Summer Dog Travel Tips
You love your dog. Your dog means more to you than your own life. Your dog is the smartest, sweetest, most special canine on the planet! Sure, but only to you. People may like your dog, but no one will love him or her as much as you and your family adore your pet. Do not take it personally nor as an affront to your precious angel, it’s just way the dog biscuit crumbles. When you are planning your Summer travels, you have to think about your dog and the other dogs and people whom will cross your path during your trip.
If you are going to a hotel, never lie about having a dog in your room. You can get kicked out of a hotel. Think of the karma – if you are lying, perhaps the person before you lied and you are sleeping on a pillow that had some dogs bum on it or someone else’s dog does a bum drag across the carpet where your child is playing on the floor. It is wrong to mislead the hotel and the guests to follow. Walk your dog regularly and if there is an accident, let the hotel know so they can clean the area. A dog room accepts the risk and anticipates the event. If you plan to make long days at amusement parks or visit monuments, make sure the facility or your hotel run a dog day care. A dog should not be left without a way to relieve himself or herself for more than 4-5 hours.
If you are going camping, stay only at a campground that allows pets. When people are planning their trips and book a campground that is pet free, that is what they expect. They do not expect people to be dishonest and sneak in their “very well behaved dog.” Always bring a leash, a crate, and a muzzle on your travels. Your dog may love every other dog in town, but may meet his or her nemesis on this trip. You may never have to use any of the above, but having them with you is necessary. When you are a at campground that has other dogs, do not leave your children in charge of the dog. Small children have neither the mental wherewithal nor the physical strength to prevent and stop a dog fight.
If you are going to a beach for the day or a beach resort, always make sure they allow pets. Some beaches have dog areas and areas that must remain dog free zones. Follow the rules. In addition to disturbing other guests, you risk getting a ticket issued by the authorities. Dog free zones are governed not only by preference, but by laws. Make sure you have blankets, bottled water, dog medicine, dog first aid kits, extra dog food, towels, and your dog’s rabies vaccine paperwork with you. States require that you can prove your dog has been vaccinated. If you are asked, (and it has happened,) you will be required to show the record. Your dog can and will be impounded in the state you are visiting if you need time to retrieve the information.
If a sign reads, DO NOT ENTER, or RATTLESNAKES PRESENT or MOUNTAIN LIONS, or STEEP FALL, or FAST RAPIDS, please,please, please believe the signs! Each year, reports of people disregarding the rules, people thinking it will not happen to them, are always shown the reality in the harshest ways. The signs and warnings are there to protect you, your family, and your pets. In addition to the costs, you are taking away the protections of people in need of assistance during an emergency because you have not followed the rules and regulations. Vacations are meant to be happy and pleasant for all those involved. Dogs lovers are everywhere, but not everywhere you may travel. Please use the resource provided for a list of parks, beaches, and campgrounds that allow pets:
