We all love getting away on holiday, and many of us want our dogs to be able to join in on the fun! Travelling with pets, however, will take some extra planning and preparation. To help make the process easier, we’re sharing some important tips on travelling with your dog. Find out what you’ll need to do to make getting to your doggy holiday as stress-free as possible!
Driving
If you’re planning to take your furry friend on a long car journey, you’ll need to make sure they’re properly restrained. Use a harness and seatbelt, pet barrier or crate. Make sure you use your air conditioning to help keep your dog cool. Avoid letting them stick their head out of the window, as it could damage their ears or lead to other accidents. Remember to make them as comfortable as possible, stopping every two to three hours for short walks and toilet breaks!
Flying
Boarding a plane with your dog doesn’t have to be hard, but make sure to do your homework well in advance. Not all airlines will allow animals on board, especially during hot or cold seasons, and those that do might have strict policies in place. These might include the kind of crate or carrier you can transport your dog in, whether they are allowed in the cabin or hold area, or if there may be restrictions on the size of pet you can bring along.
Trains
Not everyone realises that you can take your dog on trains in the UK free of charge! There are conditions, however. Dogs must be kept on a lead or in a carrier and they mustn’t inconvenience staff or fellow passengers. Don’t let your dog sit on the seat next to you either, or you could find yourself having to pay for an extra fare!
Food, drink and exercise
If you’re setting off on a long journey, it’s often best to avoid feeding your dog within four hours of travel to help prevent accidents and travel sickness. While travelling on any means of transport, make sure to provide plenty of fresh water for your dog, as they can easily become hot and dehydrated. Take them for a good walk before leaving, so they might find it easier to sleep during the journey.
International travel
You’ll need to get clued-up on the requirements from different nations when bringing a dog into their country*. Many countries will require your dog to have received certain vaccinations, such as rabies, and you’ll need to provide a record of this. Pet passports and other documentation might also be required, depending upon your destination. Getting the right vaccinations and documents can take a long time, so make sure you start your research well ahead of your planned trip!
Taking your dog on holiday doesn’t have to be stressful. Making sure you’re well-prepared for your journey can mean you have the time to focus on having a great time once you reach your destination! If you’re planning your next holiday with your pooch, one other precaution you might want to take is protecting them with dog insurance. At The Insurance Emporium, we offer flexible Dog Insurance with Optional Benefits to choose from such as European Cover. You could also get 30% discount^ when taking out your policy. Divert your journey to The Insurance Emporium today to find out more!
* European Cover available on The Insurance Emporium’s Time Limited, Maximum Benefit and Lifetime policies, where the Optional Benefit has been selected. Please note this is cover is restricted to countries within Europe. Please see our product pages for more information.
^ The 30% discount is made up of 20% Introductory Discount plus 10% Multi-pet Discount (if appropriate). The Introductory Discount is available for the first 12 premium payments on lunar and calendar monthly policies or one premium payment on annual policies.
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