Whether your dog is staying home, being boarded, or traveling with you, holiday travel can be stressful for both of you. All the staff at The Perfect Pup have dogs of their own and we completely understand the stress that goes along with traveling with your dog for the holidays. One of the hardest things about traveling with your dog for the holidays is making the decision of whether it is wise to travel with your dog at all. Taking them away from home for an extended period can be stressful but if your dog has become used to you being at home for the year because of the pandemic, leaving them alone can trigger separation anxiety. To ease your holiday stress, we have compiled some tips on traveling with your dog for the holidays.
If you are going to be traveling and staying at another friend or relative’s house, you’ll want to clear it first as to whether it is ok to bring your canine companion with you. If they are ok with it, make sure you know their house rules ahead of time. For example, you may want to ask if certain rooms are off-limits to dogs or anyone in the house is uncomfortable around them.
It would also be wise to ask if there will be any other dogs there in case they are reactive. If the place you plan on spending the holidays somewhere that doesn’t have the best environment for dogs, it might be a better idea to rent a hotel room or Air B and B that is pet friendly.
If your dog is staying home while you travel for the holidays, make sure you hire a qualified pet sitter. You can find many online that have reviews from other pet owners. The same rules apply if you are planning on boarding your dog somewhere. Be sure to leave any important information that the pet sitter may need in case of emergency. This may include the name and contact information for your veterinarian or vaccination records. It is also a good idea to leave your dog’s feeding schedule and any medications they take in an accessible place.
If you will be traveling with your dog, make sure you plan everything out ahead of time. Whether you are planning on driving or flying, preparation should be done so that the trip goes smoothly and safely for both of you. If you are flying, always check the individual airline’s pet travel guidelines. All airlines require proof of vaccination, and you will also need to supply an adequately sized crate for your dog to travel in.
If you are traveling by car, you should bring any supplies that your dog will need for the days you are on the road and when you are staying at the location. This may include their food, leash, treats, medication, toys, and anything else that may make their stay away from home more comfortable. It is also a good idea to bring their vaccination records in case of emergency as well.