15 Tips To Make Traveling With Your Dog As Stress-Free As Possible

#1 – don’t feed your dog within 3 hours of travel.
#2 – take your dog to potty within the final hour of departure.
#3 –pack only enough food and treats for the duration of travel.
#4 – dogs can comfortably go over 8 hours between meals.

#5 – be sure you have packed her favorite toy(s), and keep them within arm’s reach!
#6 – if possible, tire them out with a long walk or run before departure.

Video: tips for stress-free holiday travel with pets 11/23/16

#7 – make sure your dog is properly microchipped with your current contact information.

Video: dog boarding - holiday pet travel (1 of 3)

#8 – make sure all their shots and medications are up-to-date.
#9 – pack a comfy blanket or a garment that smells like you.
#10 – plan to remain as close to your dog as possible for the duration of the journey.
#11 – research airports and rest stops that have designated doggy areas.
#12 –if you’re traveling internationally (or to hawaii), learn the requirements to bring your dog into that country.
#13 –check out the forecast for your destination.
#14 –be sure his collar fits snug, yet comfortably, and has current tags.
#15 –make sure your dog is healthy enough for both travel and the trip.

Are you finally going on a vacation that the dog can go on, too? If so, you may be starting to panic on what exactly you need to do before and during your trip to have it go smoothly. Veronica Grey, recipient of the 2015 Special Humanitarian Award, has traveled extensively with her service dog Flash Gordon Delirium, including over half of the United States and Costa Rica.

Here are her 15 tips for traveling with your dog.

#1 – Don’t feed your dog within 3 hours of travel.

That way, your pooch won’t need to use the bathroom at an inopportune moment.

#2 – Take your dog to potty within the final hour of departure.

Bonus if you can get her to go “number two.”

#3 –Pack only enough food and treats for the duration of travel.

You can stock up on food at your destination (it’s smart to do some research first and make sure your pup’s food is available at a nearby store!). There is nothing worse than lugging heavy bags of kibble on a plane and paying for overweight luggage.

#4 – Dogs can comfortably go over 8 hours between meals.

…so don’t feed your dog during travel unless medically necessary (see tip #1).

Video: Easy Air Travel With Your Pet

#5 – Be sure you have packed her favorite toy(s), and keep them within arm’s reach!

You don’t want to have to ransack your luggage while traveling just to reach for one chew toy.

#6 – If possible, tire them out with a long walk or run before departure.

That way, they can nap during the trip, or at least be fairly relaxed.

Video: Tips for Stress-Free Holiday Travel with Pets 11/23/16

Image source: @MatthewKenwrick via Flickr

#7 – Make sure your dog is properly microchipped with your CURRENT contact information.

…because your old phone number won’t be helpful if you get separated from your dog!

Video: Dog Boarding - Holiday Pet Travel (1 of 3)

#8 – Make sure all their shots and medications are up-to-date.

You never know what viruses or parasites could be present, especially in new environments. Make sure your pup stays healthy!

Flash Gordon. Image source: Veronica Grey

#9 – Pack a comfy blanket or a garment that smells like you.

Familiarity is key to a dog’s comfort when in unfamiliar territory. Bringing a dog bed is great, but if it’s too bulky, a cozy blanket or piece of your clothing will help ease anxiety during travel or at the destination.

Image source: @TarotheShibaInu via Flickr

#10 – Plan to remain as close to your dog as possible for the duration of the journey.

That way, you can give her lots of calm, soothing attention and petting in case she gets travel jitters.

#11 – Research airports and rest stops that have designated doggy areas.

Many airports in America now have specially designated doggy parks within the airport compound, as do most rest areas off driving highways. Research them ahead of time for convenient bathroom breaks and leg-stretching in between travel points. The newest accommodation in pet air travel is designated pet restrooms, available in some airports!

#12 –If you’re traveling internationally (or to Hawaii), learn the requirements to bring your dog into that country.

If you aren’t prepared, you will be forced to turn around.

Image source: @Paranoidnotandroid via Flickr

#13 –Check out the forecast for your destination.

What is the weather like at your destination? Will Fido need a doggy jacket or galoshes? Take these factors into consideration and plan accordingly. Make gear easily accessible for departure and arrival, if necessary.

#14 –Be sure his collar fits snug, yet comfortably, and has current tags.

Like with the microchip, outdated information is useless in the event that you lose each other. With a “comfortably snug” collar, you should be able to fit two thumbs between their collar and neck. If the collar is too loose, your dog could slip out or get caught on something, which can have dangerous consequences..

#15 –Make sure your dog is healthy enough for both travel and the trip.

Gauge if your dog is in overall good health and use common sense. Just as you wouldn’t wish to travel when you are feeling under-the-weather, don’t push your pet to travel unless they are in optimum health. Even something as simple as having their toenails clipped properly helps them walk easier and longer, and optimizes travel.