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Summer is truly the season of adventures. The sun is out, the schools are closed, and many of our responsibilities are on pause. If you’re a fur parent, your mission is to have extra fun before the leaves start turning. How do you do that? Pet travel.
Go anywhere you can think of and create new memories! But just like any incredible journey, you must start with a bit of planning, especially about your co-pilot’s safety and joy.
Traveling with dogs can be incredibly rewarding if you’re prepared. Leash up! You’re about to have the best summer stories yet.
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could go to every corner of the world with your dog? Unfortunately, not every barracks welcomes furry travel buddies. And the last thing you want is to show up somewhere only to find out they’re not allowed past the parking lot.
So, before anything else, scope out pet-friendly destinations, accommodations, and attractions. At each hotel, vacation rental, or campsite you visit, confirm the pet policies, fees, and available amenities. Maybe they only allow specific breeds or sizes, or they charge for pet waste removal and particular facilities. It’s better to know than to get unpleasant surprises.
Also, don’t forget about your responsibilities. As the commander-in-chief, locate nearby veterinary clinics and emergency services. Hopefully, you won’t need them, but having that info can save precious time and lives.
Are the landing places all set? Great! It’s time to pack up.
Besides the pet travel never-leave-behinds like the leash, backup leash, and harness, here’s what to squeeze into your furry soldier’s rucksack.
Whether traveling with dogs by car, plane, train, bus, or boat, you must prioritize their comfort and safety. Deployment means having them in a secure crate, or with a travel harness or seatbelt, and getting those sunshades, cooling mats, and fans working.
If you’re flying, check airline pet policies and follow them. Whenever possible, book direct flights for less hassle (for you and your dog), and avoid peak heat hours.
Speaking of heat, never leave your four-legged friends unattended in a parked car. Heatstroke can occur in minutes, even when the AC is running or the windows are open!
It doesn’t matter where you spend summer; the sun can be unforgiving. As such, schedule your walks, exercises, and activities for early morning or late evening when the temperature has cooled down.
Before the paws touch the ground, feel it with your own hands to know if your dog can take the heat. Boots will protect those toe beans, too!
Carry cooling vests, mats, or wet towels so your pet can cool off during rest stops. Offer water every one to two hours, and watch out for the following signs of dehydration or heat stroke:
Your troops may be out to have fun, but remember, they thrive when they have a routine in place. Stick to regular feeding, walking, and play schedules to keep morale high. And whatever the itinerary looks like, go for a break every two to three hours for exercise, bathroom use, and water.
Head to rest stops with shade and pet-friendly areas. Warning: Regardless of how happy they are, your dog might refuse to get back up on their feet after! Be ready to carry them for the rest of your escapade.
Adventure Activities: Keeping Your Pup Engaged
It’s time for the most exciting part of any pet travel: pup activities! How do you ensure an engaged furry adventurer?
Preparedness is always about what should happen and what could happen. When traveling with dogs, there are three non-negotiables you should be in control of.
Anywhere your paws and feet take you, find the nearest 24/7 vet care. You never know when you’ll need another commander-in-chief to take over your pet’s health! Panicking shouldn’t be a part of your vacation.
Be your four-legged soldier’s first responder. Bring the first-aid kit everywhere, along with their medical records. Handle the basics with antiseptic wipes and bandages, then call in the pro cavalry if needed.
It’s not impossible for your pet to get lost while you’re venturing into new territories. In case they do, have their recent photo and microchip info ready. Save local animal control contacts for backup as well.
You can’t wait to conquer summer with your beloved dog. You already have a list of locations and pursuits and are eager to get the ball rolling. So, what if the vet tells you, “Nope, your soldier isn’t fit to travel.”? Should the season go to waste?
Hit the brakes on your pup’s travel badge if health concerns or anxiety issues won’t make a trip enjoyable. Feel no guilt for pushing through with your getaway by having trusted reinforcements step in!
Look into boarding facilities that feel more like doggy resorts than kennels, or consider in-home pet sitting. Don’t worry about your pet’s routine or the one-on-one attention they need; you’ll receive pupdates while you’re away.
As a devoted fur parent, choose what’s best for you and your dog, even if it means they stay behind.
A successful mission always hinges on a plan. When traveling with dogs this sunny season, target preparation, safety, and flexibility are key so everyone in the pack stays happy and healthy!
Have you gone crusading with your pet before? Please share some tips or your favorite destinations! Let’s help each other become the best leaders we can be.
Before you hit the road, let Scoop Soldiers handle the dirty work at home. A yard clean-up before your trip or reliable pet waste removal while you’re out and about? Our team is ready for doody.
We promise your base will be spotless when you return from your deployment. Schedule a service today and go on a summer vacation with peace of mind.
