When Keith and I decided to travel full-time there was never a question whether Tucker would go with us. In fact, before we started this life, anytime we traveled, we made sure it was Tucker friendly. Traveling with Tucker is not always easy, but with proper planning, it always works out. Now that we are full-time, we’ve learned a few things that make the travel life a little easier for both us and Tucker.
If you haven’t yet been introduced, Tucker is our 75lb pit bull. He believes he is human, and that he needs to be attached to us every minute of every day. As you can imagine, traveling with him is not always the easiest. This sweet boy does not love being left alone, so much of what we do has to be dog-friendly. Here are some tidbits I would suggest when traveling with your furbaby.
Choosing the Right Dog
- Adaptability: Consider breeds known for their adaptability and travel-friendly nature. Honestly, I believe most breeds will do fine if given the time to learn the lifestyle.
- Health: Ensure your dog is in good health and can handle the physical demands of travel. Just like humans, your babies need care, so try to find a vet who might offer Zoom appts if you need them.
- Temperament: Choose a dog with a friendly and sociable personality that can easily adapt to new environments. Tucker took time to get used to new people, but now I think any human is great because they typically come bearing treats. (The treat ladies know who they are)
Planning Your Itinerary
- Pet-friendly destinations: Research countries and regions that are pet-friendly and have welcoming policies for travelers with dogs.
- Visa and health requirements: Ensure you have all the necessary documentation for your dog to travel. Documentation varies by country, but you’ll for certain always need his records on hand in case you need to board them.
- Pet-friendly accommodations: Look for hotels, hostels, and campsites that allow pets. This is not always easy, but they do exist. Prepare to pay a little more as most require pet fees.
Essential Gear and Supplies
- Travel carrier: Invest in a comfortable and durable travel carrier for your dog.
- Leash: Make sure to always have a leash for your dog. We use a harness as well for Tucker, and both of these make it significantly easier to maneuver through places.
- Identification and microchipping: Ensure your dog has proper identification and is microchipped. If microchipped, make sure the info is up-to-date.
- Health records: Keep your dog’s health records up-to-date and easily accessible. I suggest keeping a hard copy with you in case you cannot access it online where you’re staying.
- Food and water: Pack enough food and water for your trip, or research where you can purchase supplies along the way. When we plan for how much water we will need, we include Tucker as if he was another person.
- Toys and entertainment: Bring along your dog’s favorite toys and activities to keep them entertained during travel. We never leave without at least two of Tucker’s favorite hedgehog toys. Thanks to grandma for always making sure he has one.
Tips for Traveling with Your Dog
- Socialization: Train your dog to be comfortable in new environments and around different people. Tucker did take some time, but we worked hard with him, and now he loves it.
- Exercise: Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and playtime, even while traveling. Most of the activities we do include Tucker, so he gets out and moving lots. If yours don’t include your pet make sure to plan for walks and playtime.
- Safety: Always prioritize your dog’s safety and well-being. If something you’re doing is not safe for them to participate in, make sure you have a safe place to leave them.
- Patience: Traveling with a dog can be challenging at times, so be patient and understanding. Tucker doesn’t always understand the changes, so it’s up to us to give him some time to adjust, and get to know his surroundings.
Traveling Safely with Your Dog
- Car safety: Secure your dog in a safe and comfortable way during car rides. Use a pet carrier or harness to prevent distractions and injuries. NEVER leave your dog in a hot car. Your car gets hot quickly, and it’s dangerous for your furbaby.
- Air travel: If flying with your dog, familiarize yourself with airline regulations and requirements before you book your travel. Make sure to ask as many questions as you can think of to ensure you know exactly what your pet will need to fly.
- Public transportation: Check the rules for bringing pets on public transportation, such as trains, taxis or buses.
I have found that the Bring Fido website is a great resource for dog-friendly accommodations, restaurants, and activities.
Traveling with your dog can be a truly enriching experience. With careful planning and preparation, you can create unforgettable memories together while exploring the world. Keep an eye out on The Doghouse page for all Tucker’s exciting adventures.