Spring Break is right around the corner! Whether you are traveling with or without your canine best friend, there are certain travel tips that pet owners need to consider.

Traveling WITH Your Dog

First, make sure you’ve thoroughly researched pet friendly options for your canine companion. More and more people are excited to bring their dog along on the family vacation and many hotels and AirBnBs offer pet-friendly solutions. BringFido is a great website that regularly researches pet-friendly options for travel.

But beyond finding a place that will welcome your pet, there are certain expectations you, as the pet parent, must be mindful of…. After all, you’re used to your dog, and may be okay with certain habits. But that doesn’t mean others will be or should be expected to…. Away from home, you must also be prepared for some additional safety matters, too.

Some basic travel etiquette and safety tips include:

• Invest in a seatbelt harness or crate for your car. If you are driving to your destination, no doubt you’ll wear your safety belt, and put your young children in car seats. Provide the same kind of safety consideration for your pet.
• If you are flying, and your dog is traveling in a carrier, ensure he or she has plenty of ventilation and try to minimize food intake in case they get motion sick.
• Always keep your pet on a leash, even if they are well-trained (by us, of course!)
• Have a generous supply of waste bags with you; clean up immediately after your dog. Pack some cleaning wipes too, in case your pet has an accident indoors.
• If your dog is prone to obsessive barking, either work with us to train them, or consider leaving them at home.  
• Respect the boundaries — research where pets are allowed / not allowed and don’t expect others to make an exception for you.
• Pack extra blankets with you to cover hotel furniture in order to protect it from pet hair. Otherwise, keep them off the bed and chairs, and on the floor.
• Do not leave your dog in a hotel unattended, especially if your dog gets anxious when you leave…. That may lead to excessive and disruptive barking and / or destructive behaviors.
• Make sure you pack everything your dog needs — food, water bowls, familiar toys / bedding, and your dog is collared with proper identification tags.
• Bring vaccination records and medication.

Additionally, be prepared to pivot. Unless your dog travels frequently and is accustomed to unpredictable schedules, it will be easy for your dog to be overstimulated or grow exhausted. An overstimulated and / or exhausted dog can lead to unusual behaviors, including fear, reactivity, and aggression. So travel well and enjoy your time together — but read their body language and b prepared to adapt based on your dog’s needs.

Boarding Your Dog While You’re Away

If you opt to board your dog while you’re gone, be sure to research your options. Make sure the facility is clean and the staff is attentive. Visit the facility and take a tour. Ask questions about their routine, as well as their health and safety procedures. Pay attention to how the staff interacts with the dogs in their care.  

If you find a safe facility you’re comfortable with, make sure you pack everything your dog will need during his or her stay. Similar to traveling with your dog — they will need familiar blankets and bedding, favorite toys, medicine, food, and medical records.

Hiring a Pet Sitter While You’re Away

If you aren’t traveling with your dog and you also aren’t comfortable with a boarding situation, finding a pet sitter may be the most stress-free way to leave your dog at home. After all, you can leave him or her in a familiar environment and leave your sitter detailed instructions about your dog’s routine.  

If you choose to hire a sitter, my first recommendation would be to choose a family member or family friend your dog already knows and who loves your dog! But if no one is available, make sure you get check references and find out if they are bonded / insured. Schedule a pre-sitting meeting to see how your dog responds to the sitter, and watch the sitters’ body language — are they comfortable with your dog? Do they engage / play with him or her?  

Leave written instructions and in-case-of-emergency contacts, including the veterinarian. Also — it’s not unreasonable to ask for text and photo updates on a daily basis.

Whether your dog is going with you or staying behind — we hope your spring break vacation is a great one! As always, Crown Jewel K9 is here to set you and your dog up for success. We want to equip you both with the skills needed to manage behavior and obedience. Contact us for a free consultation and start living your best life with your best friend!