The things you love and enjoy, you must share. There’s no better feeling than being able to share the happiness you get from a particular hobby with your beloved. And here, the label beloved extends to your dog. For instance, if you are an avid traveler, why not take your pup to your adventures? Surely they will love it.
You can take inspiration from Ella, a golden retriever, and her human Sydney Ferbrache. The duo has been living the van life, traveling the world, and sharing the highlights of their adventures with their social media followers.
So to answer the question you’re probably thinking about now, yes, it is doable. You can let your dog experience the many thrills of travel by your side. But first, you must know a few things.
Training is key
You cannot travel with your dog without them undergoing essential dog training. Or maybe you can, but you’re bound to suffer some terrible headaches. And that will defeat the purpose of taking your dog on your travels, where your goal is to have as much fun as you can.
So before embarking on your planned adventure, enroll your canine companion in a training camp. There they will learn to follow basic commands and how to behave in general.
Visit the Vet
If you’re traveling internationally, a vet visit before you hop on a plane is important. You might need to have your dog microchipped and vaccinated. In some instances, your pup might be required to undergo a blood test.
On top of the following policy, it’s also smart to have your pup checked by their vet before you take them on a long journey. The last thing you want to happen is to be oblivious to the fact that your canine companion’s not up for the challenge, no matter how fun it is, and risk their health and safety.
Be mindful of pet travel policies
Remember that not all airlines allow pet travel. And often, the ones who do will only let pets in the cabin if they are small enough to fit inside a carrier that can then be tucked under the seat. If your doggo’s big, they might be hauled into the cargo section of the aircraft. Usually, airlines have a dedicated space for pets that’s properly heated and ventilated.
You may check the IATA website for specific airline policies. Meanwhile, for pet travel policies imposed by countries, you may visit this link.
You must know the pet entry requirements of the country in your itinerary. There’s no getting around these policies, and if worse comes to worst, you and your pet might be sent back to your point of origin if certain requirements are not met.
Consider your dog’s comfort
Yes, traveling with your furry friend might sound like a good idea in your head. But it would help if you also put yourself in your doggo’s paws. If you feel like your pup’s not the outdoorsy type, it might be in your best interest to limit your adventures to the nearby dog park. Your dog’s comfort should always be your top priority.
Dogs are loyal by nature. They will go out of their way to prove that loyalty to you. And that’s something that can only work to your advantage when you’re exploring strange places alone. But having a security blanket is not the only benefit to be had from traveling with your doggo. If you have so much fun with your dog at home doing nothing in particular, what more if the two of you are hiking on a trail that’s a feast to both of your senses? It’s going to be a blast.
