Travelling with your dog is great fun… in theory. In reality, dog travel is a bit more complicated than it may seem. There can be some legal hurdles to overcome, along with other administrative tasks that get in the way of what really matters: seeing the world with your best furry friend.

Some forms of travel require fewer hoops to jump through, like travelling with dogs in the car. But, if you plan on travelling with dogs to Europe, for example, you can expect a few more considerations.

Fear not, we’ll cover everything you need to know, here!

 

How to Travel With Your Dog

Before setting off on your big adventure, tick the following tasks and requirements off your list:

Health Assessments

Dogs, like humans, shouldn’t travel if they’re unwell. Is there anything upsetting them, or any treatments they’re likely to need soon? If so, you should probably consult your dog’s vet for a quick check-up. Nobody wants to be ill on the road!

Check Vaccinations

Depending on where you’re headed, your pup will need an array of vaccinations to keep them safe and protected. Exactly which vaccinations you’ll need to administer will vary, so make sure you consult your vet by giving them a rough itinerary. Chopping and changing your location can complicate things, but as with most things health-related, your vet will be best positioned to advise.

Certifications

Based on the prior steps, your vet may prompt you with a certification for your pup’s health. This can be useful for some travel companies that will only allow pets on board with proof of a clean bill of health.

Creature Comforts

Travelling can be stressful for us humans, but even more so for our dogs. We can comfortably reason with and rationalise things like delays or unexpected cancellations, but dogs are simply along for the ride (quite literally).

To make their journey a bit more pleasurable, consider bringing some luxuries from home, such as a bed with familiar scents or a few dog toys. The smell of home can be enough to reassure and calm your dog.

Get the Right Equipment

When it comes to car travel with dogs, you must also consider your car’s safety and security features. For example, in the UK, laws stipulate that dogs should be securely fastened and anchored to a point of the car, like a seat belt. They must not be allowed to wander around the car, sit on passengers’ laps, or within any footwells.

Unfortunately, the highway code isn’t very specific about how your dog should be fastened. But, the usual options like harnesses, cages, and carriers should suffice.

Stop Frequently

Depending on your means of travel, it’s highly advised to frequently give your dog comfort breaks on your journey. For one, their bladders are much smaller than our own. Plus, being kept in one location or stance for an extended period can result in pent-up energy. Letting them out for a quick few minutes to stretch their legs and do their business at regular intervals is extremely helpful.

Reward Good Behaviour

Long periods of travel can be stressful for your dog, so make sure you’re rewarding them for being well-behaved with some positive reinforcement. Pack plenty of dog treats, as well as their favourite dog food, and treat occasionally.

Any signs of relaxation or comfort should be acknowledged, such as lying down or bowing their head, along with an encouraging verbal signal.

 

Common Questions Around Dog/Pet Travel

On the subject, there are a few concerns and queries that get asked more commonly than others. So, we’ve answered the most polarising here.

What Can I Give My Dog for Travel Sickness?

If your dog suffers from motion/travel sickness, there is medication out there that can help alleviate symptoms. However, like with most pet medications, the best person to consult on this subject would be your vet.

Identifying travel sickness early is key, as it can make the journey highly stressful for your pet, potentially causing the need to restart your travel training.

Sometimes, travel sickness stems from anxiety. Medication can, therefore, be a good quick fix, but following this up with further travel training would be a much more long-term solution.

Can I Give My Dog Human Travel Sickness Tablets?

Any type of medication designed for humans is not suitable for dogs. Different dosage levels and ingredient compositions mean that what works for us may not necessarily work for your furry friend.

As mentioned above, the only true way of determining what will work for your pet is to contact your vet.

What Documents Do I Need for My Dog to Travel?

Depending on where you’re travelling from and to, your dog will need different documents to complement their travels.

In the UK, for example, the main piece of documentation you’ll need when leaving the country is an Animal Health Certificate (AHC). This document replaces the previously issued Pet Passport and contains all information customs needs to certify your companion for their trip abroad.

Can Dogs Travel On a Plane?

Yes! Your dog can pick up as many air miles as you’d like.

Depending on your dog’s size, they can travel in either the cabin or in a designated pet holding area on a plane. Small dogs like Chihuahua’s can usually travel in the cabin provided they fit inside a carrier that’s stored appropriately. Larger dogs are usually restricted to the cargo area, unless they’re service dogs.

Service dogs can travel in the cabin area regardless of their size (within reason). Be sure to check the rules of your travel provider before boarding, as guidance may vary.

Can Dogs Travel On Trains?

Much like with planes, dogs are allowed to travel on a train provided the transport company’s rules are followed. These rules are often similar to plane travel, like using the appropriate restraints and ensuring good behaviour to not disturb other passengers.

As before, please check the rules of the train operator before you buy a ticket.

 

More Dog Guidance and Tips, From Fish4Dogs

Travelling with your pet can be both a fun and stressful experience. But, armed with this checklist, you can enjoy many adventures on the open road, in the air, or even on foot! For more articles on dog care and wellbeing, check out our blog.