Essential Dog Travel Safety Tips for a Worry-Free Trip

We know your canine companion is like family.

We also know that you would do anything to keep your family and the ones you love as safe as possible, whether you’re traveling in a car, boarding a plane, or staying at a dog-friendly hotel in Orlando.

That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you keep your canine companions safe while you travel, from things to consider before your getaway to best practices while you’re on the road.

Dog Travel Safety Tips: Before You Go

Check Pet Policies

Airlines, hotels, transport companies, and even different states and countries have varying pet policies and requirements. Some may require specific vaccinations, documentation, equipment, accessories, and beyond.

Be sure to read all pet policies of all the places you’ll be visiting as well as any methods of transportation you’ll be using to ensure you know the rules and documents needed for your pup to be welcomed.

Visit the Vet

When bringing your dog on the road and into unfamiliar territory, which may cause them stress and anxiety, it’s important to ensure your furry friend is as healthy as possible before your trip.

Ensure your pup's vaccinations are up-to-date, especially if your destination, flight, hotel, or travel company require them, and ask for any necessary documentation from your vet.

Speak to your vet about your dog’s behavior and any possible conditions they may have to ensure you’re equipped with any recommended medications, supplements, or equipment to provide your canine companion maximum relief and comfort on your travels. 

Tag your Dog

While it’s highly unlikely you’ll lose track of your furry friend, there are safety measures you can take to make their return swift.

Microchipping your dog can provide authorities with an easy way to identify your dog if they happen to get lost. Be sure before you leave for vacation that your contact information is current on your microchip registry or database.

Most veterinary clinics, animal control, and animal shelters have microchip scanners. If your dog gets lost in an unfamiliar location and is turned over to a vet, animal control, or an animal shelter, they will scan for a microchip. Once your information comes up, the vet or shelter will contact you as soon as possible to reunite you with your pup.

A collar with an ID tag or a harness with printed information may be helpful, too. Provide the dog’s name and at least one method of contacting you, such as your phone number.

Practice and Train

If your dog isn’t used to being in a travel crate, start getting them familiar with it. You can put your dog in the crate to sleep or pop it in the car for a lap or two around the neighborhood to get them used to the space and movement.

You can also place your pup’s favorite plush toy or a shirt or towel with your scent inside the crate so that they feel more comfortable. Some transport companies do not allow any items to be placed inside crates. Double check their policies before you travel.

Pack Familiar Essentials

To provide the most comfortable travel experience for your dog, pack all the essentials they’re already familiar with.

A short list of items you may consider bringing with you are:

• Food, can lids (if you have wet food)
• Water or water bowls
• Toys, chew toys
• Blankets
• Bedding
• Treats
• Leash
• Collar or harness
• Waste bags, wet wipes
• Grooming supplies
• Pet first-aid kit, medicine(s)

Create a home-away-from-home feeling by bringing as many of your dog’s favorite items as possible.

Dog Travel Safety Tips: During Your Journey

Keep Your Dog Secure

As cute as it is to see a dog sticking its head out the window to embrace the breeze, it’s not exactly safe for the pup.

The safest way to travel with your dog in a car is to use a crash-tested crate or a safety harness to secure them inside the vehicle. Avoid letting them roam free, sit in the front seat, or sit in your lap as these put your dog in harm's way if there’s an accident.

Most airlines or pet transport companies will tell you exactly what equipment is required for your dog to travel as safely as possible, so ensure to abide by their standards.

Regulate the Temperature

Keep in mind dogs run hotter than humans and can overheat easily.

If your furry friend is in a crate, make sure it is well ventilated. In your vehicle, make sure your air conditioning is running, even if you tend to get cold easily. You can always put a light jacket on while you drive if it means your dog is staying cool on your travels.

Please, never leave your dog in a vehicle unattended. Doing so can result in a $500 fine.

Take Regular Breaks

Remember that getting to your destination safely is far more important than getting there quickly.

Be sure to take breaks every two to three hours for your dog to relieve themselves and stretch their legs. Always keep fresh water available for them, and stick to their regular feeding schedule to avoid gastrointestinal issues.

Make BOTH of You Comfortable

If your canine companion is sensitive to noise, keep the music volume to a minimum and choose to listen to more calming genres.

Also, remember to make yourself comfortable and calm for your trip. Your dog can sense your emotions, so if you’re calm, cool, and collected on your travels, your pup is likely to be, too.

Dog Travel Safety Tips: At Your Accommodation

Familiarize with Surroundings

There are sure to be so many new sights, sounds, and smells for your dog upon arriving at your accommodation.

Go for a walk and take time to get your pup familiarized with your new location.  

Keep Your Dog on a Leash

While your furry friend may be the best behaved doggo you know, you can’t always predict what other unleashed dogs or animals might do.

It’s best to reduce stress and risk, especially in a new environment, by having your dog safely secured on a leash when you’re in public together.

Know your Accommodation's Rules

Not all pet-friendly accommodation in Orlando runs the same, so be sure to check out the rules and guidelines for keeping your dog on property.

Rules and guidelines are there to keep you, your dog, and all guests safe and happy while on your travels.

Search Local Pet Services

Feel prepared for anything by making a list of pet services close to your accommodation, from emergency vet services to grooming, additional boarding, and pet supply stores.

If you didn’t drive to your destination, also investigate how you and your dog will travel to these locations if the need arises.

Enjoy the Best Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Orlando

After adhering to these dog travel safety tips to get you and your furry friend to Orlando in fine form, delight in the unforgettable experiences that await at Rosen Inn International.

Our dog-friendly hotel offers spacious accommodation and convenient amenities for our human guests and designated dog walk areas perfect for your furry companion to enjoy healthy exercise 

Book your stay at Rosen Inn International and experience Orlando’s pawsibilities together.