The safest ways to travel with dogs are essential to keeping your furry companions secure and happy on any journey. As pet parents, it’s only natural to want our dogs by our side, whether for a weekend getaway or a long-distance move. Personally, I can’t leave my three dogs alone for more than five minutes without feeling guilty—wondering if they’re missing me, even if they’re probably just napping.
No matter the reason for your travel, understanding the safest methods for transporting your dog is crucial. From car rides to flights, some options are far better for your pup’s safety and comfort than others.
Why the Safest Ways to Travel with Dogs Matter
No matter how laid back your dog is, travel can be stressful and somewhat dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions.
One of the first precautions you should take is a health check-up from your vet to ensure your pup is in proper mental and physical shape to travel. Your vet will administer any vacations to safeguard them from harmful and deadly diseases while providing you with a health certificate, should you need one.
It is important to remember that not all canines travel well. Some pups will be highly anxious and may require additional comfort.
Although my three dogs do pretty well on car journeys, after an hour or so, they quickly get over it. For this reason, I like to sit in the back seat with them. I usually have treats on hand and comfort them throughout the car ride so they feel at ease and as content as possible.
Tips for a Safe Travel With Dogs
Below are some tips for traveling with dogs that can make all the difference to your pooch’s overall mental and physical well-being.
By Car Travel
Traveling by car is by far the safest way to travel with dogs. As long as you put some safety measures in place, that is.
Crates
The American Kennel Club suggests using a crate when traveling with your fur baby. Crate training helps to keep your pooch in one place—preventing them from chewing or getting into things they shouldn’t—and double up as a safe sleeping space when you arrive at your destination.
When choosing a crate, make sure it is large enough so your dog can stand up and turn around. The crate will also need ventilation and a comfortable bed or mat inside.
Proper use of seatbelts
Just as a seat belt can save your life, a doggy seat belt can save the life of your canine companion. Dog seat belts are similar to regular seat belts as they either clip into the car’s belt buckles or attach to the headrests on the back seats.
Use of Safety harness
In addition to a seat belt, dogs should wear a safety harness when they travel in a car. If you get into a collision on the road and your dog’s seat belt is attached to its collar, the impact could cause serious injury to your dog’s neck. Keep your pet safe and purchase a well-fitting dog harness instead.
Back seats only for dogs
Pups should never ride shotgun. And I don’t care how cute and persuasive their puppy eyes are. The airbags in the front seat can seriously harm or even kill your furry companion if you were to get into an accident. So, unfortunately, it’s the back car seats only for them.
Keep the windows Up
My eldest pup loves to stick his head out of the window. But after researching the dangers of this seemingly cute and funny action, our car now has a strict all-paws and snouts inside the vehicle at all times policy.
Driving with the windows down can cause a few problems. Firstly, letting your dog ride with his head out the window can damage his eyes. And secondly, should your pet escape his harness, he could easily jump out the window—and I’m sure no pet owner wants that.
A safe speed limit
One of the biggest travel safety tips, regardless of whether you’re traveling with your dog or not, is to stick to a safe speed limit. Driving over the recommended speed limit can result in a car crash. So if you like your car, your life, and your pup’s life, don’t drive with a heavy foot.
Try to take breaks during a long drive
It never hurts to break up a road trip by taking breaks from time to time. And trust me; your doggie will be more than happy to get out, stretch his legs, and use the bathroom.
Before setting off on your journey, plan rest stops for all two and four-legged passengers. You could even make it an adventure and visit a few state or national parks.
Don’t leave the dog alone in the car
The ASPCA, along with every other animal welfare organization, can’t stress enough how dangerous it is to leave your dog in the car. On hot days, the temperatures in cars can spike within minutes. And in the winter, the opposite can occur, essentially putting your pup in danger of freezing to death.
No matter how many windows you crack and how short of a store trip it will be, never leave your dog in the car alone.
Safeguarding Your Dog at the Destination
The precautions don’t end when you finally get out of the car at your destination. This place is new and unfamiliar, and no matter how well-behaved your dog is at home, they could escape, run off, and potentially injure themselves in the process.
To keep your dog safely confined to where you want them to be, the World Animal Foundation recommends invisible dog fences. Invisible dog fences are essential collars—some which GPS tracking—that allow you to set up perimeters. When your dog gets close to the invisible fence, the collar gently emits a warning which draws them away from the boundary.
By Airplane Travel
The Washington Post agrees that air travel is stressful for your dogs. However, sometimes, it’s the only way to get you to where you need to be.
Try to avoid air trips with your dog
If you can, try to avoid air trips with your pooch—especially if you’re placing them in cargo. Yes, an exceptionally long car ride may not be ideal for you. But your dog will be far happier being close to you with the convenience of breaks whenever they need them.
Try to use the cabin
Pet parents who really have no other option than to place their dog on a plane, then keeping them in the cabin with you is the way to go. Many airlines only allow small dogs to fly cabin; however, some semi-private and private planes will let big dogs pull up a seat next to you—albeit with additional fees.
By Ship
If your furry friend is used to the finer things in life (as they should!), then you can even take them on a cruise thanks to the Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 cruise ship, where they’re cared for by kennel masters.
Additionally, some ferry companies welcome dogs on board, but depending on the company, your dog may need to sit in its crate or in the car with you.
By Train
The country, or even the state in which you live, will have their own policies when it comes to traveling with pets via trains. Some trains have their own pet-friendly coach cars, others require your pup to be in a crate, and some even let dogs sit on the seats.
Conclusion
Pet owners everywhere have been traveling with their dogs since they gained the label of man’s best friend. As long as you take the right precautions and make your dog’s well-being your top priority, traveling with your pup can be safe and, at times, enjoyable. Because, let’s be honest, dogs make everything better. Right?