Must-Know Dog Travel Info

A holiday with your dog can be a really fun time for both of you. But you will have to do a bit of forward planning.

To begin with you’ll have to research the requirements for taking a pet to the destinations you’re interesting in visiting. With some countries, like the UK, these make traveling with your dog a virtual impossibility unless you’re on the PETS scheme.

But even countries that are more pet friendly have requirements that must be met.

You will also have to find out about accommodation. If you prefer to stay at a hotel, you will have to find one at your destination that accepts dogs.

The good news is that more and more hotels are accepting pets these days.

And then there are the travel arrangements. Traveling with a pet by air or rail can be quite a challenge, so use a specialized pet travel company to make the arrangements for you. This will ensure that you avoid costly, and possibly even tragic mistakes.

If you’re planning on traveling by car though then the arrangements will be down to you. And there is quite a bit of planning to be done.

For starters, you’ll need a way of restraining your dog in the car, either a dog carrier, or a specialized doggy seat belt. This not only makes sense, but is a legal requirement in some countries.

It is also important to remember that dogs become dehydrated quite easily. Take a water bowl and plenty of water along, and never leave your dog in a parked car, especially in warm weather.

Also, remember to pack leashes, harnesses, collars, toys, dog bed and anything else your dog will need.You’ll also want to plan your journey and identify accommodation en route that allows dogs. And while we’re talking about stops, remember regular comfort stops for your dog to use the bathroom and stretch his legs.

And there’s even more to be taken care of. When you are at your holiday destination, ensure that your dog wears an id tag with your local contact details, at all times. For international travel you will have to have your dog micro-chipped, but extra precautions are never a bad thing.

It also makes sense to have a recent photo of your dog with you, just in case he decides to wander off.

Make sure you know where the local vet or animal hospital is. In an emergency you don’t want to have to waste time searching for it.

Obey all local animal regulations and laws. This will normally mean that you have to pick up after your dog, as well as keeping on a leash in public places. It is just good manners to do this anyway, even if the law doesn’t require it.

By now you’re probably wondering if all of this is worth the trouble. Well, ask yourself how much a trouble free, unforgettable trip with your dog is worth. The likely answer is, priceless!

Read more about dog travel, dogs 101, dog health and other interesting dog information at http://www.dogsanddogtraining.com.

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