Travelling by Car and by Air With Your Dog

Travelling by Car and by Air With Your Dog

Do you want to take a trip with your dog but worry that it’s too difficult? With careful planning, using a crate can make traveling with your pet a joyful experience. It can also give you extra opportunities for bonding and adventure. You must ensure that the trip will be safe and comfortable for your dog, whether by plane or car, and a crate will help you do that.

Selecting a comfortable crate
Your travel will be easier for you and more comfortable for your dog if the crate is comfortable. There are several factors to consider:

Size: Your dog should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down in the crate. A crate that is too large will create extra space and cause your dog to slide around.
Material: Hard-sided crates made of durable plastic or strong metal crates work best for air travel.  Check to see if your crate is IATA compliant. As long as the crate can be secured safely, both soft-sided and hard-sided crates can be used for travel in a car.

Ventilation: Obviously, this is a crucial factor. There should be enough holes on at least three sides of the crate to provide enough air for your dog.
Safety Features: The crate should have secure latches your dog cannot easily open. You can purchase a crate that has added security by having reinforced doors and locking mechanisms. This is especially good for air travel.

Comfort: Place absorbent, non-slip bedding in the crate to keep your dog dry and comfortable.

Getting ready for your adventure
Getting the right crate isn’t enough to be ready for your trip. You have to take a few more actions to ensure your pet is comfortable and the journey is pleasant.

Introduction to the Crate: If your dog hasn’t used a crate before, you should have a period of acclimation well before your trip. Encourage time in the crate, using toys and treats to make it a pleasant experience.

Practice: Slowly increase the amount of time spent in the crate. Take short practice runs in the car, gradually increasing the time.

Exercise: Right before leaving on your adventure, make sure your pet has plenty of exercise, such as a long walk or a vigorous play session in the backyard. This will help alleviate restlessness or the need for exercise.

Traveling by car
Naturally, it is of the utmost importance that the crate be securely placed in a stable area, such as the trunk of an SUV or the back seat. Use secure straps, such as seat belts, to ensure the crate doesn’t move during the trip. Plan on stopping for regular breaks every 3 hours so your dog can urinate, drink water, and stretch. Never leave your pet alone since temperatures in the car can rise very quickly, particularly on a sunny day or in warm weather.

There are super strong crates made specifically to go in the back of a truck or SUV that will maximize protection of your dog should you be involved in an accident.

Air travel
Of course, it takes a little more preparation for traveling by plane due to strict regulations.

Features of the crate: The airline will have specific regulations, such as size and other features, that you must check when planning your trip. Crates have to be IATA compliant.

Food and Water: Most airlines will let you attach a small water bottle to the crate or put a dish of ice in the crate that will melt slowly so your dog can drink. Check the guidelines before you go.

Get to the airport early: You can alleviate some of your stress by checking in early and discussing with the staff how your dog will be handled.

Documentation: Long before you travel by plane, you must find out the requirements of the airline and the destination to which you are traveling. Vaccinations must be up-to-date, and your pet must have a health certificate. There will be other requirements if you are traveling out of the country. Your veterinarian should be able to help you find out everything you must do.

Post-travel
Once you have reached your destination, it may take your dog a little time to adjust to the new environment. It can help to have familiar toys and even take the bedding from the crate for your dog to lie on.

Traveling with your dog – an enjoyable experience
You don’t need to skip vacations or visiting family just because you have a pet you don’t want to leave with a pet sitter. Traveling with your pet in the safety of a crate can be a safe and enjoyable experience, decreasing your anxiety about leaving your pet at home. Just follow our tips about preparation, and you should be ready to share your out-of-town fun times with your pet, increasing bonding, which is what both of you want.
 

Shelby Neely
VMD, MA

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