Dog travel risks and dangers are, unfortunately, a very real part of traveling with your dog. Through proper trip planning and preparation, though, these risks can be minimized so that you and your dog can enjoy your trip. Always plan your travels with your dog as far in advance as possible. This allows you time to research best travel methods and find out any applicable requirements or restrictions that your travel may include.
When traveling by car, minimize dog travel risks and dangers by securing your dog properly. If you choose to use a carrier, be sure the carrier is large enough to comfortably fit your dog, with enough room for her to stand or lie, and turn around. If you opt not to keep your dog in a carrier while in the car, consider a dog safety seat. When driving, the carrier or dog car seat should always be secured in the back seat if your car has front seat air bags. As with small children, the force of an inflating airbag can harm or kill your dog. The safest place for traveling with your dog in the car is in the middle of the backseat, securely tethered in a carrier or dog seat.
A major dog travel danger involves dogs left in cars. Never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle. Even if you think it will only be a short stop, bring the dog out of the car either in her carrier or on a leash. In hot weather, even with the windows partially opened, temperatures can reach dangerously high levels in just minutes. In cold weather, your dog’s body temperature can drop when he is confined in a small area and cannot move around enough to keep himself warm. Even if you only intend to leave the dog alone for a few minutes, you run the risk of becoming distracted and leaving your dog suffering.
When traveling by air, be sure the carrier you are using to transport your dog is approved by any airlines involved in your trip. Booking direct flights whenever possible will minimize the number of times your dog gets moved and the amount of time he may spend on the tarmac being loaded or unloaded. This is especially important during very hot or very cold times of the year.
Regardless of your method of transport, when traveling your dog should have two ID tags: one with your home address or contact info and one with your contact info at your destination. Many dog owners now opt to put their cell phone numbers on their dogs’ ID tags, rather than or in addition to a home number, to make an extra tag unnecessary. The important thing is that your dog can be easily returned to you if he gets away while you are traveling. Carry a recent picture of your dog, and consider attaching one to the outside of the carrier, in the unfortunate event the dog gets loose from the carrier.
While dog travel; risks and dangers certainly exist, careful planning can help minimize them for you and your dog. Planning ahead and being mindful of your dog’s safety is the key to reducing dog travel risks and dangers.
