Traveling with a Dog

Dear Critter Chatter:

My husband and I are going to travel to Florida for two weeks and want to bring our dog. We will be driving and although she rides well in the car for short trips, this will be the first time we are taking her with us to Florida. What do we need to bring and is there any long journey advice we should note?

Dear Florida Bound:

I am assuming that you have made lodging arrangements in Florida for your dog, whether it is a pet friendly hotel/motel or perhaps you own a home there. If not, be sure to make all those reservations before you leave. Many resorts and accommodations do not allow dogs. There are some great travel books published that provide you with accommodation sites that welcome dogs along the way from Toronto to Florida.

I would recommend a visit to the veterinarian for a health check up. Ask about heartworm preventive, vaccines and other such necessities. While you are there ask them to make copies of her vaccination records. In particular, be sure her rabies shot is up to date. You may be asked at the US border to show these documents or in case of an emergency you will have them with you.

Your dog should be secured while you are driving in the form of a dog belt or kennel carrier. I know many people (myself included) who drive with their dog/s "free" in the car. The more I read about travelling tragedies, the more I shudder to think what may happen. You could make a "pit" stop, open the door and lose her or she could interfere with the driver and heaven forbid cause an accident. If you chose to kennel her, be sure it offers proper ventilation and be sure it is large enough for her to stand up straight, turn around and lie down out-stretched. Line her kennel with a familiar blanket or quilt.

Make sure she is wearing her collar and that tags are securely affixed. License, vet tag and microchip identification information should be up-to-date and accurate. You may even want to call and leave your Florida or cell number with your veterinarian and microchip company.

 Be safe and ALWAYS keep her on the leash. Too many people think that their well behaved, precision trained dog will not be tempted by distractions of new exciting scents, an strange environment and/or other dogs! Remember, most of the rest stations along the way are only yards away from the highway!

When you stop for a break, offer her a drink of water and allow her time to stretch and go to the bathroom. Avoid leaving her in the car alone for several reasons. Within minutes the temperature in a car can soar causing heat stroke, brain damage or even death. Canine thefts are on the rise and the stress of people just passing by (some mean-spirited people tease dogs in cars!) is enough to cause some dogs anxiety.

When you arrive in Florida give her time to settle in and to acclimate to the new environment. This may take a few days or longer depending on the individual dog. Try and keep to her regularly scheduled feeding times with her accustomed diet.

Have a safe and enjoyable journey!