What You Should Know When Traveling With Your Dog

Feb 01, 2023     |      Sophie's Circle

Are you looking to add a new furry four-legged member to your family? If the answer is yes, then there are a few things that you need to consider beforehand. One of those things would be what you would do if you and your family were to travel.

Now yes, you can always get a pet sitter to come and walk, feed and spend time with your dog. But why do that when you can bring your dog with you when you travel? If you choose that option, here are six things you should know when traveling with your dog.

Don't Assume Your Dog Can't (or Can) Come
One of the first things to do happens when you start planning your trip, and that would be for you never to assume anything. That means don't assume your dog can or can't come on your journey. When making your online booking, check and see if they have pet policies, and if it isn't clearly stated on their website or booking site, it won't hurt to call or email them and ask.

Look For Pet-Friendly Hotels
When you are looking for a pet-friendly hotel, more times than not, they always charge fees for you to bring your fur baby on vacation. And sometimes those fees can be crazy. So, if you want to know the secret to traveling with your fur baby, do one of two things. First, if you don't find paying the fees, look for a pet-friendly hotel. Or two, try and find an Airbnb. Not only will you save money on your vacation (because AirBNBs tend to be cheaper than hotels), but you will also find more pet-friendly Airbnb than hotels.

Make Copies of Your Pets Documents
When you travel with your dog, inside the country or outside, it is essential that you take copies of all your pet's important documents. You should always bring copies because (depending on who you are dealing with) some officials will either keep the originals or make copies. So, it's important that wherever you go (if you take your dog with you), you can prove that your dog is healthy, vaccinated, and happy. Having your dog's papers is a great way to do just that.

Take A Pet Carrier
Everyone hates to see their fur baby locked up in a crate. They are part of the family, after all. But, one of the best things you can bring on your trip with your dog is a carrier - a carrying purse or crate, both will work.

When you fly with your dog, some airlines require you to have your dog to be in a carrier (if they are small enough) during travel. But that isn't all carriers (or crates) do. They also provide your dog with a place to sleep when you are at your hotel/Airbnb, and it also gives you a way to restrain them when there are strangers around.

Triple-Check Airline Pet Policies
If you are flying out of the country and you are looking to take your dog with you, there is one thing you need to remember - not all airlines allow pets. So, double and triple-check your airline's pet policy to keep there from being a problem when you get to the airport.

Every Country's Pet Policies Differ
Lastly, when you fly out of the country with your dog, remember that all countries have different policies. That means certain dog breeds might be banned from specific countries. So, if you want the perfect vacation with your fur baby, double and triple-check the rules, regulations, and policies associated with what dogs are and aren't allowed in the country.