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Dogs live for new adventures—and what better adventure is there than to travel to a place they have never been before? A dog’s childlike wonder at new sights, new sounds, and new smells is a joy to behold. 

But while traveling with your pet may seem like a dream, it can quickly devolve into a nightmare if you do not make the necessary preparations. Keeping your dog safe and happy is more challenging when you are in an unfamiliar place. So doing your homework is crucial in making the trip as enjoyable as possible.  

So, if you’re planning to take a trip with your furry friend, we’ve rounded up some tips on how to plan a hassle-free travel experience with your dogs. 

Update Vaccination Records 

Traveling, even just a quick trip to the park can expose your dog to all sorts of diseases and parasites. And as the adage goes, “Prevention is better than cure.” So, even if you don’t plan on going on a long trip, make sure that your dog’s vaccines and immunizations are up-to-date. This is especially true for puppies whose immune systems are not yet fully developed. Once the maternal antibodies from their mother’s milk have waned, they’re left vulnerable to attack. Until your puppy has completed their vaccinations, it is best to leave them at home. 

In case you’re going to a region where certain dog diseases fester, you must check for other relevant non-core vaccines that you may need. Looking at going overlanding or hiking in the woods with your pups? Maybe getting a leptospirosis vaccine, even if it’s considered non-core, would be useful as they’ll surely be exposed to other wildlife. If in doubt, it’s best to check with your veterinarian for their recommendations. They may also  be able to guide you with other documentary requirements for the countries or states you wish to go to or there are quite a few sites available for referencing such as https://www.bringfido.com/travel/international/. 

Research Pet Transport Laws 

Whether you’re traveling by land, sea, or air, there are certain laws that you need to abide by. What makes it even trickier is that each state, region, and even county may have different laws in place when it comes to traveling with pets. Rhode Island, for example, requires dogs to be inside a crate or restrained with a harness or pet seat belt during land transit.  

Leash mandates also differ from place to place. Some counties may allow off-leash walking while others don’t. It’s best, therefore, that you research relevant local laws in each of your destinations. 

Traveling by Plane 

Planes also have their own set of rules you have to abide by if you wish to go for air travel. Again, it’s important to research what the airlines can accommodate for your dog for a seamless travel experience. 

Plane travel with your pet can be quite complicated especially for animals not considered as service animals. Airlines have even tightened the rules for pets as emotional support animals (ESA), so be sure to check with your airline before booking as to what their regulations permit 

• Rules for service animals, however, are a bit more relaxed on all airlines as long as you can provide proper documentation. This is because they’re a federally protected class of pets that some people need in order to function well in society. 

A bit of good news for pet owners is that some airports are starting to accommodate facilities for our four-legged friends. Potty areas and dog walks, for example, are starting to pop up in a bunch of airports across the country. 

Here’s a list of notable airports with these facilities for your pets: 

 
For a comprehensive understanding of the legal requirements, you can contact The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal & Plant Inspection Service, Veterinary Services at  800-545-USDA (8732). They have all the updated information on these matters. 

Bring The Proper Gear for the Types of Activities You Plan on Doing 

While they can usually adapt quickly to changing climates and conditions, dogs do have to have some sort of protection from the elements as well. Sandy beaches may seem like they’re frolic-friendly spots but if it gets too hot, dog paws can get burnt which is extremely painful for our furry friends. Some dog breeds also can’t handle the cold as well as others. So, a quick research about your dog’s breed and personality can help you make the trip a lot safer and enjoyable for everyone. 

There is plenty of gear available for our pets to make them a little bit more resistant to environmental discomfort. Going  somewhere hot? Consider getting boots for your pets especially if doing a lot of walking on the road, the paws are easy to burn. Hiking up a cold snow-covered mountain? Dog coats with harnesses can help them keep warm during winter walks. 

Make Sure Your Vehicle is Comfortable For Your Pet 

In traveling with your dog, your car is probably going to serve as your main dwelling for a long period of time. It’s important to make it as comfortable for them as possible to help them associate traveling to a pleasant experience. 

Bring all his favorite toys to ease some of the boredom that they’ll surely experience during long car rides. It may just give you some peace and quiet while you’re cruising along the freeway. 

Having enough food and water are also important components of a good trip. It’s difficult to enjoy traveling when you’re always hungry or thirsty and the same is true for your dogs.   

Make sure that there is plenty of space to stretch their legs. The common principle of the Three-Point-Turn should be applied here. This means, your dog must be able to stand on all four legs, lie down comfortably, and turn around without having to squeeze their bodies. 

Boost Your Dog’s Immunity 

You may also want to consider getting something that can give an immunity boost for dogs. Natural pet supplements such as immune boosters, for example, can go a long way in keeping your pets away from preventable diseases. 

A dog immune booster should help your pup fight off any pathogen that they might cross paths with. alchemypet’s Immunity Booster, for example, has anti-inflammatory properties that help promote your pet’s respiratory and holistic health. These mushroom supplements harness the age-old Agaricus blazei Murill which has long been implemented as a natural remedy for humans. Recent developments have proven that dogs and mushrooms also go well together. In dogs, the Agaricus blazei Murill stimulates white blood cell activation which improves long-term  dog immunity. 

Conclusion 

Traveling with your dog is a rewarding adventure but it’s important to make sure that you’ve covered all your bases to make it as enjoyable as possible. This means a ton of work has to be done before you actually step out of the doorway and into the unknown. 

From legal factors to climate and weather situations; traveling with your dog requires a lot of researching and planning. But, doing so can help you pack the proper gear and avoid unnecessary headaches along the way. 

Most importantly, don’t forget to make sure that your canine friends pick up any sickness during the trip. Keep their vaccinations and immunizations up-to-date. And, if you really want to keep them safe and healthy, alchemypet’s Immunity Booster is a great way to give the medicinal benefits of the Agaricus blazei Murill mushroom for dogs. 

Ford, Richard B., and Laurie J. Larson. “2017 AAHA Vaccination Guidelines.” Trends Magazine, Oct. 2017, pp. 26–32. 

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/traveling-your-pet-faq