A. First, ask your parents if they are okay with having a four-legged guest! Remember that they – and you – will be busy with food preparation, serving meals, company coming and going, shopping, and other non-canine activities. Are you sure you want Bailey underfoot?
If you get the go-ahead, no matter whether you are traveling by car or by plane, the safest thing you can do for your dog is to keep him restrained.
Check his tags and make sure his identification and license are current. Even better, have him microchipped so that he is always “wearing” a permanent ID. That way, he will be returned to you if he is lost.
Who doesn’t have a picture of their best friend on their cellphone?! Take a recent photograph of your dog to make it easier for others to help you look for him if he gets lost during the trip.
If your dog is nervous about travel or tends to get motion sickness, ask your veterinarian about medications that can help make the trip less stressful for him.
On the day of the trip, feed your dog his usual meal one to two hours before travel so his stomach has a chance to settle before you set off.
Give your dog plenty of exercise so he will sleep through most of the journey.
Bring his bed, a favorite toy, his usual kibble, and bottled water. It couldn’t hurt to take a copy of his vaccination records with you, too.
When you stop for a break, leash your dog BEFORE opening the door so he can’t escape. Always use a leash to walk your dog.
Allow your dog to relieve himself, stretch his legs, and take a small drink of water every four hours or so.
If you are flying with your dog, call the airline you will be using, or check their website to find out any restrictions it may have. Regardless of size, your dog must be immunized and be in an airline-approved carrier.
Fly direct to avoid mix-ups with transfers. Ask the airline if you can watch your pet being loaded and unloaded into the cargo hold.
Once you arrive, leash your dog immediately because he might be disoriented. Check him over to be sure he weathered the trip well.
At your parent’s home, try to keep your routine of walks, meals, and playtime as close to normal as possible.