Whether it is for the Holidays to see the family in New York or a quick weekend trip to the lake, keeping our dogs safe on the trip is important too…
- No matter how you travel, always have your dog on a leash or in a crate. Never let him roam by himself.
- If your dog normally gets motion sickness or becomes overly anxious in enclosed or crowded spaces, consult your Veterinarian regarding medicines or treatments that could minimize the situation.
- Make sure your dog has an up-to-date dog tag on his collar or harness. Even though he might be micro-shipped, the dog tag would have your cell phone number and they could immediately call you.
- Carry a picture of your dog so you can give it to the authorities if he becomes lost. Have a picture of you with your dog to prove he is yours once you find him.
- Give your dog his last meal one to two hours before you travel. If he might become overly anxious or get motion sickness, feed him two to four hours before you leave. You don’t need to feed him while you are traveling. He can easily go without food for twelve hours. If it is hot, make sure he stays hydrated.
Tips for Cars
- Secure your dog in the back seat with a harness attached to the seat belt. If he is small enough, you can put a crate on the seat and then attach the crate to the seat belt. If you drive an SUV, you can put your dog in the back with a seat divider across the back seat. Do not let him roam.
- Before you start out, give your dog plenty of exercise so that he will be calm and sleep during your journey.
- Make sure you have his leash properly attached to him and you have it firmly in your hand before you open the door to let him out. Leashes that attach to seat belts are great for this.
- Make sure you stop every two to three hours to let him out for a bathroom break and to have some water. Take him for a small walk and allow him to get in a good “smell”.
- Never leave him in the car unattended.
- Watch out for temperature extremes. Even though we are in North Georgia, we do travel farther north where it can get really cold. Also, never leave him in a hot car and always make sure the air is on for him.
Tips for Planes
- Make sure that you have checked with the airlines for the proper size and type of dog carrier you will need for your flight.
- Book your flight with your dog as far in advance as possible. There is a long list of restrictions regarding when dogs can fly and where.
- Make sure you have all your dog’s medical papers as well as any other documents the airlines or other organizations may require.
- Get to the airport one hour earlier than normal to make sure you have time to complete the needed check-in procedure.
- If your dog is in the cabin as a Therapy Dog, be sure to have the proper documentation and make sure he is wearing a Therapy Dog vest.
- If your dog is in the cargo hold, ask if you can watch him being loaded and unloaded. Some airports and airlines will allow this.
- As soon as you arrive at your destination, put a leash on your dog and take him out of the crate. Check him for any sores or cuts. If you find anything or if he seems unusually lethargic or overly hyper, take him to a veterinarian immediately.
Whether it is for the Holidays to see the family in New York or a quick weekend trip to the lake, keeping our dogs safe on the trip is important too…
- No matter how you travel, always have your dog on a leash or in a crate. Never let him roam by himself.
- If your dog normally gets motion sickness or becomes overly anxious in enclosed or crowded spaces, consult your Veterinarian regarding medicines or treatments that could minimize the situation.
- Make sure your dog has an up-to-date dog tag on his collar or harness. Even though he might be micro-shipped, the dog tag would have your cell phone number and they could immediately call you.
- Carry a picture of your dog so you can give it to the authorities if he becomes lost. Have a picture of you with your dog to prove he is yours once you find him.
- Give your dog his last meal one to two hours before you travel. If he might become overly anxious or get motion sickness, feed him two to four hours before you leave. You don’t need to feed him while you are traveling. He can easily go without food for twelve hours. If it is hot, make sure he stays hydrated.
Tips for Cars
- Secure your dog in the back seat with a harness attached to the seat belt. If he is small enough, you can put a crate on the seat and then attach the crate to the seat belt. If you drive an SUV, you can put your dog in the back with a seat divider across the back seat. Do not let him roam.
- Before you start out, give your dog plenty of exercise so that he will be calm and sleep during your journey.
- Make sure you have his leash properly attached to him and you have it firmly in your hand before you open the door to let him out. Leashes that attach to seat belts are great for this.
- Make sure you stop every two to three hours to let him out for a bathroom break and to have some water. Take him for a small walk and allow him to get in a good “smell”.
- Never leave him in the car unattended.
- Watch out for temperature extremes. Even though we are in North Georgia, we do travel farther north where it can get really cold. Also, never leave him in a hot car and always make sure the air is on for him.
Tips for Planes
- Make sure that you have checked with the airlines for the proper size and type of dog carrier you will need for your flight.
- Book your flight with your dog as far in advance as possible. There is a long list of restrictions regarding when dogs can fly and where.
- Make sure you have all your dog’s medical papers as well as any other documents the airlines or other organizations may require.
- Get to the airport one hour earlier than normal to make sure you have time to complete the needed check-in procedure.
- If your dog is in the cabin as a Therapy Dog, be sure to have the proper documentation and make sure he is wearing a Therapy Dog vest.
- If your dog is in the cargo hold, ask if you can watch him being loaded and unloaded. Some airports and airlines will allow this.
- As soon as you arrive at your destination, put a leash on your dog and take him out of the crate. Check him for any sores or cuts. If you find anything or if he seems unusually lethargic or overly hyper, take him to a veterinarian immediately.
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