Do you enjoy the sun on your back, the wind in your hair and the joy of seeing new places, new cultures or the thrill of the open road? If so, you might just be a travel-Holic.
And it’s okay because chances are, your dog or emotional support animal is too!
So, what if you could bring your furry friend on all your adventures?
Traveling with your dog could easily be one of the most rewarding experiences of both of your lives.
In fact, there are countless stories of people who have taken their pups on some pretty incredible adventures, and there are even some animals who made epic journeys all by themselves.
So, if you’re ready to hit the open road or head to the airport, here are 10 tips and tricks to help ensure your pooch is the perfect travel buddy:
10 Choose Your Destination Wisely
If you’re bringing your dog, it’s important to choose locations that both of you will enjoy.
Visiting national parks and monuments, roadside attractions, lush scenery, and even other countries can not only create fond memories but can also help two of you bond even more.
It’s also important to plan your trip well by ensuring the places you intend to visit are dog-friendly. Do some research and check all the guidelines before you hit the road with your furry companion.
9 Plan Ahead of Time!
Regardless of the time of year, you decide to travel with your dog, special considerations must be made due to the weather.
If you plan on traveling during the warmer summer months, you may need to make adjustments to your destination if you have a flat-faced dog or one with a very thick coat.
Likewise, some short-haired dogs may not fare so well in the snow.
Either way, you can overcome any of these issues, so long as you choose your destination wisely and take all necessary precautions, such as packing extra water or winter clothes for your dog.
Remember: proper planning prevents disaster.
8 Pack up for your ESA
After you’ve packed all your bags, be sure to pack one for your dog too.
Before you set out on your great adventures, make sure that your dog has everything that he or she will need en route and at your final destination.
Start with the essential items, such as food, bowls, toys and treats, a towel, some waste bags and plenty of water.
Next, pack any medications or other necessities. Throw in some ginger or pumpkin, it does wonders for a dog’s upset stomach, and another great idea is children’s Benadryl.
Additionally, you may want to pack other things, such as extra towels, an extra leash, shot records and the contact information for local animal hospitals or veterinarians at your destination.
7 Stay Up to Date
Proper identification is extremely important for your dog when traveling.
Before you leave home, make sure that your dog’s identification tags are up to date with your current contact information.
Also, be sure to bring your dog’s shot record and proof of rabies vaccination, just to be safe.
6 Safety Is Crucial!
No matter how you plan to travel, it’s extremely important to take all necessary safety precautions.
If you’re driving, ensure that your dog uses a seat belt, crate or some other form of containment or restraining device because, in the event of an accident, no one wants to go flying through the windshield, including your dog.
If you’ll be flying, understand that unless your four-legged friend is a service dog or an emotional support animal, you will have to pay additional airfare for your animal.
Most airlines require that your dog either fit completely underneath the seat in front of you, otherwise he or she must travel in the plane’s cargo hold. (Note: this doesn’t apply to assistance animals)
The important thing to remember is that each airline has different standards when it comes to flying with a pet, so be sure to read up beforehand.
5 Don’t Rush!
It’s important to take your time when traveling with your dog.
When planning your trip, be sure to select a route that has frequent rest stops, roadside attractions, national parks or other places of interest because you and your dog will both want to stop, stretch your legs, explore and relieve yourselves.
Remember, it isn’t the destination, so much as the journey, that you will both remember fondly for years to come. So take your time and enjoy it!
4 Practice Off-Leash Skills
If you want to give your dog an extra dose of freedom on your adventure, plan ahead and look for places that allow dogs to be off their leashes.
Although most National Parks require dogs to be on a leash at all times, there are many places where your dog can run free, such as dog parks, dog beaches, and hiking trails.
It’s one thing for your dog to come in from the backyard when you call, but what about when your dog is surrounded by new sights, smells or other dogs?
Your dog’s attention span may be easily overwhelmed by all the new stimuli. That’s why it’s helpful during training, to reward them with plenty of treats when they do come.
3 Sleepin’ In
Whether you’ll be staying in a tent or a hotel, be sure to plan ahead and bring something your dog can sleep in. A familiar kennel, dog bed or favorite blanket can help ease your pup to sleep by providing a refreshing dose of familiarity or routine.
Also be sure to squeeze in plenty of play and training time with your dog, especially in a new environment. Try and stick to any existing routines you may have.
Doing these things will show your dog that although the scenery may change, your relationship remains constant.
2 -Let Your Dog Carry His Own Weight
Giving your dog a job to perform is a great way to help your dog feel happy and like a member of the team. If your dog is comfortable with wearing a backpack, the possibilities for him to be your little helper are endless!
He can help carry food, water or supplies while hiking, camping, or even while just walking around town.
If your dog has never worn a backpack, you can quickly train them to by starting at home.
The first step is to give the dog lots of treats as you put the backpack on and adjust the straps. Next, spend a few minutes playing with your dog as they wear the strange, new contraption and finally, go on a short walk together so that your dog can get the hang of wearing his new swag.
Treats help.
1 Get an ESA Letter to start traveling!
Lastly, if you think that you’re one of the 61.5 million Americans who will suffer from a mental or emotional disability this year, you probably qualify for your dog to be an emotional support animal.
To clear up a common misconception about ESAs: the dog doesn’t require any kind of specialized training or certification but rather, the owner just needs a letter from a licensed mental health professional.
If you qualify for an ESA letter, then you’ll be able to bring your pup with you in the cabin of any commercial aircraft on any domestic flight, free of charge.
In fact, millions of Americans already benefit from having an ESA.
If you suffer from stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or another qualifying condition, and you feel that your dog helps alleviate your symptoms, then you should click below to see if you qualify:
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