There are a number of actions you can take before leaving on your vacation that will help make sure the trip goes as well as possible:
As mentioned above, continue to keep the dog in view while making any and all decisions.
Seek out pet-friendly hotels, and make sure you’re well aware of any extra fees or liability you might incur by staying there. Make sure that the places you’re staying specifically allow your dog’s size and/or breed.
Spend some time re-training or reinforcing behaviors and situations. For example, make sure the dog is comfortable in a crate or kennel, and go on a few short drives to get him or her acclimated in the car.
If you’re planning to fly with your dog, make sure that your carrier meets the standards set out by your airline(s). You don’t want to show up at the airport and be unable to board your flight.
Check in with your vet prior to your departure. Not only can you obtain his or her seal of approval that your dog can embark on your adventure, but you can also obtain any carsickness or anxiety medications that may be helpful along the way. (Make sure to try any medications well ahead of time to make sure your pup tolerates them well!) You should also ensure that your pet is microchipped before leaving home.
Look up the closest vet clinics and animal hospitals in each stop along the way so that you don’t have to waste time doing that in an emergency. It’s also helpful to note the contact information for any poison control centers or ASPCA’s in case your pet he or she shouldn’t along the way. The ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center and the Pet Poison Helpline are excellent resources, though please be aware that fees may apply.
Create backup plans, such as bringing along a crate or kennel where your pup can stay safely if you choose to do an activity that’s not dog-friendly, like going out to dinner.
Research what, if any, documentation you need to bring along, and start the process of gathering it as early as possible. At the very least you will need to bring vaccine details, and insurance and microchip information if you have either/both. To make things easy, Kelly recommends adding your dog to your phone as a contact. Include the microchip number and the phone number for the company it is registered with so you’re not fumbling around trying to find this information in an emergency. If you’re crossing state lines, it’s important to review health certificate requirements. Finally, traveling internationally with your dog may come with a long list of requirements, and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website is incredibly helpful for determining what you’ll need.
Kelly is also very passionate about muzzle training and desensitizing dogs to wearing muzzles. For more information and to see if this could be helpful for your pet, visit The Muzzle Up! Project.