The holidays are right around the corner, and if you plan to head out of town to celebrate, you’ll want to include your furry friend in all the fun! Travel is stressful without the chaos of family celebrations and four-legged guests.

This holiday season, we hope to ease your mind just a bit with some helpful tips for traveling with your dog this December! Let’s dive right in so you and Fido won’t miss your flight.

Safety Concerns to Consider Before Traveling with a Dog

The first and most crucial step for a holiday traveling with a dog is deciding whether or not a trip, big or small, is right for your furbaby. Before booking any hotels or making travel accommodations, reach out to your vet and discuss the best modes of action for enjoying the holiday season away from home.

You’d hate for your canine to be uncomfortable during the most wonderful time of the year, so speak to a professional beforehand. If traveling isn’t ideal for your pup, consider boarding or having a dog sitter stay with them during your trip.

If your dog is ready for a fantastic journey, it’s time to make some critical decisions about how the trip will go. You must consider your pup’s needs when deciding whether to fly or drive, stay in a hotel or with family if you have the option, and make any other plan-changing decisions.

If you plan to fly, you must understand your airline’s specific rules and regulations regarding pets on flights. Luckily, the American Kennel Club has outlined each airline’s policy regarding traveling with Fido!

If you’d prefer a road trip, remember that pets must be buckled in, just like us. We recommend keeping smaller dogs secure in a crate and larger dogs buckled in a harness with a seatbelt attachment. 

Planning Your Travels with Fido

Once you’ve decided where and how to get there, your next step should be planning pet-friendly stops and accommodations along the way. If you have a good idea of where to stop, your journey will flow much smoother.

If you plan on staying with family, then a hotel is not your first concern; however, if you are staying somewhere with rules, you must ensure your stay is pet-friendly! Bringing your pet to a hotel that does not allow dogs is frowned upon and costly.

As previously mentioned, if you’re planning to fly to a further destination, study all relevant rules and regulations for pets. For travelers who are driving, we recommend planning specific stops throughout your journey dedicated to potty and stretch breaks. This can also be a good time to let your pooch eat and hydrate while prioritizing their comfort and safety!

Wherever you plan to travel, make sure to find emergency vet clinics nearby in case of an emergency. This is especially important, considering that you might face certain winter conditions depending on where you travel. We always hope your travels are safe, and everyone involved is in good health, but you can never be too careful when traveling with precious cargo!

Packing Canine Essentials for Travel Success

Now that you have prepared your journey, it’s time to get packing! A puppy-essentials bag is crucial for any trip away from home with Fido, and we have a perfect list of what gear to pack inside.

Whether you are flying, driving, or perhaps taking a train, you won’t want to forget these everyday necessities:

• Extra Food
• Extra Treats
• A Water Bottle
• Disposable Potty Bags
• A Leash and Harness
• Collapsable Food and Water Bowls
• Quiet Dog Toys
• Dog Bed and Blanket

Luckily, hundreds of dog supply bags and luggage are made for traveling with pets, so you should have no trouble finding any or all of these items!

Enjoy Your Paw-some Trip!

If you follow these simple steps, your trip will be a breeze! Just remember that if traveling is stressful for you, it is just as stressful for your pup, so be patient with them and yourself! Offer Fido plenty of affection and extra attention in this new environment, and most importantly, enjoy the holidays with a furry friend by your side.