Dogs make the ultimate travel companions. They are up for anything, anytime. Their tails wag, and they remain loyal throughout any adventure.
It stands to reason that you would want to bring your favorite friend with you while exploring the world.
The question is how to do it.
To successfully travel with pets, you must understand accommodation options, travel training, and medical necessities.
Research is your friend
If you are a carefree traveler who enjoys going wherever the wind takes you or making a left turn instead of a right when the mood strikes, your relaxed approach to travel must take a back seat to research and planning when you choose to travel with pets.
Unless you have been to your next destination before, traveling with a dog in tow means researching your destinations well before leaving home.
Conduct online searches for dog-friendly cities and specific areas within the cities. If you have an itinerary in mind, check each establishment to determine their dog policies.
Since you will undoubtedly have luggage, it is beneficial to find a safe and secure place to stash your bags, such as Radical Storage London.
London is an excellent city to visit with your dog, as it is known for being pet-friendly. Having a convenient option to store your luggage while you explore the city with your furry friend will enhance your experience significantly.
Consider your accommodations
Determining where you and your dog will stay is essential to planning and researching your trip.
If you have family or friends in the area, consider staying with them.
However, it is crucial to have an honest conversation about other pets in their homes or how their children feel about and behave with pets to ensure everyone is comfortable. Ask the hard questions and be honest.
Other options include hotels, home rentals, and home swaps. Ensure they are all dog-friendly.
It is essential to know the guidelines regarding leaving your dog in the hotel room in case you need to step out to the grocery store, where dogs may not be allowed, for example.
Also, check for greenspace near the hotels for bathroom breaks and exercise options.
Plan for transportation
Transporting even the best-trained dog can be stressful for everyone involved.
A carrier or crate is the best option for transporting your dog from one location to another.
Before investing in a carrier, the most important thing is to understand the size of your dog. If you have a puppy, know that they will grow.
However, to ensure safety and comfort, the carrier’s size needs to be appropriate for your dog’s current size.
Always read the product descriptions and specifications to confirm you fit your travel needs best.
In today’s pet-friendly world, products range from secure car harnesses and baskets with seat belts to backpacks and crates.
Once again, the size of your dog is the primary factor in making a purchase, but the mode of transportation you will be taking is a very close second.
Thoroughly review any public transportation requirements, including airline in-cabin or cargo specifications.
If train travel is on the itinerary, you may be able to walk your dog on some carriers or routes, while others require a dog carrier for access.
Be proactive about medical requirements and care
Transporting your dog from one country to another takes planning.
As soon as you decide on the destination, look up the travel guidance and medical requirements for dogs. Thoroughly read and track every requirement.
Working with your trusted veterinarian will make this process easier. Make a physical copy of every dog-related document and vaccine label and upload them to the cloud for easy access.
Take a small pet medical kit that will fit in your day bag during your travels.
Helpful items include medications, allergy tablets or liquids, and a pet first aid kit. You can also bring a first aid booklet or save a link with emergency information on your smartphone.
Final thoughts on travel with pets
Now that you have some ideas for planning travel with your best furry friend, it is time to start.
Research your destination, find pet-friendly accommodations and places to stow luggage, and then prepare yourselves for a fun adventure together.
The key to a successful trip lies in preparation and flexibility.
Research dog-friendly destinations, choose suitable accommodations, and plan for transportation and medical needs to ensure a smoother and more enjoyable adventure.
With your pup by your side, every journey becomes a memorable exploration. So pack your bags and grab the leash.
Jeremy Bowler is a full-time copywriter specializing in business and finance. He graduated from the University of Chester with business, accounting, and finance degrees. An avid traveler, Jeremy taught English in Nepal, Malaysia, and Japan. He has produced copy for prominent publications such as Neil Patel, Entrepreneur, and Metro.