12 Tips To Stress Free Spring Break Travel With Your Dog

As the vibrant colors of spring begin to bloom and the weather turns warmer, many of us feel the itch to embark on new adventures. And what better way to embrace the season than by taking your furry companion along for the ride? Spring travel with dogs can be a delightful experience, but it does require some careful planning to ensure both you and your four-legged friend have a safe and enjoyable trip.

In this article, we’ll provide you with a wealth of tips and insights on how to make the most of your springtime adventures with your canine companion. From packing essentials to choosing pet-friendly destinations and ensuring your dog’s comfort during the journey, we’ve got you covered so you can savor the season together.

11 Tips For Spring Break Travel With Your Dog

#1 – Do Your Research

Before just setting out, make sure you know where the dog firendly venues wait. Sites like petswelcome.com and bringfido.com are great resources for locating pet-friendly hotels, campgrounds, B&B’s, and even pet sitters all across the United States. Check out these dog-friendly hotels where your pup can vacation like the superstar they are!

#2 – Plan Ahead

Make sure you get clearance from your vet that your pet is healthy enough to travel. Make sure they’re up to date with their shots and vaccinated against common pests like fleas, ticks, worms, etc. If traveling to another state or by plane, you will need a health certificate from your vet 10-30 days prior to travel. Keeping a binder or notebook with all your dog’s pertinent information is a great way to stay organized and tidy during travel.

#3 – Pack Plenty of Food and Water

Don’t forget to pack road trip snacks for your pup! Include enough food for the entire trip and collapsible bowls that take less room in the bags. Water is also essential but can be tricky to give your dog when on the road. Check out these travel bowls to ensure your dog stays hydrated wherever you may roam.

#4 – Current ID

Make sure your dog’s ID tags are up-to-date and legible. Always include your phone number for immediate access, and if you’re dog is microchipped, choose a tag that indicates that fact. Check out the 22 Best Dog ID Tags On The Market to find your pup’s new tags.

#5 – Size Matters

Make sure your dog’s kennel is large enough for them to stand up, turn around, and lay down in. If flying, try to book only non-stop flights. If traveling by car, stopping for plenty of water and bathroom breaks is a must. Prepare your pup for the trip with these 6 Steps For Teaching Your Dog To Love Their Crate.

#6 – Mind Your Manners

Basic obedience training is a must. Your dog should know basic commands and be consistent in following directions. Be mindful of excessive barking or aggressive behavior. Be courteous and tip well. The goal is to make sure that you and your pet are welcome back anytime.

Related: 7 Best Travel Dog Crates

#7 – Avoiding Anxiety

If you know that your pet is nervous by nature, traveling can be extremely overwhelming. Cannanine Soft Chews provides a way to soothe your pet’s nerves with the power of hemp and the tastiness of bacon. The key component in Cannanine Soft Chews is a high-quality, THC-free CBD, which has been shown to alleviate anxiety and stress in pets without causing drowsiness. This makes them particularly suitable for travel, as they can help keep your dog calm and comfortable without impacting their alertness or energy levels. Additionally, being soft and easy to administer, these chews can be conveniently incorporated into your dog’s travel routine, ensuring a more relaxed and stress-free journey for your furry companion.

#8 – Motion Sickness

If your pet is prone to motion sickness, try a ginger snap cookie to combat nausea on short trips. For longer trips, try desensitizing your pet to the car by taking short trips frequently to reduce the anxiety associated with being in the car. Offer treats as positive reinforcement for behaving. Also, always have your pet restrained by a doggie seat belt or harness. The security of the harness can help with traveling anxiety and motion sickness as well.

#9 – Proper Leash & Collar

This may seem like a no brainer but, make sure you have a proper harness, leash and tags. You don’t know how your pet will react in a stressful, unfamiliar situation so making sure they are properly and safely restrained is important. Legible tags are crucial in the event that your pet does get away from you.

#10 – Avoid Strange Foods

Stick to your pet’s regular feeding routine as much as possible, but avoid offering fatty foods. If indigestion does occur, the general rule of thumb is to withhold food and water for 6-8 hours to allow your pet to recover. Warm peppermint tea is a great way to soothe your pet’s upset stomach.

#11 – Let Them Relax

Once you arrive at your destination, allow your pet a quiet space to decompress. A long day of travel is just as exhausting for your pet as it is for you, probably even more so, so it’s important to offer them a safe haven to recuperate.

#12 – Better off at Home

Keep in mind, that there are certain circumstances in which it is best to leave your pet home. Pets that are very old, young, frail, pregnant, or in heat may be best left at home. If kenneling is not an option, pet owners can save money and stress by taking advantage of services like House Sitters of America or Pet Sitters International. These organizations send a qualified pet lover to your home so that your animals can be cared for in their own environment for a fraction of what it costs to board.

Spring Free For Some Travel Fun

As you embark on your spring travels with your dog, remember that preparation and thoughtful consideration of your pet’s needs will go a long way in ensuring a successful and memorable trip. From exploring dog-friendly parks to basking in the beauty of blooming gardens, the possibilities for shared experiences are endless during this vibrant season. So, pack your bags, leash up your pup, and get ready to create cherished memories that will make this spring getaway one for the books.

Kristina Lotz