With Canada slowly but surely opening up again, more people are planning trips! If you have a dog, you know just how challenging it can be to plan a vacation. These 7 tips will help you navigate travel with your dog and how to make the most of your time away from home!
1. What to Pack
Whether you’re going on a weekend getaway or taking a longer trip, you should always have a packing list on hand! You’ll most likely need a dog bed, water bowl, pee pads, food and treats for the duration of the trip and a leash but it will depend on the length of your trip and accommodation.
It also doesn’t hurt to come equipped with some fun dog accessories such as the Canada Eh or We The 6ix bandana to represent your home!
2. Calming Your Dog In A New Environment
Dogs can get anxious when travelling and staying in a new environment. We recommend bringing a blanket they use at home on the trip. The familiar scents on the blanket make new environments more inviting for dogs. If that doesn't do the trick, then try using a pet friendly CBD oil to keep your dog calm.
3. Hotel Pet Policies
If you’re booking a hotel, it’s always best to do so over the phone so you can ask what their dog policy is! Can you leave your dog alone in the room? What if they damage something in the room? Keep in mind that most hotels charge an additional nightly rate for your dog.
4. Flying With Your Dog
Air travel is a whole new ball game! Always check the airline’s policy ahead of time to see if you can bring your dog with you on the plane or if they need to ride with the cargo.
Get Your Documents Ready!
You should also always have your dog’s documents on hand to avoid any trouble when travelling internationally. Head to your veterinarian a couple days before you take-off to obtain a health certificate that proves your dog is healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations.
Choose Your Pet Carrier
Regardless of your dog's size, you should bring a dog carrier with you for your flight. If your dog is small, you can bring your pup in the cabin with you. We recommend bringing a soft carrier so that it can be easily placed under the seat in front of you. Larger pups will be travelling in the cargo area and it is required to have a hard plastic carrier. The carrier should have ventilation holes, and large enough so that your dog can stand and turn around with ease. Make sure to check your airlines Pet Policy before purchasing your carrier.
Show Identification
Make sure to attach a tag to your carrier with personal information including: name, home address and phone number to contact. You can go the extra mile by attaching an image of your dog to make it easier for the cabin crew to find your dog if they get lost.
Try It Out!
We recommend taking your pup out for a drive in their carrier to see how they react to the new environment.
5. Pet-Friendly Restaurants
If you’re unable to leave your dog alone at your accommodation, you’ll be bringing your dog along for meals out. Since not all restaurants are dog-friendly, you might have to do a little extra planning beforehand.
Here are some of our favourite dog-friendly patios in Toronto!
6. Use Dog-Friendly Apps
When you’re planning to travel with your dog, you should always have these dog-friendly apps on hand!
- All Trails - The best way to determine what hikes and beaches in the area are suitable for dogs.
- Pet First Aid - Better safe than sorry! If you’re in need of an emergency animal hospital, this app will have you covered.
- Bring Fido - This app will help you find the best pet-friendly locations with reviews from other dog owners.
7. Create Your Itinerary
Remember that your dog is a creature of habit so it may take some time for them to get comfortable with a new place. Before you book your trip, look for activities you know your dog will love and try to plan the day around their existing schedule if you can!
8. Take Memorable Photos
Packing outfits for a trip can be fun, and who says your dog can't be included. Shop our colourful bandanas and matching scrunchies to make vacation photos with your dog that much cuter! Also, take a look at our dog parent face-masks which are required for flights, visiting restaurants, stores and more!
Keep these tips in mind next time you travel with your dog and you’re bound to have an amazing time. Follow us on Instagram to talk about all things Doggos and stay tuned for a new blog each week!
So much love,
Francesca