Travelling With A Dog: Checklist & Tips

Dogs are a huge part of the family so it’s only natural that we want them to be with us as much as possible. This sometimes means they have to travel with us. It might be a five-minute drive to the woods for their favourite walk or a two-day road trip to get to a camping destination in Europe. Whatever the distance and the reason, we all want to try and make sure that travel is as easy and stress-free as possible for everyone, including the dog. 

We humans travel from the day we’re born – the trip home from the hospital a few days after birth, and then almost every day for the rest of our lives. But travel is not something that dogs necessarily encounter in the crucial early weeks and months when they are becoming habituated to the world around them. Travel can be stressful and unfamiliar, it can make them (and us) feel sick, and it’s something that we, as pet parents, should try and get right from the word go. So whether you’re going to travel with your dog in a car, or by train or plane, this article will hopefully make sure you are prepared and relaxed for any eventuality.

Getting dogs used to the car

Try to get your dog from a local breeder or adoption centre so that your first journey isn’t a long one. Moving to a new home is an ordeal in itself, so keep the journey as short as possible. 

For the first few days, you can let your dog get in the car and just have a nice treat without going anywhere. Start to get them used to being restrained in whatever manner you’ve decided. Dog car harnesses mean that they can wear a seatbelt, just like us. If you want them to travel in a crate, make sure that it is secured in case you have to brake suddenly. If your dog is going to travel in the boot, make sure to fit a grill so they can’t climb into the back seat and distract you.

Once your dog is happy getting in the car and sees it as a positive thing, start going for short drives, just round the block. Over time, you can build this up to longer and longer journeys in a positive way.

Taking your dog on holiday

The first thing you need to think about is whether this is a good idea. The answer will depend on where you’re going, how you’re getting there and what you plan to do when you’re there. It’s really tempting to take your dog on holiday because we want to always be with them and we love holidays, but your dog might not see it that way. You may be wanting to lie on a beach or visit cities and see cultural things. These aren’t very compatible with a dog having fun. You might decide that having a trusted friend or pet-sitting service would be better. You may find your holiday is much more relaxing without your dog, too.

If you do decide to take your dog on holiday, first make sure your dog is allowed to travel where you want to go! This seems obvious, but pet travel is very restricted in certain areas and your dog may need certain vaccinations or treatments for parasites upon entering or leaving some countries. Be prepared; you don’t want to get to the border and have to turn around and go home.

Dog passport and vaccination records

 

You may decide to take your dog to a different country. There are lots of things to consider when doing this, especially if you’re travelling to a very different climate. You may need extra vaccinations for your dog, such as rabies, and you may even require proof of a blood test to show they’re protected. This can all take time, so plan ahead and do some research well ahead of your holiday.

Different countries and climates can mean different diseases and parasites. It’s worth weighing up the risks to your dog against how much you think they will enjoy a foreign holiday. Leishmania is a serious and sometimes fatal disease spread by sand flies in lots of hot climates, and it can be difficult to prevent. Parasites such as heartworm and diseases spread by ticks are also common in some areas. While modern medicine and preventative treatments have come a long way, these diseases are still a risk.

You will also need to think about microchipping. Having a microchip implanted is a simple procedure and is the surest way to make sure your dog is reunited with you if they get lost. But in many countries, it is mandatory. You’ll need to find out if your dog requires a microchip by law where you’re going. You’ll also need to find out if they need a pet passport, certified by your vet with their vaccination details recorded. Some countries also stipulate that you will need to have a vet administer and certify that your dog has had certain anti-parasitic medications given within a certain time frame before you return. This can all need careful planning to avoid your dog being refused entry at your destination or being turned away on your way home.

Long car journeys 

Planning a road trip? Here are some things to keep in mind when taking your dog on a long car journey:

• Hot cars. NEVER leave your dog in a parked car, even on cool days or for short periods of time. Temperatures in cars can quickly rise and too many dogs still die in hot cars every year. Be aware that if your dog is in a sunny boot, they could still get heat stroke, even if you feel comfortable at the front. Make sure to check regularly that they are not in distress.

   

• Food and water. Make sure you have enough food for your whole holiday, and some spare in case of delays or unforeseen events. This is especially important if your dog is on a special therapeutic diet. You’ll also need plenty of water for the journey itself, both for the people and the pets! If you’re going somewhere where you can’t drink the tap water, bear in mind that you will have to buy bottled water for your dog, too. Take some tasty treats for when you stop.

• Collar and lead. You’ll need this for the holiday, but also for rest breaks in case your dog gets spooked and runs away. Have an ID tag on the collar with your phone number. As we said, think about having your dog microchipped, even if it’s not the law where you live. This is the surest way to make sure you are reunited if they get lost.

   

• Poo bags. This may seem like a minor thing, but you don’t want to get caught short! Take enough for the whole trip, plus spares in case the place you’re going doesn’t supply them.

• Blankets and toys. You’ll want your dog to feel at home in the car and on holiday, so take their favourite bed, blankets and toys.

• Rest breaks. You may want to push on through, but remember your dog will need a break every 2-3 hours. They’ll need a good twenty minutes or so to stretch their legs, have a good sniff around, and go to the toilet if they need to.

• Documents. Remember to take your dog’s travel documents, such as passport or proof of vaccinations, if you’re crossing a border. 

• Photo of your dog. You probably have a million photos of your dog on your phone, but if you don’t, then take a photo with you in case your dog gets lost.

• Local vet. Find the nearest vet to where you’ll be staying and get their emergency contact number.

• Towel. If you’re camping or staying in a hotel or someone else’s house, you’ll want to make sure your dog is clean when they come in.

• Dog first aid kit. Ask your vet about assembling a first aid kit for your dog. Think about things like parasite control, tick removers, antihistamines in case of bites or stings, and a selection of dressings in case of cuts. 

• Brush or comb. You may want to groom your dog if you’re away for more than a few days, especially if they’ve been exploring, getting dirty, and potentially picking up grass seeds or burrs.

Travelling by plane with a dog

Think long and hard about whether this is a good idea unless it is absolutely necessary, such as relocating. Many dogs will find air travel very stressful, especially if they have to go in the cargo hold of the plane and be separated from you. The noise and feeling of flying will be totally different to anything they have experienced. 

If they do have to fly, check the airline’s guidelines and rules. This is essential for a successful voyage. Some companies will not allow certain breeds to fly, such as flat-faced dogs like bulldogs and pugs. Many of these types of dogs have died on flights, so even if they are allowed, think twice.

Happy holidays

Holidays should be some of the best times of the year for all involved. Always think about whether activities you would enjoy would be fun for your dog. Why not do a practice weekend? See how your dog reacts to a fairly long journey and staying in a strange place or a tent. It may save you from spoiling a more expensive, long-distance holiday.

If you do take your dog on holiday, using the checklist and being well-prepared will make sure it goes as smoothly as possible. Happy holidays!

Reviewed by Dr. Hein Meyer, DVM, PhD, Dipl-ECVIM-CA.