There are few things more satisfying that exploring somewhere new with your family – so why shouldn’t that include your pets, too? Dogs love to discover new places, and having them will you will help avoid any concerns or worries you might have about them while you’re away. They also make great companions if you’re travelling alone.
There are a few things you can do to make travel easier on your pet while you book, such as ensuring that you travel on relatively quiet services, which will make the whole journey much less stressful for your dog. You’ll still need to prepare them for the trip in advance though, as long travelling times can be difficult for them. You should also make sure you have your pet’s travel insurance set up before you go – take a look at our guide below to make sure you and your dog are ready!
One month before you leave
About a month before you’re due to leave, you’ll need to start getting your dog ready to travel. If you haven’t already, purchase a carrier that your dog can comfortably sit, stand, lie down and turn around in, and help them feel comfortable in it by placing a few of their favourite toys inside it. A good way to get them to associate it with comfortable travelling is to take them on increasingly long journeys in their crate throughout the month, either in the car or on the train, so that when it comes to a long flight they will know what to expect and how to get themselves comfortable. Have a chat with your vet, too, and find out when you’ll need to have your pet vaccinated.
One week before you leave
The major task you’ll need to complete is to make sure that your pet has been treated for fleas and worms. Your vet will be able to do this for you, and will also give you all the paperwork that you need to travel with your dog. At the same time, you should also have your dog microchipped, and double check that the information is up-to-date with your contact details while you are away, just in case. If you’re concerned about how your dog will cope with the journey, it may also be worth buying some calming tablets or a calming spray to help them settle down.
The day before your journey
Get your pet’s crate ready with plenty of bedding, and ensure that they can comfortably move around inside it. Feed them no later than two hours before you set off, and make sure they have access to water throughout your trip. You should be ready to travel now, as long as your pet seems happy in its carrier – you might want to include a favourite toy as well though, in case they get nervous during the journey.