It's Doggie Travel Time!

Summer is here, school is letting out, work is slowing down (for some), and our thoughts go to travel. When you have a dog there are some extra pieces in the travel puzzle.

Kizz & Watson after being dropped off from an adventure.

The first question to ask is: Will my dog be traveling with me? Some dogs are what my mom calls "Sporty Travelers" and some are not.

If your dog is a Sporty Traveler, there are some more questions to answer:

• Is my dog safe where we're going?

• Is my dog welcome at our destination or are there rules preventing them from joining?

• Am I going to be able to meet all my dog's basic needs during our time away?

• Can they be alone if they need to in the place we're staying?

• Is there a good place for us to get exercise?

• Will my dog have fun? Will they feel safe and comfortable?

• Will they enjoy the trip there and back? Will they be safe and comfortable?

• Will the people they interact with in transit and at the destination be safe and comfortable, too?

• Will I be able to relax and have fun if I am also meeting my dog's needs on this vacation?

If your dog isn't going to join you, here are some things to think about:

• Having a bonded and insured caregiver is a level of safety that can give you peace of mind and is worth it if you are using a pet professional.

• Skilled caregivers tend to book up early. The boarding options I recommend to clients are currently booking for the fall & winter holidays. Their summer slots are already full. Something might come up last minute but there's no guarantee of that.

• Is the boarding situation you choose something your dog will love? Do they know the caregiver and trust them? Are they in a location where they feel happy and comfortable? For instance, if your dog likes to sleep all day and rarely interacts with other dogs, a large boarding facility where they're in a common room with other dogs all day might not be the right fit.

• Does the caregiver have all the information they need to succeed with your pup? You should be proud of a detailed set of instructions. What's your dog's schedule? What should they watch out for on walks? Who is your vet? Who is a back up person in your neighborhood in case they need help?

• If possible, do at least one test run. Even better, try a daytime visit, an overnight, and then the big trip. Some dogs will require more of a warm-up than this and a dog trainer can help figure out a good plan for you.

Whether you have a Sporty Traveler or a Happy Homebody, make yourself a check list:

• Enough food to last the whole vacation?

• Tag with current contact info securely attached?

• Chip active and paired with accurate contact information?

• Leash, harness, and other equipment in good repair

• Medications up to date and enough to last the whole vacation?

• Crate, seatbelt or other safety items in good repair, packed, and ready to go?

• Toys and comfort objects that will help your dog enjoy the vacation?

It's easier to relax on your vacation when you and your dog are prepped for it. If there's any way I can help, I would love to.

New clients head over to the short contact form on the website.

Returning clients use this link to book.

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