A trip to the beach, a weekend trip or holidays - if you are travelling with a dog, there are a few things to take into consideration. Safety, food as well as official regulations in public transport or abroad - travel preparations for the dog need to be as diligent as for the dog owner.
On tour by Car
It is important to secure your pet in the car. Usually this is done with a car harness, which is attached to the seat belt, car seat or in a transportation box. Particularly for longer tours it is important to acquaint the pet with the situation beforehand.
Dogs cannot tolerate high temperatures as well as humans. To prevent heat stroke, longer trips by car should take place in the cooler morning or evening hours if possible. It is important to keep an eye on your pet and to allow breaks to cool off. Dogs waiting alone in the car are particularly at risk. Therefore it is best to park your car in the shade and to open several windows for ventilation. The windows can be sufficiently secured with ventilation lattices.
However: Never leave your dog in the car for longer than 15 minutes in the summer!
A dog on the Plane
The airline decides if the dog can sit in the cabin with the owner or needs to travel in the cargo hold. Weight limits for this differ. In any case, a suitable transport container with good ventilation and waterproof bottom is required. There are different requirements depending on the airline. In general, declared airline transport boxes are accepted by all airlines. The box should be acquired in good time before the flight to give the dog time to get used to it.
Travel Equipment for Dogs
Water is essential for dogs and it should be within easy reach at all times. For car trips, Swobby bowls are very useful – no water can spill. Various travel drinking bottles with bowls are also suitable.
To avoid extra stress for the pet by changing the food, the regular feed should be taken along, e.g. in a travel set or food bag.
At your holiday destination, dogs will be happy to have their favourite (travel) blanket or their own small place of retreat.
If the Dog gets lost
It is important to mark your pets, in particular when they are not in their usual surroundings. The safest and unmistakable way of marking a pet is by microchip. To allow the pet to be linked to the owner, pet owners should register the microchip of their dogs or cats. If your dog has not already been chipped at the breeder or at the dog shelter, your veterinarian can do it.
If you attach your phone number to the collar, your dog will return to you much more quickly. Important: When on holiday, provide your mobile number or the number of your hotel so that the finder can reach you at your holiday destination!
Wishing you and your pet a good trip and a wonderful holiday!