Travelling with our dogs can be a great way to strengthen the bonds between us and our four-legged children. Seeing a new environment can be just as exciting for our four-legged friends as it is for us. Our brains and bodies react positively to different stimuli; simple things, such as fresh mountain air and new terrain, can be great for both our physical as well as mental health. I know that my City Dog loves nothing more than a good ol’ fashioned romp in the countryside, be it a Regional Park in the East Bay, the beaches in San Luis Obispo or the Redwood forests of Humboldt County. Just getting the opportunity to act like a dog, visibly enriches his life.
The easiest way to bring your dog somewhere new and exciting with you, is simply to pick a destination that’s within driving distance, load up the car and hit the road. Luckily, as Californians (and specifically, Bay Area residents), we have plenty of scenic locations within mere hours of where we live.
When planning your driving journey (be it a day trip or a full blown pilgrimage), here are a few things to keep in mind:
Safety:
Per California law, your dog should be restrained while riding in the car. Keep your dog in the back seat, and preferably, buckled in. It’s safer to restrain your dog while he’s wearing a harness as opposed to attaching something to his collar. You might have to brake suddenly, or in the event of being rear-ended, you don’t want your dog to injure his neck. Strangulation can be fatal and occurs more often in cars than many people realize.
Be Prepared:
Make sure to bring plenty of water and food with you, allowing for extra should something unexpected come up and you have to extend your stay. Set up a towel with your dog’s water bowl on it (the one from home is perfectly fine to use) on the baseboard of your backseat. The bowl doesn’t have to be sloshing over with water; just enough to provide your dog with the option to drink should he become dehydrated.
Out-of-Town:
If traveling somewhere more rural than you’re used to, anticipate encountering ticks and other annoyances (like foxtails). A Tick Key or even a pair of tweezers can prove helpful for dealing with these elements of the Great Outdoors that aren’t typical in more urban settings. Get a small First Aid Kit tailored just for your dog and bring it with you on trips. If you don’t end up using it, great! But if you do need it and you don’t have one, trying to track down an emergency vet in an unfamiliar place can be daunting. If you really want to be on the safe side, look up emergency veterinarians near where you will be, before leaving the house.
Keeping Clean:
Extra towels and grooming wipes are great for cleaning off paws after hikes or trips to the beach. They serve as a quick substitute for the actual bath you will want to give Fido once you get home.
Crates: If your dog is crate trained, a travel crate is a good way to help him feel more at home in an unfamiliar place. The familiarity of having his own “room” should help him relax, allowing you to enjoy yourself without having to fret about his physical and emotional comfort. Travel crates are typically easy to break down and carry, not requiring too much space in your car.
Accommodations:
When planning your trip, finding dog friendly accommodations can be surprisingly easy. Motel 6 has always been pet friendly (you might be required to put down an additional deposit), and there has been an insurgence of other pet friendly lodgings in the past couple of years, ranging from the economical to the extravagant. If you have questions about your dogs needs, call ahead and discuss them with the hotel staff. If you’re camping, make sure to confirm that the campsite is safe for dogs (learn of potential wildlife concerns in advance!) Just like at home, always clean up after your dog and be conscious about where and how you store his food.
Out-of-State:
Keep in mind that when visiting states outside of California, a Health Certificate is typically required. These are easily attained from your vet and must be acquired within ten days of your trip. When it comes to air travel, every airline has different requirements for bringing your dog, so make sure to check out their specific stipulations before getting too ahead of yourself with the planning process.
As with every activity you do with your dog, Have Fun! Bring treats, sing along to songs on the radio and take pictures of the places you’ve visited. Friends might be bored with images of travel destinations, but pictures of your dog in these environments can range from adorable to hilarious. Not only that, they will serve as vivid reminders of the great times you’ve had together. Now fill up your tank, load up your car and hit the road!
Born and raised in the Bay Area, SFDogDad Ian Murphy lives in San Francisco and shares his days with his co-pilot, Phoenix. From hikes in McLaren Park to dog socials at El Rio, they enjoy staying active and exploring the dog-friendly city they are lucky to call home.
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