We’re a small dog boarding business, and we know firsthand how much joy (and chaos!) our furry friends bring into our lives. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, traveling with your dog can be an amazing experience, however, preparation weeks in advance is key. Here are our top tips to make your trip with your pet as smooth and fun as possible.
Check-In with Your Vet
Make sure their vaccinations are up to date, and grab a health certificate if needed.
Check to see if they have any critters making their coat or skin home such as fleas or ticks that may spread infestation.
Chat about any travel worries like anxiety or motion sickness.
Get a Good Crate or Carrier
A solid, comfy crate or carrier is a must. It should be big enough for your dog to stand, turn around, and stretch out. Get your dog used to the crate ahead of time by making it a cozy spot with treats and toys. This is something we can't stress enough if your dog is used to a crate-free home.
Here are some tried-and-true tips from our small dog boarding business to help your dog get used to a crate for travel.
1. Start Slow and Steady
Introduce the crate gradually. Place it in a room where your dog spends a lot of time and leave the door open. Let them explore it at their own pace without any pressure.
2. Make it Inviting
Make the crate a cozy and inviting space. Add a soft blanket, a few favorite toys, and maybe even an old t-shirt with your scent on it. The goal is to create a safe, comforting environment.
3. Positive Associations
Encourage your dog to go into the crate by using treats and praise. Toss a few treats inside and let them retrieve them. Repeat this a few times until your dog is comfortable going in and out.
4. Feed Meals in the Crate
Start feeding your dog their meals in the crate. This helps create a positive association with the crate. If they’re hesitant, place the food just inside the door at first, then gradually move it further back.
5. Short Stays with the Door Closed
Once your dog is comfortable entering the crate, start closing the door for short periods while they’re inside. Stay nearby and gradually increase the time the door is closed. Reward them with treats and praise when they stay calm.
6. Gradually Increase Crate Time
Slowly extend the amount of time your dog spends in the crate with the door closed. Start with a few minutes and build up to longer periods. Always make sure they’re comfortable and not anxious.
7. Practice Crate Time During Quiet Periods
Encourage crate time during quiet periods of the day when your dog is naturally more relaxed. This helps them associate the crate with calm and downtime.
8. Crate Training Games
Make crate training fun by turning it into a game. Play fetch or hide-and-seek with toys that they can retrieve from inside the crate. This makes the crate a fun and rewarding place to be.
9. Use the Crate in the Car
Before your trip, get your dog used to being in the crate in the car. Start with short drives around the block and gradually extend the length of the trips. Make sure the crate is secured and comfortable.
10. Stay Positive and Patient
Every dog is different, so be patient and stay positive throughout the training process. Avoid using the crate as a punishment; it should always be a positive, safe space for your dog.
Know the Rules for Air Travel
Flying with your pet? Check the airline’s pet policy. Small pets might be able to join you in the cabin, but bigger pets usually go in the cargo hold.
Book Early: The number of pets on each flight is limited, so book your pet’s spot early to avoid disappointment.
Health certificate: Most airlines require a health certificate from your vet issued within 10 days of travel. Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date.
Comfortable Carrier: Invest in an airline-approved carrier that’s comfortable for your pet. Ensure they can stand, turn around, and lie down in it.
Pre-Flight Exercise: Tire your pet out with a good play session or walk before heading to the airport. A tired pet is more likely to be calm during the flight.
Avoid Feeding Before the Flight: To minimize the risk of nausea, avoid feeding your pet a large meal right before the flight. Offer a small meal a few hours before travel.
Keep Essentials Handy: Have a small travel kit with your pet’s essentials—leash, waste bags, a small water bowl, and any necessary medications. Help your dog get comfy with their carrier before the flight and avoid feeding them right before takeoff.
Find Pet-Friendly Places to Stay
Not all hotels or rentals welcome pets, so do your homework. Book pet-friendly spots in advance and look for ones with perks like dog beds, bowls, and walking areas. Websites like BringFido and Airbnb can help you find the perfect place.
Pack the Essentials
Put together a travel kit for your dog, including:
Food and water bowls
Enough food and water for the trip
Medications and a first-aid kit
Leash, collar, and updated ID tags
Waste bags
Favorite toys and a blanket
A copy of their medical records
Check out our shop for collars, leashes, waste bag holders, toys, and more!
Stick to a Routine
Dogs love routines, so try to keep feeding, walking, and bedtime schedules as close to normal as possible. Bring along their favorite toy or blanket to help them feel at home.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
Look up nearby vet clinics at your destination and along your route. Keep their contact info handy just in case. Travel insurance that covers your pet is also a good idea for peace of mind.
Consider Boarding
If traveling with your dog isn’t practical, boarding them at a trusted facility can be a great option. Our facility, for example, offers a fun, safe, cage-free environment in downtown Cary, NC where your dog can play and socialize while you’re away.
There's a big difference between a dog kennel and our luxury dog boarding.
Our home-style setting allows extra comfort for your babies while in our care. We try to honor the routine your pet is used to with the added benefit of our daycare options. Your pet will spend their day playing inside and outside in our large play areas, enjoy cool and cozy places to nap, plenty of snuggles and more.
To ensure a stress-free stay, we offer a complimentary two-hour evaluation visit.
This is a special scheduled visit that allows your pet to interact one-on-one with our care staff, sniff the grounds, and get extra pets.
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