behavior, bring along a crate or even a doggie backpack for smaller dogs so you can keep them secure.
