By Christine Hunsicker
Editor of Travelers'
Tales: A Dog's World
For a dog lover, there is no more wrenching experience than having to
look into your dog's eyes as you head off on a trip. The easiest way to
avoid "The Look," says Christine Hunsicker, editor of Travelers'
Tales: A Dog's World, is to take your dog with you. Here are
her Top 10 Tips for taking a trip that is enjoyable both to you and your
dog.
1. Start your trip with a healthy pet.
Check in with your veterinarian at least one week before you begin your
trip to be sure your pet is healthy and all vaccinations are current.
Your vet can also alert you to any special problems that may exist in
the area you are planning to visit.
2. Be sure to pack all the paperwork.
Be sure to have a current health certificate, license and proof of all
vaccinations. I also bring along my vet's phone numberŅI've found it's
a lot easier (and cheaper) to call my vet with a non-emergency concern
than to try to find a local vet who doesn't know my dogs.
3. Have your pet wear identification at all times.
Your pet's I.D. tags should include your name, address, and phone number,
and if you are staying somewhere for a while, add a local phone number
where you can be reached in case you are separated from your pooch. Pack
a recent photo of your dog too, just in case.
4. Make sure your dog is travel-worthy.
Not all dogs are natural-born travelers. It's best to get your dog accustomed
to riding in a car at a very young age, but even older dogs can adapt.
Take them on short trips (10-15 minutes) to the store or to a park for
a game of fetch. Make it fun and part of your usual routine. Gradually
lengthen the drives so your dog is in the car for a few hours. Try very
hard to avoid having your dog's first car adventure be a trip to the vet!
5. Keep your dog cool and comfortable.
If you are traveling by car, always keep a car window open so your pet
has fresh air and when you park, try to find a nice patch of shade and
don't leave your dog in the car unattended for long periods of time.
6. Plan ahead for all travel accommodations.
This is especially important during peak travel times when motels, hotels,
and campgrounds fill up quickly. Many accommodations do not accept pets
and some that do have only a limited number of rooms available to pet
owners. If you are planning to fly with your pet, you should make reservations
at least 3 months prior to your journey since many airlines limit the
number of pets flying on each plane (both in the cabin and in the hold).
7. Make sure your dog is well-trained before taking her/him on the
road.
Please be sure your dog has learned the basic obedience commands such
as sit, stay, come, and quiet before you embark on a trip of any length.
This is necessary for your dog's safety and for your own sanity.
8. Keep your dog leashed whenever possible.
Many places require this anyway, but keeping your pet on a leash is the
best way to prevent runaway dogs. In fact, even before you get your dog
out of the car, it's best put him on a leash so he doesn't leap out of
the vehicle ahead of you and dash off to investigate some tantalizing
aroma.
9. Clean up after your dog, please!
No one actually likes this task but it is necessary. The more people pick
up after their dogs, the more welcome all dogs will in public places.
Tip: I always travel with a 4-1 mix of water and white vinegar in a spray
bottle to remove traces of any indoor accidents or lingering doggy smell.
10. Try to create a traveling environment that is as close to "home"
as possible.
This means trying to feed your dog the same food at the same time you
feed her at home. Also if your pet sleeps in a crate at home, bring it
along. If he doesn't have a crate, bring an old blanket or large towel
to create a designated pet area in your sleeping quarters. "Taking your
dog with you provides you with a great conversational ice-breaker," says
Hunsicker. "When you travel with your dog, the journey often becomes more
important than the destination." Her book, Travelers'
Tales: A Dog's World, is available at local bookstores or by ordering
online through Vapor Trails' affiliation with Amazon.com.
Be Sure to Also Read:
More Tips for Traveling with Your Pets
  Further
Reading
For inspirational stories of travelers and their dogs, be sure to check
out Traveler's Tales: A Dog's World. Click
for more information or to order through Amazon.com.
When traveling in California with dogs, you can't beat the encylopedic
California Dog Lover's Companion, for pet friendly lodging,
dining, camping and activities. Click
for more information or to order through Amazon.com.
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