A family or group of friends sets out to go on the ultimate adventure. With their cars packed and GPS directions at the ready, what could go wrong?
Well, everything!
One favorite movie theme in popular culture is portraying the mishaps of road trips gone awry. For those watching from the comfort of our couches, we can’t believe the scenarios and shenanigans they get into and laugh at their conundrums. At least it’s not happening to us, right?
However, it’s an entirely different story when you are traveling in real life, and things go wrong – really wrong. If you add in traveling with your puppy this holiday season, your mind may be racing with all the challenges you can encounter, and you are afraid of those you can’t think of yet!
Traveling with your dog does not have to be a disaster waiting to happen. There’s something magical about the Christmas season that makes you want to share experiences with your best canine companion instead of leaving them behind. Whether you are flying to see family or taking a road trip to a pet-friendly vacation destination, follow our holiday travel tips for dogs to make your puppy’s journey a smooth, stress-free experience.
Follow These 5 Holiday Puppy Travel Tips For A Smooth Journey
Planning a successful outing with your puppy takes preparation and work, whether you are going around the corner to the local dog bakery or on a cross-country trip. Puppies can travel by planes, trains, and automobiles as long as they accommodate dogs. The holidays can add extra stressors to the flow of events, and it’s extremely important to anticipate any scenario so you can be prepared. A road trip mishap will be one less thing to worry about during this busy holiday season because you are prepared!
1. Make an Itinerary
Some people are go-with-the-flow travelers, but holiday travel with a puppy requires planning your adventure for a great experience. For example, if you are flying, know when your layovers are so your puppy doesn’t miss a meal. Research the airport to see where the pet relief stations are located, especially if it is in another terminal and requires extra time to get there and back to your gate.
If you are traveling by car, plan your restroom and food stops. Consider stopping for a longer walk or locating a local dog park along your route to meet all of your puppy’s needs.
2. Pack a bag
Packing a bag for a puppy is much like packing a bag for a child, bringing essentials with you, and anticipating scenarios like accidents or injury. Gather the basics like extra food, fresh water, collapsible bowls, a crate or carrier, waste bags, toys, a leash, a harness, medications, and other necessities. Bring a store-bought or homemade dog first aid kit for injuries and an upholstery clean-up kit for accidents involving fluids. There’s nothing worse than your puppy having to sit in upchuck due to puppy motion sickness without a way to clean it up for miles or a fellow traveler having to smell it! Always carry copies of important papers that prove ownership of your puppy in case you get separated or need them for airline travel.
3. Protect your puppy’s identity
Keeping your puppy’s identity safe is paramount anytime you leave the house.
In addition to bringing proof of ownership papers, proper ID tags with your contact information and your pet’s name should be worn at all times. All dogs should be microchipped for easy identification. Unfortunately, puppies can be separated from you in the blink of an eye. You never know if your puppy will bolt away at a pit stop or will be stolen by nefarious people, so having multiple ways to protect your puppy’s identity gives you peace of mind.
4. Safety first
Traveling requires your utmost attention, whether traversing unfamiliar roads or searching for a gate to catch your next flight. Just like when traveling with children, adults should put the safety of puppies and dogs at the forefront before leaving the driveway. Likewise, the driver must anticipate any unforeseen distractions that may occur. You should always practice car safety for puppies by using a special dog harness seatbelt or a travel crate appropriate for your dog’s size. Never leave a dog unattached because they can become a flying projectile and get seriously injured in a crash. If you are on public transportation, secure your puppy so he does not wander off or make friends with people a few rows down. Do not allow your dog to ride on your lap or hang out the window, as these are unsafe practices that could cause an accident with devastating results.
If you are flying, be sure to check with your airline for safety and restraint specifications. Some airlines do not require a crate for in-cabin travel, but other airlines require an approved travel crate, bag, or carrier. All airlines require a specific crate for cargo travel. Never show up at the airport ill-prepared, and definitely do not cause a scene if you aren’t following regulations when flying with pets this holiday season. Remember that while you love your puppy with all your heart, other people might not be fond of dogs or may even be scared of them, so practice courtesy and situational awareness by safely securing your dog.
5. Have fun!
Taking a road trip can be the ultimate experience and create memories to last a lifetime. Document the trip by taking copious amounts of photos, posting them to your social media accounts or printing them off for a special album. Look up dog-friendly restaurants, bakeries, parks, beaches, breweries, or other places to visit along the way to give everyone a travel break and relax. Your puppy will love taking in new environments, sights, sounds, and scents which also helps with socialization. Everyone wins when you’re having fun!
Travel Options for Pawrade Puppy Adoptions
Now that you’ve carefully selected which puppy will be your cherished companion from our puppies for sale, you need a way to meet your puppy and welcome them into your open arms. New Pawrade pawrents offers a variety of ways to bring home your puppy.
We offer the following puppy travel options for adopted Pawrade puppies:
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Local meet-up with a breeder in a secure, convenient spot
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Ground transportation with our trusted transport partners
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Standard Air to meet your puppy at the airport of your choice
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Accompanied one-on-one flight nanny services
We’re available daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST to answer any of your questions about meeting your Pawrade puppy after your adoption is finalized. We’d love to discuss the best option that makes sense to you and your family, as we know how important it is to meet your puppy as soon as possible!
Happy Travels!
