Source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-and-black-short-coat-puppy-on-black-window-car-134392/
So, you don’t like the thought of traveling alone. You’ve got no one to take Instagram-ready photos. You’re in your photos 99% of the time and, at some point, you get tired of selfies. What’s more, it’s depressing to say the least to eat alone. The sight of one person sitting alone at the table isn’t a pleasant one.
If you have a hard time finding a travel buddy, why don’t you take your dog along with you? Undoubtedly, dogs make the best travel companions they’re happy to go wherever you go. They are also great for helping with anxiety and stress, both common whilst travelling. No matter if you’re heading to the south of France or Oregon, your furry friend will be by your side all the time. Dogs know where the best restaurants and patios are. Plus, canine companions make fantastic icebreakers, so it’s easier to befriend the locals.
If you’re traveling with your pet in the near future, there are some things to keep in mind. Ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone. The following tips will surely come in handy if you bring your pet along for the fun.
Before you leave, make sure to have copies of the most important documentation. In case you’re traveling internationally, reach out to your vet and disclose your plans. Your fluffy buddy needs a passport, rabies shot, and a certificate that proves the recent vaccination. The worst nightmare of all would be to arrive at the airport and realize that you don’t have the necessary documentation.
It’s a good idea to call the airline once you book the trip and see what requirements they have. Who knows? Maybe your pet will be allowed to stay in the main cabin. Officials will want proof that your dog is healthy and, most importantly, vaccinated. Make sure you have several copies of your dog’s records with you at all times.
Maybe you’ll visit a new veterinary abroad. If this is necessary, it’s mandatory to provide your canine friend’s medical records. Getting hold of the medical records isn’t a problem. All you have to do is to call your vet and tell them about your situation. For boarding the plane, you may need to include a Confirmation of Feeding and provide a checklist for the airline handlers.
Book a non-stop flight, if possible
Booking a flight doesn’t need to be confusing. If possible, try to book a non-stop flight. This way, your furry friend will be less traumatized by the whole experience. Just think about it. The dog can get nauseous during the trip. Dogs frequently vomit due to motion sickness. Additionally, they experience cardiovascular and respiratory issues, even if they are in the main cabin. The point is that traveling can be stressful and dangerous for pets.
If you can, make a direct flight reservation. A direct flight shouldn’t be confused with a non-stop flight. They aren’t the same thing. So, what’s the difference? If you book a non-stop flight, you’ll be flying from one airport to the other in record time. If you book a direct flight, on the other hand, you’ll be making a few stops along the way. It’s not so convenient.
Now that you know the correct use of the terms “non-stop” and “direct”, you know what to do. Be clear about your preferences when discussing with the airline company and the gate staff when making bookings.
Don’t assume it’s a NO
Are you thinking about visiting Portland, Oregon? You couldn’t have made a better decision. Portland has about 33 dog parks, so it’s a national leader in this respect, not to talk about all the places that welcome dogs with arms wide open. Examples include but aren’t limited to restaurants, breweries, patios, and even several hotels. Yes, you can find pet-friendly accommodation Portland. So, you don’t have to find ways to sneak your dog into the hotel.
Not all venues are actually pet-welcoming. No matter what the website says, it’s recommended to discuss it with someone from the hotel. Hotels, as well as other types of facilities that ensure accommodation, change their policies on a regular basis. This means that even if an establishment is listed as being pet-friendly, it may not be, in reality.
Or, you could encounter the exact opposite situation. The establishment doesn’t say no to people bringing in their dogs, but they haven’t had time to put a policy in place. This is why it’s a good idea to ask if it’s okay or not. Just don’t wait until you check into the place to let them know that you have a dog. That would be a mistake.
Take the necessary safety precautions
There’s no better way to connect with your fluffy buddy than to go on vacation together. You’ve made an appointment with the veterinary for a check-up, but perhaps you should take extra safety precautions.
These are the items you should keep with you in your fluffy buddy’s first-aid kit:
- Alcohol wipes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Towel/blanket
- Saline solution
- Disposable gloves
- Water bowl
- Bandages
- Scissors
- Comfort toy
The list doesn’t end here, though. See if there’s a veterinary clinic close to the place you’re staying. If there’s a medical emergency you can’t handle yourself, you need professional help. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your lovable pet is in good hands. If your dog gets nervous or stressed with traveling, consider CBDfx CBD for Dogs to relax them a little.
Make dog friends
It’s no secret that dogs are social animals. They’re well adapted to living in groups and can even interpret human gestures. Your furry friend needs human and animal friends alike. So, do your best to help your fluffy buddy to make lots and lots of friends on the trip. You can approach other pet owners while walking your dog in the park.
Pets have their own Instagram accounts these days, so make sure to look out for hashtags such as #dogsof in your location or #dogstagram. Chances are that you’ll come across some local pups. Send a message and hope that the owner will respond positively to the invitation. Last but not least, throw a party. Who said that you can’t throw a party while traveling?
Choose a safe place, send the invitations on time, and make sure your pooch has a marvelous time. But who will you invite? The people staying at the hotel. Their dogs need to socialize too.
