How to Travel the World With Your Dog


husky traveling and hiking with owner

I love dog travel. I get to stick my head out of the window or awkwardly in between the door and my mom’s head rest. That’s my favorite. Traveling with your dog doesn’t need to be stressful. Let’s make this an enjoyable experience all the way around, shall we?

How can I travel the world with my dog?

Dog travel is easier than you may anticipate. Understanding both compliance and governing regulations can be the difference between trip success and failure. Ensure that you have adequate copies of pet documentation, a thorough understanding of airline and hotel pet policies, that you’ve packed all of your dog’s essentials, and had a crash course in dog manners.

Disclaimer: The Can My Dog articles contain information based on the individual research and opinions of the author of the site – who just so happens to be a dog. How you utilize the information given is completely up to you. Proceed at your own risk.

Dog Travel is the Norm. Thanks to the Millennials.

Thanks, Millennials.

I recently read a short article outlining the social shift away from the pressures of 2.25 human kids to the pressures of at least one fur baby.

The premise of the article summarized the fact that millennials are beginning to view their dogs as their children and passing on the typical pressure to have human kids of their own. They’re taking their dogs more places with them, buying them clothes, focusing more on what foods they should eat, letting their dogs sleep with them, etc.

Are you seriously telling me that some humans make their dogs sleep on the floor? Or…outside? So, I wouldn’t get my favorite binkie and head pillow every night in this case?

Let’s move on. The thought of that is horrifying.

The Top 10 Things You Should Know When Traveling With Your Dog

Number 1

Reference the millennial shift in social norms from above. Do not assume that your dog isn’t allowed somewhere. Most places nowadays are dog friendly.

Just make sure you call ahead to verify and then pay close attention to specific leash laws and nuanced rules where they apply.

Number 2

I briefly mentioned this before, but make sure you have ALL documents where your dog is concerned. Better safe than sorry is my motto for how many documents is too many documents?

This is also a good safety rule of thumb. If your dog happens to come down with an infection or other illness while backpacking in Europe with you, you’ll have all paperwork needed for the vet readily available.

Number 3

Download BRING FIDO.

This app lets you literally enter a search query for destinations and the results will list the hotels, restaurants, activities, events, and services that are all dog friendly.

It’s essentially the Expedia your dog would use if you gave them cell phones.

Pro Tip: Download American Red Cross Pet First Aid. This is an excellent resource to have when you’re out of the country or just out of town with your dog in the case of any emergency.

Number 4

My legs get really tired, really fast. Some may call it lazy, I call it efficiency max out.

In any case, I think it’s important to bring a pet carrier with you. Specifically one of those dog backpacks. I fit perfectly in one of those bad boys, and it’s convenient and hands free for my humans.

These dog backpacks allow for up to 40 pounds of pure, raw, unadulterated pup weight.

For the larger puppies, you’re going to have to have your human throw you over your shoulder. Sorry. That’s all I got.

Number 5

Know your dog. Personally, I don’t love puppies. This is an unpopular opinion for a dog, I know. But they smell funny and they make me play with them too much.

It’s annoying.

Other dogs don’t love other humans at first. Know this about your dog so that you can be as prepared as humanly possible when you’re out in public during one of your travel adventures. Be respectful. Show the world how wonderful and well behaved that dogs and their humans can be.

Number 6

Flying somewhere?

Research the ever-loving-poopy out of airline policies.

These policies can change quite often from year to year and airline to airline.

Do not, I repeat, do NOT wait until you arrive at the airport to check proper procedure. This creates unwarranted stress and pressure. Flying is annoying enough these days. Come ready and come prepared.

Number 7

Which country are you planning on exploring?

Because each country is different when it comes to rabies, quarantines, breed bans, fees, and medical records.

Hold on?… quarantines?

No thanks.

Let’s not go somewhere that requires me and my husky sister to be quarantined before exploring

Number 8

Don’t forget your dog’s stuff.

I know, it’s hard enough to pack for yourself, add to it all the crap your pup will need for the trip and, better just go ahead and take a nap because it’s all too much to think about.

When you wake up though, make sure you have your dog’s leash, food, water, any medicine they’re taking, favorite toy, bed (if applicable), travel bowls, and documents.

Number 9

Excellent dog manners mean the most.

The night right before you leave for a trip is a little too late to be teaching your dog new tricks, but brushing up on a few manner commands is a great idea.

You know, the basics: sit, stay, no, down

Making sure your dog can effortlessly abide by those commands before you take off across the world can help smooth over any ruffled ‘feathers‘ if any individuals decide to complain about anything while on your trip.

Number 10

Be friendly.

Unfortunately, you and your human will be under stricter guidelines and expectations when you’re exploring random attractions. Don’t give the people anything to complain about.

Be nice and genuine. Introduce yourself and your dog. Let the human kids pet your dog IF, and only if you know your dog is already good with kids.

Conclusion

Most importantly, have fun!

Vacations are the best.

It may be best to start local and work your way out from there. Get your pup accustomed to traveling with you, other people, places, sites, and smells. Eventually, they’ll have it all down pat.

And as always, continue to Live, Love, Laugh, and Scratch our bellies often.

Love you guys,

JTB

P.S. If you’re new to this world, you may want to check out my Ultimate Guide for First Time Dog Parents. It’s a great reference to get you started on this journey.

Related Questions

Can I Buy a Seat for My Dog on an Airplane?

Airlines do not allow you to purchase a ticket (or seat) for your dog.

Instead, you will need to pay a pet fee to bring them on the plane with you as your carry on luggage.

Note: Your dog counts as a carry on.

Which Airline is the Most Pet Friendly?

JetBlue Airlines is the most pet friendly based on the amenities offered for travelers flying with their pets.

Some of those amenities include:

  • Allowing your dog to ride with you and not in the belly of the plane.
  • Offering pet walking sections in the terminals.
  • Receiving up to 300 airline miles back for every pet fee paid.

This article has been reviewed by our Editorial Board and has been approved for publication in accordance with our Editorial Policies.

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