Written Uniquely For Paws Obedience

Travelling with Your Dog

 

When travelling with your dog, it`s essential that safety is at the top of your list of priorities, closely followed by the comfort of your pet. As all forms of travel pose some level of risk to your pet, yourself and other travellers, it is important that your dog is restrained or contained as safely and securely as possible.

You should ensure your dog has had the opportunity to empty bladder and bowels as close to departure time as possible and preferably does not eat before travelling. Plan opportunities to stop for toilet breaks and a drink of water at least every four hours if possible. Your dog will also be glad of any chance to stretch their legs. A container of clean water and a dog bowl are priority travel items. For animals that find trips upsetting, it`s worth asking your vet for further advice.

Small breeds are the easiest to contain on the move. A dog carrier that is comfortable and strong enough to support the weight of your dog is essential. Many types now fix to the rear seats of cars.

A larger dog is best secured with a car-harness that straps around the chest and body of the animal, looping through the lap part of the seatbelt. NEVER leave your dog in a parked car on a warm day.

If you are leaving the UK, your dog will require a pet passport or may face spending 6 months in quarantine. Dogs need to be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and have a blood-test. After six months, you can then obtain the documents from the vet that will allow you to apply for the passport.

For air travel, if your dog is small enough and the airline agrees, you can take the dog into the cabin with you in a dog carrier. If your dog is a larger breed or you will not be on the same flight, your dog will have to fly as cargo in a special carrier or crate. It is a good idea to line the crate with shredded newspaper to absorb accidents and it is essential that you provide water in a container fixed to the side of the crate, or in a suspended plastic bottle. For a long flight, this can be frozen to prevent spillages during the first few hours. You MUST check with the airline before booking your tickets, as your pet`s travel arrangements need to be agreed in detail and arranged well in advance.

On buses and trains, dog carriers are best placed on the floor and wedged to prevent slipping. Larger dogs may be allowed to travel if kept on a lead and if they will not cause an obstruction. Ferry companies will usually ask that dogs travel in your car, or in kennels on board. Space is limited, so book early!

Always ensure your dog wears identification when travelling and is microchipped. Tags securely attached to leather dog collars The 1992 Control of Dogs act requires that the owners surname, address and postcode be on the tag it would also be advisable that the tag displays a mobile number relevant during your trip in case you become separated.