Vacation with Your Dog

Taking your entire family on vacation including your dog? Before you head out there a few things you need to do and think about to have a great time.

If you are traveling by car and have little kids, I would advise leaving your dog at home. You have enough to distract you without adding more to the mix.

Also, if you are flying to your destination, it is best not to take your pet.

Locate a good boarding facility and visit before you decide to leave our pet. A good tip is check out a few before you decide. Look around the facilities. Is it clean? Are the animals exercised and well cared for? Is there an odor?

Make a list and check it off as you interview the owner and grounds. Your vet can also provide the names of good kennels in the area.

Pet sitters are an excellent alternative to boarding kennels. Interview a few and ask if they are bonded (show proof), their fees, will they stay overnight, etc. If you hire a pet/house sitter they can water plants, retrieve your mail and paper, visit many times during the day and, some, stay in your home.

If your children are older, then definitely consider taking your dog. They can have the responsibility of the dog chores during the trip.

Packing for your dog is a lot like packing for yourself. Make sure you take a blanket or bed with his scent on it, a toy and chew, his dog food and treats, bowls, plastic bags, a few bottles of water from home so there won’t be any digestive problems on the road and a fold down crate.

Always carry a copy of your dog's shot record with you. You might be asked to produce it at any time. A few years ago we were traveling by car to Florida and stopped at a rest area to stretch our legs and walk the dogs. A police officer came up to us and asked if we had our kids updated rabies vaccination information. We promptly showed it to him. Be prepared!

When you make your hotel reservations before you leave, ask if the hotel is pet friendly. If they are, let them know you are traveling with your dog. There is usually a fee for an animal in a hotel room.

Most hotels require that a pet be supervised at all times in the room and on the grounds. If you have to leave your dog alone in the room, put him in the crate with water and a chew. Then turn on the TV to medium level with a program that has both music and voices. We turn on the national weather program. It has the right mix. Also put the Do Not Disturb sign on the door knob.

Always clean up after your dog. There is nothing worse than taking a leisurely stroll at a rest stop or hotel and stepping in dog droppings. Picking up after your pet will keep our four legged friends in good stead with the travel community.

If you are going camping, be sure to check out the rules and regulations regarding pets in campgrounds and national parks. If you don't you may be in for a surprise.

NEVER leave a dog in a hot car. It is considered animal cruelty and against the law. Temperatures can rise dramatically even with the windows down and cause death. You will be fined if you are caught. That's not a way to spend your vacation.

You can have more fun with your dog on vacation by attending local events. If you and your dog have competed in dog shows, agility contests or frisbee throws, you can get into the action and have a great time.

Happy vacation and don't forget to include your dog with the family photos for the album!

The Best Dog for You
Tips and advice about dog breeds, training, traveling, adoption and more.