Decide the route you are traveling and then check www.petfriendly.com and www.petswelcome.com, or if you are a member of AAA or CAA pick up Traveling with Your Pet, a book outlining pet friendly accommodations. Pet friendly accommodations fill up quickly
Take your puppy to at least one set of obedience classes to socialize him/her to other dogs & people & to learn to come when called
Take your puppy on short trips to get used to car travel
Get your puppy used to wearing a seat beltor being in a crate or pet carrier. Introduce your puppy for very short periods with a treat for reward. You want your puppy to be safe if you need to stop quickly
If your puppy/dog is on medication, pick up a supply for the trip
Put together a first aid kit with gauze, Pepto-Bizmol for tummy upsets, and antibiotice salve
Get a rabies vaccination one month prior to travel, if you are crossing the U.S./Canada border
When purchasing a crate be sure your dog can stand up without touching the top of crate and can turn around and lie down in comfort (if traveling by air the airline will not accept your dog unless you follow this standard). Crates must also be airline approved to be accepted for air travel.
Give thought to your vacation plans as not all activities allow you to bring your pet
Bathe and groom your pet before you leave (makes those close quarters more palatable
Necessary items for your dog on the trip
Rabies certificate if crossing the International border
Dog dish for food and one for water
A supply of your water from home or buy a jug of bottled water (changing water =diarrhea)
Enough food for the trip as all cities may not carry your brand
Poop sacks to pick up after your pet
Two leashes ( a six foot and a 25 foot retractable leash for exercising)
Medications
Collar with tag (pet's name, address and phone # for worst case scenario - lost dog)
Treats, favourite toys
Collapsible crate for easy set-up in motel room
Large sheet to cover bed for those dogs who think "King Size" means "Room for Dog"
Recent photo of pet and tattoo #'s or micro-chip #'s for worst case scenario
Old dog towel for those muddy paws on rainy daysr
Tips to ensure motel owners & other travellers will also like your pet
Keep your dog on a leash (may also save your dog's life)
Pick up after your dog
Feed and water your dog in the motel bathroom (spills can be wiped up)
Don't let your dog on the lobby furniturer
Crate your dog at night to avoid any messes
Don't leave your dog unattended in the motel ( could destroy something or cry)
For your pet's safety
Never leave your pet alone in your vehicle (in summer the vehicle heats up very quickly)
Put the leash on your dog before you open the car door. (or he may escape & get hurt)
Be sure there is adequate ventilation, either windows partially open or air conditioning on
Always walk your dog on leash as something could startle your dog and off he'll run
And remember, most dogs love to travel, and some go so far as to get their own cars.
