Taking Dogs on Vacations

Perhaps you consider your beloved canine to be a full-fledged member of your family. You'd no sooner stow away Fido in a kennel than you would your kids. So since your pup will be accompanying you on vacation, it's important to plan ahead. Then you can relax and enjoy your vacation.

  1. Do the Research

    • Whether or not you have decided on your vacation destination, you will need to add "dog friendly" onto your list of requirements for where you plan to stay. Are you going to stay in a motel, hotel or condo? Maybe you would like to go on a camping vacation. It is unwise to assume that all camping spots allow dogs. It is also a bad idea to think that you will be able to just bring Fido along and stay on the "down-low" without clearing your canine with the hotel the management first.

    Plan

    • Make a list of everything relating to Fido that needs to be packed. Think: leash, rope, extra walking harness, water jug, water dish, extra towels. Talk to your veterinarian about what you can give your dog for car sickness. If you are flying to your destination, make sure the airline is pet friendly and be aware of the type of kennel they require or if they provide their own. Always pack a familiar blanket and toy to go in the kennel with your pooch.

    Prepare

    • If you are traveling by car, be sure to give Fido plenty of space to sit or lay. You can also crate him in the car. He will need to have bathroom and water breaks at regular intervals. If you are flying, make sure that Fido's immunization records are up to date. You will need to produce them at the airport where you board your dog. If your dog has a chronic skin condition or other illness that requires medications, make sure that you pack enough for your trip. Make sure that your dog is micro-chipped in the event he wanders away in an unfamiliar place.

    First Aid

    • Put together a canine first aid kit. In it, put the name and number of a veterinarian at your vacation destination, cold and hot packs, hydrogen peroxide, scissors, a muzzle, tweezers, nail clippers, an eye dropper or medicine dispenser, your dog's medications, canine aspirin and a canine first-aid paperback to refer to. You never know when your pup will step on a thistle, be bitten by a squirrel or be at the center of another type of vacation first-aid dilemma.