How You and Your Dog Can Have the Best Possible TravelsBy Nick Burton

How You and Your Dog Can Have the Best Possible Travels

Traveling is one of life’s great adventures. The only thing to make it better: Bringing your pup along for the trip! Of course, when you’re headed out on a journey together, you want to make sure you both stay safe. Here are some tips to make that dream a possibility.

Best Destinations

While there are an infinite number of wonderful places to visit, not all of them are suitable for dogs. Thankfully, there are still many destinations to choose from, no matter what kind of vacation you’re looking for. Love the desert and hikes through sand dunes? Well, Albuquerque may be an excellent choice, with plenty of dog parks and fair weather all year. Feel like romping through the forest or enjoying the sun by a beautiful lake? If so, Tahoe in California is gorgeous in any season, and the state is noted for its love of animals. Whatever you’re seeking, a quick search online will let you know what spots are dog-friendly before booking.

Find Accommodation

Staying in a hotel or private vacation rental with a pet has never been easier. In fact, even websites like Booking.com allow you to filter options to be certain that you and Spot will be welcome. Of course, to make prep even simpler, you could use websites that specialize in pets, such as BringFido.com. This way, you can read reviews from other owners to know how well their furballs were treated and ensure you find the best environment for your pooch.

Going by Car

A road trip can be just what you need to put stress aside and truly enjoy your vacation. Yet, without preparation, Spot may be unsafe, and you might end up with a ticket. So, if you’re going out of state, you must research road laws relating to pets and have the right supplies, such as high-quality harnesses or car restraints. While crates can keep your pup safe, if your dog gets car sick or is very young, they may not be the best option. To help them stay secure, consider getting a booster seat for your dog. This way, if they’re small or young, they’ll be able to look out the window while you have peace of mind for their safety.

Have Fun Together

During your vacation, you have the perfect opportunity to try new things with Spot that you just don’t get to do at home. For instance, if you’re a fan of Major League Baseball, you could take them to a game thanks to the sport’s Pups in the Park night. Or, should you want something more active and beach-y, you could take your furball doggy surfing. Yes, it can be as fun as it sounds, and gives you an opportunity to do something together while soaking up the sun and enjoying the ocean. As with picking a location, there are activities for all kinds of interests and pup personalities to try during your travels together.

Stay Active for a Happy Pup

No matter where you are, your dog is going to need exercise. Not only will this keep them better behaved, but they’ll have an outlet to release any pent-up energy in their new surroundings. Thankfully, there are likely to be dog parks or a route you can take for long walks in the morning. However, you need to ensure Spot stays safe in an unfamiliar area with potentially different weather. Given that, always have a water bowl to keep them hydrated, and if you’re somewhere sunny, use dog-friendly sunscreen to protect their skin. As they may also be extra excited, keep a watchful eye on them to stop them from eating something harmful, or bothering other dogs. After all, this is meant to be a fun, not stressful, time.

Bringing your pet along for a trip can be an extraordinary journey. However, if you’re unprepared, both you and your dog can suffer a bad experience. All it takes is a bit of planning, and you both can safely enjoy yourselves.

Image courtesy of Pixabay