A dog is a person’s best friend and it would be heartbreaking to leave them with someone while you enjoy a vacation in the sands. If you’re an avid traveler, you would surely know the pain of leaving your furry friend behind and the anticipation of meeting them even before returning home. But, missing your pets can be considered a thing of the past since there are a plethora of ways to take your dog along with you on your adventures.
Although this sounds exciting, taking your dog along requires close attention to detail on your part since there are several tasks to tick off the list. But, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. Read our guide to traveling with your dog to see how you can make your furry companion’s travel safe and enjoyable.
Read also: Best Pet-Friendly Restaurants And Cafes In Bangalore
Few Things You Need To Do First
We’re pretty sure that those who are traveling with their dogs for the first time will get the jitters and may not even know where to begin. Don’t worry about that! We’re here to guide you throughout the process.
Prevention is better than cure, as the saying goes. And it’s necessary to be prepared with the necessary documents, certificates, etc so that your pet doesn’t encounter any legal hassles on the way. Before planning your trip, these are a few things you need to do beforehand:
- Have a chat with your vet: It’s always important to visit your vet first before planning any long-distance journey with your dog. They will check thoroughly that the dog is in proper shape to travel and will prescribe necessary medications if your pet needs them.
- Carry copies of your dog’s vaccination records: Vaccination records are proof that your dog is in good health and protected from diseases. These documents are vital since they have to be produced wherever you’re getting permission. Ask your vet for these records and any other extra medical information on your dog’s health.
- A pet passport: Just as you have a passport for international travel, your pet dog will need one too. To obtain a passport for your furry buddy, you’ll have to see that all their vaccinations are up to date. And then you’ll have to apply for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Animal Quarantine Station in India.
- Make sure you have identification for your dog: Ensure that your dog has a good collar and leash. The collar must have your phone number, your name, and your dog’s name. If you’re going to have a long vacation, it’s better to purchase another ID tag that has your phone number and the location of your vacation destination. To make your dog even safer, consider microchipping them.
- Have a pet insurance plan: Anything can happen on a journey and it’s always good to have insurance for your pet to cover any unexpected mishaps that happen on the way. If you’re traveling to another country altogether, then you need to have pet insurance for your dog.
- Pack enough pet food: Pack adequate amounts of food for your dog, especially if they’re on a special diet. You never know whether the place you're traveling to will have the same special food that your dog needs. So, it’s better to be prepared.
- Make sure you pack your dog’s meds: Lists of prescriptions and any medications that your dog takes regularly must be included in your pet’s travel bag.
- Purchase a good travel cage: For trains, buses, and planes, you’ll need a travel cage or a portable carrier to travel with your furry friend. However, we advise you to buy one in advance and get your pet used to it so that they don’t get a shock on the day of travel.
Also, the mode of travel you choose to travel with your pet is important. When traveling by train or plane, your furry baby will have to stay in the cargo section, which can be an unpleasant experience for them. That’s why you need to figure out which mode of travel will be suitable for them.
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Traveling By Car With Your Pet
As far as convenience and comfort go, road travel is the best for your pet. It’s also a great way to explore the outdoors and enjoy the joys of traveling with your furry companion, especially if you’re driving your own car. Road travel enables you to take an ample number of stretch breaks, chai breaks, and potty breaks if your dog has a weak digestive system. Here are some tips for you to make the journey as convenient as possible:
- Before your journey, take your dog on a few short trips so that they get a hang of traveling in a car and you can notice how they respond to it. Do this a few weeks in advance!
- Feed your dog less food but give them ample water sufficient for their hydration. Remember this rule: “Less food, more water.”
- When you take your chai breaks in between the journey, make sure that you don’t leave your dog for too long in the car. A good rule of thumb would be to leave them for just 5 minutes. If the area is secure, you can open a window and allow some ventilation in your car so that your pet doesn’t get too uncomfortable waiting.
- Buy a car harness for your pet so that they don’t move too much in the vehicle and distract you from driving. You may want to leave them without any form of restraint in the car, but that’s never a good idea.
- Last but not least, get damage insurance for your vehicle so that expenses are covered if by chance your furry BFF scratches your car seats. The insurance will also be useful in case of an unfortunate accident, offering whole protection to the vehicle.
Traveling By Bus With Your Pet
Bus transport in India doesn’t have many options when it comes to traveling with pets. However, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has customized its buses to be pet friendly and if you’re traveling in Karnataka, you’re in for sheer luck! But still, you’ll have to follow a few guidelines:
- The bus fare for your dog and for any adult commuter is the same. The full fare must be paid beforehand.
- Your pet must be in the carrier at all times.
- In some states, private luxury buses allow pets on board if you request them specifically. Again, you need to keep in mind that the space offered in a bus will be more cramped as compared to other modes of travel. And if the journey is a bit long, then your furry friend might be a bit uncomfortable.Also read: Delhi To London:The Worlds Longest Bus Ride
Traveling By Train With Your Pet
Train journeys are fun, thrilling, and have a sense of adventure as well. If you want to share the same experience with your furry companion, then you should consider traveling by train. The best part is that the process is easier, offers more space and any type of breed can be accommodated in its cabins. Here are a couple of main points that you need to know:
- Large dog breeds such as labradors, retrievers, or German shepherds can be taken along in AC First Class or First Class only.
- The minimum fee for dogs starts at INR 10; the fee will increase if you bring in a larger dog.
- Your pet dog should have a collar leashed at all times; better have a travel kennel since it’s safer and it won’t cause any inconvenience to other passengers in the compartment.
- If your fellow passengers object to your furry friend being there, then you’ll have to send your pet to the luggage car. So, better ask your co-passengers if they’re comfortable with your pet being their furry co-passenger first. Or else, you could just book the entire cabin to prevent this from happening.Also read: 6 Best Caravans In India
Traveling By Plane With Your Pet
Traveling by plane with your pet is completely doable, and you might not have even considered the possibility. Although every airline has set requirements, pets are allowed on nearly all flights, and they will ensure that your furry buddy reaches your destination comfortably. Here are a couple of pointers that will help you to fly smoothly with your pet:
- You must get your dog’s vaccinations and checkups done at the earliest. After all, you’ll want to eliminate any chance of your furry buddy getting harmed.
- Some breeds of dogs such as bulldogs, boxers, and Shih Tzus cannot travel by plane because there might be a possibility of them experiencing breathing problems, anxiety, or any stress-related issues. Check with your vet first if your dog can fly.
- Your pets will travel mainly in the cargo area of the plane. But don’t worry, the space is temperature regulated and fully pressurized.
- You’ll have to buy a top-grade ventilated carrier for your pet, which will give them ample space to stretch, lie down, and stand. It’s a given that the carrier should be of non-chewable material! Also, pack some food and water in it.
- Some major Indian airlines that allow you to fly pets are Air India, Spice Jet, and Vistara. IndiGo only allows service animals for passengers with disabilities.
- You should know that pregnant pets are not permitted to fly for safety reasons and if your honey-bun is less than 8 weeks old, they won’t be allowed to fly with you.
Also read: Delhi Travel Guide
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Summing Up
Yes! We know that the preparations to make your pooch comfortable for travel are a little bit strenuous. But once you have everything in place, nothing will come between you and your furry buddy from exploring the world! So, what are you waiting for? Book that ticket, see that all your pet’s documents are sorted, and travel away!
FAQs
What Is The Best Way To Travel With A Dog?
If you have the option, try traveling by car if you're up for driving. This way, your dogs will be easily manageable, within your sights, and can take ample amounts of potty breaks as and when they want to.
Is It Stressful To Travel With Dogs?
You need to get your furry friend used to traveling and train them thoroughly before making any plans of traveling with them. This will eliminate some of the stress that’s within them. However, the stressful part arises when they have motion sickness or are very restless in general. Speak to your vet and ask them about your dog’s health first before making any traveling plans.
Do Dogs’ Ears Pop On Planes?
In short, dogs' ears do pop once they hit high altitudes. Their ear design is very much similar to that of humans. So, the popping and blocked sensations happen to your furry boy as well.
How Long Can A Dog Travel In A Car?
Generally well potty trained dogs can travel for 4 hours straight in a car without taking a break, whereas the puppies will need a break every hour as they have a less control on the bladder.
Should I Feed My Dog Before Traveling?
It is better to avoid feeding your dog while traveling with you, especially when travelling in plane. Your pet dogs should be fed atleast 4 hours prior to traveling.
How Do You Travel With A Dog Safely?
If you want to travel with your dogs safely, here are few tips that can make dog traveling smooth. It is necessary to train your dogs before taking them to trips, make sure you carry your pets in a ventilated crate when traveling, never leave your pets alone in a vehicle and take a travel kit.
How do I get my dog to pee when traveling?
Always make it a habit to train your dogs to pee while on travel,like teaching them signs, this makes sure that your dog does not mess up in public places.
How Long Can dogs go without water?
A dog in general can stay without water is three days max, your pet can get dehydrated on day one without having water.
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