We all look forward to vacations, a time to get away from the daily grind and stress while having exciting new adventures. However, the question of what to do with your fur baby inevitably arises. Dog parents often wonder if its more stressful for Fido to be left behind or to be with you in an unknown environment with stressors such as air travel and long car rides.
When to Leave Behind
Pet parents may feel guilty about leaving their pups behind, but in many cases, this is actually the more loving choice. Consider leaving Fido behind in the following situations:
- If you are going on a short get-away that involves air travel. The stress to Fido of being crated and put on a plane (especially if he is too big to be in the cabin with you) may be much more than the stress of being left behind.
- When your destination is not dog friendly, you will end of leaving him most of the day in an unfamiliar environment. Just because your hotel allows dogs, does not mean he will be allowed on the beach or in the restaurants. You should check that the activities you plan to take part in are dog friendly not just the accommodations.
- If your destination has strict ordinances concerning barking and noise, as dogs left in an unfamiliar hotel room may tend to bark more.
- When your vacation is especially adventurous, and your dog may be exposed to dangerous environments like cliffs, or places with extreme temperatures.
- If you want a stress-free vacation, and you have a trusted friend or kennel to take care of him while you are gone.
When to Take
Taking your pup with you is also a viable option in the following circumstances:
- If you are going on a longer vacation and staying in a house instead of a hotel.
- If your dog is healthy.
- If the community around your vacation rental is dog friendly.
- If you are comfortable participating in fewer activities, so as not to leave your pup behind most of the time.
- If you are willing to take on the additional responsibilities of traveling with your pup and are relaxed with the logistics of transporting your dog. Keep in mind, a stressed dog parent will create a stressed dog.
- If you are willing to make additional stops during long car rides.
How to Prepare for Pet Travel
If you do decide you want your fur baby with you on vacation, then you should prepare ahead of time for a successful trip.
- Get your pup to the vet for a health check and to get the best advice for travel with your fur baby. Ask your vet for pet medications for motion sickness and anxiety.
- Check the latest regulations for pet travel on the air line or ground transportation service you plan on using.
- Be sure your accommodations are pet friendly.
- If flying, make sure your dog is used to being in a crate, because unless you have a service dog, he will be required to stay in the crate for the entire flight.
- Review basic obedience commands in the weeks before your vacation, so he follows your commands immediately to avoid annoying other travelers and to protect against any dangerous situations.
- Organize their food, meds, and supplements. As much as possible, keep your dog on the same feeding schedule and give him the same food.
- Carry your dog’s health and vaccine card with you in case requested at the airport or needed on your trip.
Traveling with a beloved pup can be a beautiful adventure. However, it is important to realize that doing so is a huge responsibility and will change the parameters of your vacation itinerary. You will enjoy the peace of mind of having your pup next to you, but you will have to modify your activities. Pet parents should also keep in mind that they will need to be more vigilant with their dogs on vacation, as the unfamiliar area may pose hidden threats. As with most decisions, common sense should rule the day. If you are planning a trip to a beautiful city, where you plan on visiting museums and Michelin star restaurants, then Fido is surely better off at home. If you are going camping, on the other hand, then there is a good chance that you and your pup will have a great adventure together.
