When you take a vacation or need to go away for business, your cat and dog may feel uncomfortable being left behind at home. Getting a pet sitter to visit your pets during the day is sometimes ideal, but it can cost you more money. The best way to enjoy a worry-free vacation is to take your little buddy with you. That’s right: taking your dog on a trip can be extremely beneficial!
However, if you’re not prepared, things can get messy (and expensive). Here are some fun ways you can keep your pet busy and entertained while you’re both away from home.
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Travelling with your pet
If you’re travelling with pets, make sure they’re always on a leash. Large pets are usually not allowed on flights but smaller dogs like the Mini Groodle are sometimes allowed in cabins. If you want to board your pet with you, check that your dog is up-to-date on its rabies vaccinations and its nails are clipped so as not to cause any accidental damage.
Most of the time though, dogs are kept in the cargo hold with all the luggage. So make sure your dog is comfortable with this or consider giving them something to make the journey less stressful for him. It may help to get him used to his cage before flying.
Of course, instead of flying, going on a roadtrip is a great way to travel with your pet if you’d rather not put your pet through the stress of being in an airplane. Roadtrips are a lot of fun for both pet and pet parent. Plan out your route well and find pet-friendly hotels along the way.
Make sure you have enough food and water, as well as food bowls, for your pet while you’re on the road. Check with your veterinarian to make sure your pet has received the proper shots and medications before setting off. And don’t forget to bring along any equipment needed for grooming or medical care — a leash, a crate, a muzzle, toys, treats, and any other supplies that might be needed.
Explore the outdoors
There are hiking trails all across the country that allow dogs on leashes. Many parks have designated pet areas where dogs can run free. And some state parks have beaches where you can play in the water with your pooch. One of our favorite options is camping in pet-friendly areas. While some camping sites aren’t always dog friendly, most parks keep a leash-free area for pets to run around in.
There are a couple of important things to keep in mind when choosing a pet park:
What kind of animals can be present? Some parks allow dogs and cats, while others allow only pets that are trained to be friendly around other animals. Some parks require animals to be spayed or neutered, while others don’t. Many parks require dogs to be muzzled and leashed so make sure you bring some along with you just in case.
Activities to try with your furry friend
The best thing about travelling with your pet is that it offers up unique ways to adventure that may be different from what you’d normally do. Keep in mind that your canine friend could have different needs from you, so be sure to plan activities based on his needs.
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Here are some fun activities you can do out with your pet:
Biking: Bring along your bike and ride around town with your dog in tow. It’s a great way to get highly active breeds the exercise they need without too much exhaustion on your part.
Hiking: While hiking is great for humans, it’s even better when done with your dog. Take him on a hike to see nature up close, then consider having a picnic in the woods. Make sure you bring doggy-safe snacks for your canine companion.
Shopping: When you’re out and about in a new city, consider visiting outdoor shopping areas and walking your dog around there. It will give you both a chance to explore.
Exploring local spots: There’s nothing more enjoyable than exploring local spots such as neighborhoods and parks while traveling. It’s a great way to meet new people too.
Planning well is key to stress-free travel with your pet
Although you should always be prepared for something to go wrong when travelling with pets, planning ahead of time will help lessen the chances that anything will go wrong. Pet hotels are great places to leave your pet for a little while if you need a base camp while you are on vacation or if you have to be away for a little while. There are also great resources out there that can give you tips and advice on travelling with your pet, as well as reviews on places to stay. Good, responsible research can make all the difference in providing your dog with a positive, fun experience when you travel.
