If you’re like me, you look for every opportunity to take your dog with you anywhere. Whether I’m hitting the open roads or the open waters, my pup, sporting her bandana, is by my side.
Want to include your best friend but aren’t sure how to travel with your dog? Check out these helpful tips on how to travel with your dog on a boat, RV, or motorcycle.
Tips for traveling with your dog
Traveling with your dog on a boat
When traveling with your dog on a boat, ensure your dog is comfortable on your vessel. Gradually introduce them to the boat and the feeling of being rocked about by water.
Next, get your dog a life jacket that fits. Dog life jackets come equipped with durable handles so you can easily scoop them out of the water. A life jacket keeps them from tiring out too quickly while doggy paddling.
Lastly, consider potty breaks for your dog and potential dangers on deck. Slick surfaces can cause dogs to slip, and hot surfaces can burn paw pads. Learn more tips on boating with your dog and keeping your dog safe in the heat.
Traveling with your dog in an RV
It might seem strange, but not every campsite welcomes pets. To take your dog everywhere in an RV, confirm that the campground is dog friendly and bring along a copy of your dog’s vaccination records.
Remember to pack your dog’s leash, food, bowls, toys, and any important records. Learn more about RVing with your dog.
Traveling with your dog on a motorcycle
There’s nothing better than hitting the open road with your best buddy. But before starting your adventure, make sure it’s legal for your dog to accompany you on your motorcycle and that you use the proper safety harness or equipment.
Next, when traveling with your dog on a motorcycle, it’s important to consider your pup’s size and temperament. You’ll need to make sure you have the right protective safety gear for your pup when traveling on a motorcycle. Protective gear includes goggles, helmet, jacket, and carrier. Learn more about traveling with your dog on a motorcycle.
Other considerations for traveling with your dog
The worst part of a long vacation for me is kenneling my pups. If I take a road trip, and I can take my dog everywhere with me, I do it. You want to ensure your dog will be happy and safe in a car for long stretches. Some dogs hate car rides or get antsy if they are in the car too long.
To keep your dog safe in the car, invest in a safety-rated and crash-tested crate or harness. You don’t want to let them ride freely in the car in case of an accident. Once you are ready to hit the road, make sure you give your dog frequent potty breaks, book pet-friendly accommodations and keep a feeding routine. Find out how to keep pets safe in the car and see a survey of pet owners to learn safety tips for driving with pets.
When traveling everywhere with your dog, find out how pet insurance can cover your dog while out on the road.