The holiday season is approaching, and maybe you’ve found an excellent vacation package, but it will be different because you’re planning to travel with your dog to enjoy a few days of relaxation and fun. But have you stopped to think about what you need to consider to make the journey more pleasant and, above all, safe?
First of all, evaluate whether traveling with a dog is the best option for them. Animals that are light, sick, or injured should stay home. Talk to your trusted veterinarian about your dog’s health condition. If they are fit to travel, the dog should have a collar with an identification tag (your name, their name, address, and phone number); additionally, keep on hand their health certificate, vaccination records, and deworming report.
The next step is to consider the method you’ll use to travel. The best option for a dog is car travel. It’s much less stressful and less complicated for both you and them. Here, you can bring a water bottle and a deep dish to let them drink, as a dog’s greatest enemy is dehydration. Make plenty of stops so they can use the bathroom (don’t forget trash bags!) and give them a snack. Don’t feed them too much, as dogs tend to get dizzy on long trips and might have a small “accident.”
If your dog is small and full of energy, consider taking them in a crate to prevent them from jumping around in the car. Similarly, if your dog is large, use a harness that can be attached to the rear seatbelt; this will prevent them from moving around excessively or getting tangled in a regular leash. Even if they’re small, never let the dog sit on your lap or in the passenger seat, as this could be a danger for both of you if they get agitated.
If you need to take a flight to reach your destination, most Mexican airlines only allow animals in the cargo compartment inside their crates. Research the additional costs for transporting animals in advance and make sure the crate complies with their safety standards. It’s recommended NOT to sedate animals during the flight, as this can cause respiratory complications.
Make sure your dog uses the bathroom before putting them in their crate and feed them and provide water 4 to 6 hours before the flight. On the crate floor, place absorbent material in case of accidents, and ensure it is well ventilated. Stay calm! Dogs are sensitive to your emotional state. If you’re nervous or worried, they will sense something is wrong and become anxious too.
Once you arrive at your destination, take them on a long walk to stretch their legs, and if the area is noisy, avoid leaving them alone in the room, as they might disturb other guests. If you have no choice but to leave them in the room, notify the front desk so they can inform staff entering the room. Thousands of people travel every year on vacation with their pets, and many hotels are starting to accommodate these furry companions in their establishments. To avoid any surprises, contact the hotel before booking to make sure they allow pets and inquire whether there are any additional costs. If you have any other suggestions, feel free to share them in the comments!
Portuguese Versión: Dicas para viajar com seu cachorro
