Traveling with Dogs: Tips for a Joyful Adventure
We had been on the road for 12 hours when we arrived in Sedona, Arizona, without a single stop to eat. A misstep in our itinerary had taken us far off course, leaving me utterly exhausted when my companion and I stumbled into our motel room. However, she issued no judgments as I sat on the floor, quietly crying from fatigue while finally enjoying some pizza from a nearby restaurant. She simply waited patiently, staring at my food until I offered her one of my crusts.
This reflects one of the great joys of traveling with dogs: no matter what goes wrong, they are just happy to be part of the journey.
Fortunately, traveling with pets is becoming more feasible. The trend of pet travel is on the rise, and the marketplace is evolving to accommodate this shift, with a growing selection of pet-friendly lodging, restaurants, and activities. Even flying with dogs is now more common and economical than in the past, reshaping the landscape of pet travel.
While I will always cherish my memories of Sedona, the real highlight was spending time with my dog. Nevertheless, traveling with dogs is not merely a matter of hopping in the car and heading out; it necessitates preparation, planning, and flexibility. When executed correctly, it can result in delightful experiences you never expected.
Preparing for the Worst, Hoping for the Best
Kyle Ferari-Muñoz, a 31-year-old student and political fundraiser, is well-versed in preparing for travel while taking dogs into account; he and his husband travel frequently alongside their three dogs.
‘We travel with the dogs about 90 percent of the time,’ Ferari-Muñoz explains. Their routine relies heavily on thorough preparation.
Understanding each airline’s dog policies is essential, alongside selecting a preferred airline for better customer support. Ferari-Muñoz suggests familiarizing yourself with the animal relief areas at the destination airport. Of course, accidents can occur, hence why having a small clean-up kit readily available in your carry-on is incredibly useful for unforeseen messes.
‘It’s important to recognize that travel can be stressful—even for pets that often accompany their owners—so understanding what works for your pet is crucial,’ Ferari-Muñoz emphasizes.
By knowing your dog’s preferences, limitations, and stress factors before embarking on an adventure, you can enhance the travel experience for everyone involved.
Planning Makes Perfect
For Ashley Halligan, founder of Pilgrim Magazine, road trips with a canine companion revolve around meticulous planning. ‘I try to route my journey to include as many stops as possible at dog-friendly parks, whether local, state, or national,’ she notes.
Moreover, she keeps her car well-stocked with treats, pillows, and extra water—an essential for anyone traveling with a dog. Halligan values flexibility; instead of pre-booking every hotel, she looks for dog-friendly accommodations once she’s in the area she wants to explore. Additionally, AAA publishes an extensive guide on dog-friendly hotels and restaurants, which can serve as a helpful resource.
Many hotels charge nightly pet fees and may not provide replacements for any dog-related items you forgot at home. Thus, strategic planning can help avoid these canines and cafes pitfalls.
‘One major consideration when traveling with a dog is selecting a setting that suits both you and your pet,’ advises the team from Getaway, a cabin retreat company specializing in pet-friendly lodging. It’s crucial to ensure your dog is comfortable, as they might not appreciate being on the top floor of a high-rise with no outdoor access.
Roll with the Punches
Halligan has been on the road with her dog, Jack Cousteau, since 2015 and has found a balance between spontaneous adventures and addressing Jack’s needs. This unique blend leads to unexpected journeys.
‘Having a dog has given me the initiative to explore places I might not have considered otherwise,’ she shares.
From hidden spots in the Siskiyou National Forest to remote stretches of the Yuba River, Jack’s presence has taken Halligan to destinations she may have overlooked without him.
Ultimately, traveling with dogs—as with dog ownership—calls for a certain level of adaptability. When plans derail, you may need to make choices that prioritize your pet’s joy over your own, which might entail stopping more frequently during a road trip or choosing outdoor seating at a restaurant that you wouldn’t normally consider.
While that trip to Sedona posed challenges, I harbour no regrets about exploring an extraordinary location with a travel companion who never batted an eye at our unexpected itinerary. Planning a holiday around a pet may bring its unique hurdles, but the love and connection a dog brings on the road outweighs everything else.
