How to travel with a dog: expert advice inside

While studying at the Royal Veterinary College in London, Jamie Richardson, BVS, fell in love with a black man Labradors named Ralph and, once he finished school, he faced the journey back to his native United States

“It wasn’t the only time I flew with him,” said Richardson, who works as chief of staff Small door vet in New York City’s West Village, he says. “I ended up moving to Hong Kong, adopting a Chihuahua called Freddie, then moved them both to Bermuda and now to New York City.”

In addition to domestic and international flights, Richardson often takes Ralph and Freddie with him on trips when he visits his parents in upstate New York, a three-hour drive from home.

Here he offers guidance on how to travel with a dog across all the most popular means of transport.

How to travel with a dog in the car

Traveling with your dog It can be a great way to travel, but many wonder how to travel long distances safely with your dog in the car. First, make sure your dog is comfortable during car rides. If you currently only drive to the vet and groomer, try creating more frequent positive associations for your dog (like venturing to the dog park and pet store to get treats).

Like humans, dogs can also get car sickness, which can make car trips a headache for some pet parents. “If your dog gets sick after a 30-minute ride, talk to your vet about medications that might help him,” suggests Richardson. “Think about a time you got car sick; you don’t want your pet to feel the same way.”

Consider keeping your dog in a travel crate or wearing one Seatbelt harness designed for dogs in carshe adds. “And keep them well hydrated and comfortable by packing a Collapsible travel water bowlplenty of fresh water and be sure to stop frequently.”

Along the way, be sure to stop frequently for potty breaks AND walking breaks to allow both you and your puppy to stretch your legs. Check it out in advance excursions with pets trails so you can get a little extra vacation time during those breaks.

How to travel by plane with a dog

It’s a good idea to consult a veterinarian well before purchasing a plane ticket for your dog, whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally. Consider that airlines have different health and weight requirements, so even if your dog is perfectly healthy, he may not be able to fly.

Most airlines will allow you to bring a dog on board if it weighs 20 pounds or less and can fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you during the flight. If your dog weighs more than 20 pounds (and usually 100 pounds or less) he may need to travel in the cargo hold of the plane and be checked in at the same time as your bags are checked in, which always costs a fee.

Not all airlines allow dogs in the cargo hold because they can be dangerous for your pet. If it is not absolutely necessary to bring your dog on the flight in this way, consider leaving him at home with a trusted person pet sitter or a local shelter where she will be cared for and kept safe.

Before booking any flights with your dog, consider the best types of flights that will keep your dog most comfortable. Try booking overnight flights and exercise your dog during the day before the flight so he can sleep while on the plane and maintain his circadian rhythm. If your dog must travel with you in the hold, consider the time of year you are traveling and try to book during the months with warmer weather, so it isn’t too hot or too cold and uncomfortable for him.

Guide dogs it can also be carried on a plane and must accompany the handler to the space in front of the handler’s seat and cannot block the corridor or an emergency exit. If you bring a service dog on a plane, it’s a good idea to keep these rules in mind and select a seat in advance that gives your dog space to be comfortable and safe during the flight

Can you bring a dog on a boat?

Advance planning is always helpful when thinking about the best way to travel with a dog. If you are thinking of boarding a ferry, contact the ferry company before arriving with your dog to ensure pets are allowed on board.

When it comes to cruise shipsMost cruise lines do not allow pets on board, except guide dogs (emotional support dogs are also often prohibited). It’s always best to call ahead and find out about specific rules and regulations before booking a cruise.

How about a train?

US railroad company Amtrak allows small dogs on board as long as they are in a crate and the dog and crate weigh no more than 20 pounds combined. However, regulations may change depending on whether your Amtrak train crosses international borders.

Can you bring a dog on a rideshare?

For those who prefer to travel around town using a popular rideshare service, here are the most up-to-date rules and regulations regarding bringing your dog along on your trip.

Regardless of which service you prefer, it’s best to be safe and bring an appropriate safety carrier for your dog to travel with (or a leash or harness if your dog is too big for the crate) and be courteous by bringing a blanket for the seat if your dog sheds.

Taxi

Traveling with dogs by taxi can be a little tricky. The best option is to call the taxi company in advance and ask about specific conditions for pets. Some will allow small dogs to travel in carriers, while others may ask that the dog stays at home.

Uber

Uber has a specific one pet friendly ride optionwhich can be requested using UberX by pressing the “tap to customize” button and scrolling to Pet Friendly Ride on the app. With this option, pet owners can bring along a small animal, such as a dog or cat.

Lyft

Lyft leaves the choice up to the individual driver. The best thing to do is to book a ride using the app and then call the driver on his way to you to ask if he’d be willing to let your dog in the car. Since cars are usually drivers’ personal vehicles, it will be at their discretion.

Ridesharing and guide dogs

Guide dogs are always allowed on Uber and Lyft trips, regardless of whether it’s a pet-friendly trip or the driver’s preference. Depending on federal and local laws in your area, your service animal may be able to accompany you at no additional charge.

Find dog-friendly hotels and accommodations

Nowadays, it’s common for pet parents to want to take their beloved pets wherever they go. While pets aren’t allowed everywhere, a simple phone call to a hotel can answer any questions regarding pet policies.

THE PortaFido app is a great resource to find hotels that accept pets and accommodation and most holiday rental companies (such as Airbnb AND WILLOW) offer online filtering options to help you select places to stay while traveling with your dog.

More travel tips for dog owners

Maintain a routine

Routine is key when traveling with your dog, Richardson says. “Pets thrive on a sense of routine, so try to stick to their home routine while you’re away, feeding them and taking them out for walks at the same time as usual.”

Plan and prioritize meal and water breaks

Make sure you always have enough food and fresh water for your dog when you travel, so you don’t end up without the nutrients he needs. A dog travel bag which contains food packets, food and water bowls, some toys, some treats and anything else your dog needs is very useful to have on hand.

Emergency plan

Make sure you have already researched pharmacies and veterinary clinics in your holiday destination and have the file toll-free number for pet poisons (855) 764-7661 or ASPCA Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 in your phone contacts. If your local vet has a 24/7 on-call number, it wouldn’t hurt to also have it ready to ask non-emergency questions to the vet who is most familiar with your dog’s health history. Get yourself a first aid kit for pets (OR create your own) and carry it with you in your car or bag just in case.

Identify your dog correctly

Get your dog microchipped if it isn’t already, and always attach it Identifying tags with your contact information on the collar so she can easily be found if she gets lost at an airport or runs away during one of your bathroom stops.