What Is the Best Way To Travel With Your Dog?

Taking your dog along for a vacation can make the experience much more fun, but it also requires more planning and accommodation for your furry friend. When making travel plans with your pup, you must consider their comfort. If you plan to include them in your trip, explore the best way to travel with your dog to ensure a great experience for everyone.

By Car

Cars are generally the best mode of transportation when traveling with your dog. With that said, you should know a few tips to keep you and your pup safe on the road.

Keep Their Head Inside

Although dogs like to hang their heads out of car windows, the force of air (and potentially debris) entering their lungs can cause sickness. Therefore, you should do your best to keep your pup inside the car.

Don’t Let Them Roam

When dogs roam around the car during travel, it causes distractions for the driver and may cause injury if the vehicle stops suddenly. Additionally, your pup should stay in the backseat because the airbags in the front may cause harm, even if they’re in a crate. Consider a soft-sided dog crate for maximum comfort for your furry friend in the backseat.

Schedule Time for Rest Stops

Your dog will likely need more breaks than you, so you should plan to stop at least every few hours. Likely, your pup will need to stretch, go potty, and release some of its energy before getting back in the car. You should find pet-friendly places to stop for the best possible experience.

Bring Someone Else Along

Traveling with your pup can be difficult, especially if you’re alone. With that in mind, you should have someone else travel in the car with you to share the responsibility of driving and caring for the dog.

By Airplane

Traveling by airplane can be risky for a dog, but it’s not entirely out of the question. Usually, you can take a small dog in the plane’s cabin with you, but you must contact the airline well in advance. Larger dogs have to go with the other cargo; therefore, direct flights are the best way to ensure your luggage and pup don’t get separated from you.

By Train

Traveling by train can be so much fun, and fortunately, many trains allow passengers to bring their pets. However, it’s your responsibility to keep your dog under control and take advantage of the rest stops. Although you may never think of traveling by train, it’s an excellent alternative to driving, especially if you want to spend quality time with your pup on the trip.

Knowing the best way to travel with your dog is the key to ensuring an incredible trip for everyone involved. Unless you plan to spend most of your time with your dog and you can make the journey safe and comfortable, they may be better off at daycare or with a loved one.