Traveling with Dogs Safely: Cars, Planes, Train, and Ship

Who doesn’t like traveling with dogs, when going on a vacation? They make your trip more fun and memorable as they are your furry family members that are both funny and adorable. However, you must plan the journey beforehand to make it safe for you and your pet.

Traveling with your animals can be a bit complicated and stressful --- which almost defeats the whole purpose of having an ESA in the first place!

With that in mind, here are some practical tips that will keep both you and your emotional support animal, safe, calm, and stress-free during the entire journey.

Traveling with Dogs by Cars

Traveling by car can be challenging with cats and dogs who cannot sit still even for a minute. While taking pets or support animals with you on traveling make sure to take all precautions and make your travel safe.

Here’s how you can ensure a smoother journey with your pet:

Plan Ahead of Time

Planning is a key to success and this could not be truer than when you are traveling with your animal. Plan everything and make a list of the things that you will need during the trip. Pack a separate bag for yourself and your dog or cat, whatever you are traveling with, and make sure that you have ample food and water for the animal.

Use the Backseat

It’s not just a convenient place for you to carry groceries or for you to store last week’s gym clothes. The fact is that any pet is safer in the rear seat of your vehicle.

That’s where your dog is less likely to be injured by sudden stops or evasive maneuvers you may be forced to make.

And, in the worst-case scenario of a fender-bender or crash that deploys your car’s airbags, your dog won’t be injured by the violent impact. Take care of the small cats though. It will not be a good option to put them in the rear seats as well.

The less your pet moves around (jumping back and forth from the front seat to the back seat is a serious no-no) inside your vehicle, the safer for all concerned.

Be Prepared for the Unexpected

If you’re driving into unfamiliar territory, you need to have a contingency plan in case your emotional support animal or pet dog becomes suddenly ill or injured.

You should know where the nearest veterinary or emergency pet clinic is on your route. When your ESA dog is vomiting blood in the backseat, that is not the time to figure out what to do or where to go next.

If you stop in unfamiliar territory so Coco can relieve himself --- what if he gets bitten by a snake in those bushes? Emergencies happen and you must know where to go for help.

Don’t Leave your Dog on The Driver’s Seat

Not only is it extremely distracting and dangerous for you to allow your pet to sit in your lap when you’re behind the wheel, but it’s also illegal in all jurisdictions.

There are enough distractions with your pet inside the vehicle without trying to control your direction of travel with your arms around a fluffy, unpredictably over-reactive animal between you and the steering wheel.

Usually now, in the center of most of the steering wheels, there is a powerful, explosive force just waiting to blast right into your face - your airbag.

Imagine what would happen to your pet if it suddenly deployed while he’s sitting in your lap. A serious injury would be the least of it because airbags can deliver deadly force in an instant.

Use Well-Designed Pet Carrier

A wide range of safety gear is now available for the protection of pets traveling in vehicles. A crate or a pet carrier is a safe way to travel with dogs and cats as it keeps them from roaming around in the car. These carriers are also a requirement of some airlines when traveling with dogs on planes.

When purchasing a pet carrier, make sure that it is the best cat carrier or a dog carrier and it has the following features:

• It should be dog-friendly having enough room for your pet to stand, lie down, and move around easily.
• Should come with strong handles.
• Free of any interior protrusions.
• It must be leak-proof.
• Ventilation on opposite sides.
• Label your name, address, cell phone number.

Another pet-friendly gear is a seat belt. These pet seat belts come in a variety of mechanisms and styles, depending on the size and species of the emotional support animal to be restrained.

These devices are quite effective at allowing your pet a modicum of movement while keeping them in a place where they belong. The first time you use one on your pet, make it a short trip for about 30 minutes.

Extend the length of trips with the device until your pet understands that this is the new normal, and both you and your Emotional Support Animal will be happier and safe.

Keep the Travel Short

Don’t expect your pet to have the bladder strength of an adult human. Traveling with your ESA is akin to traveling with young children in the car.

Frequent rest stops, bathroom breaks, leg-stretches, and plenty of snacks along the way make any journey more tolerable for all concerned.

That means you should always have a pet bowl, leashes, bedding, poop bags/scoopers, water, food, and treats along for those longer rides.

And be sure to have collars with ID tags/licenses and dog vests on each of your traveling pets. More than one dog has been known to suddenly take off to explore a new neighborhood, leaving its owner standing there with a broken leash. Or, it is better if you use a dog travel crate to control and manage your canine friend.

Be Ready to Deal with the Weather

On longer trips, you may stop to enjoy the tourist sights, dine at a restaurant, or go shopping. At those times, leaving your pet unattended in your vehicle is not an option.

Even on a mild, 72 Degrees Fahrenheit day, the temperature inside your car can climb by thirty deadly degrees in mere minutes. So, don’t forget to take your pet along when you make a stop.

Another often-overlooked reason for never leaving your pet unattended in your vehicle. They have a curious habit of finding the door lock buttons and locking their owners out of the car.

Pet-Proof the Car Before Driving Off

Those power window switches in the back seat? Lots of fun to play with, particularly if your pet’s paws are small enough to activate them and lower the window.

Use the door lock mechanism, or you might find your pal jumping out the rear window at the slightest temptation. While you’re rolling down the highway, avoid the temptation to allow your pet to hang its head out of the car window.

Yes, Coco might like the sensation of the wind flapping his ears, but there are insects and random pebbles flying around during high-speed travel that can seriously injure your pet. And any sudden stop could be deadly to animals who have their heads out of the window.

Going on road trips with pets can be fun and emotionally fulfilling. But make sure that your next ride is a safe one for everyone, and be sure you’re traveling with a legitimate, legally-enforceable ESA Letter.

If you need a legitimate emotional support animal letter, contact RealESALetter.com and the licensed mental health professionals will write an ESA letter so your pet can accompany you everywhere you go.

Tips for Traveling with Dogs by Planes

Are you booking a flight for you and your four-legged pal and worried about how to fly with your furry friend? Wondering if you can bring dogs on planes and air travel with them?

Yes, you definitely can though there are certain rules and regulations that airlines in the United States have when you take your ESA on an airplane or flying with a dog.

• When traveling by plane, check for the airline’s requirements as they differ for each of them.
• You will need to submit health certifications to the airlines before your airplane flights. So, visit the veterinarian at least two weeks before you travel.
• Also, check with a veterinarian if your pet is in the state to fly, especially if the trip is longer. Make sure that the flight’s temperature is right for your furry friend.
• Some airlines only allow soft-sided pet carriers, so make sure that you get the right carrier to avoid any hassles at the time of the flight. Especially if you are flying with a large dog, make sure that the airline is able to provide suitable accommodation for it.
• Since there are restrictions on the number of animals on each flight, it is better to make reservations earlier.
• When traveling with an ESA, make sure that you have a valid ESA letter. As airlines are only required to provide free transportation to ESAs with a valid letter. It will also make it easier to find a hotel room where you and your ESA can stay.

Tips for Traveling with Dogs by Ship

Besides cars and planes, some ships and cruises also allow pets and emotional support animals on their deck. Some cruises allow them into the cabins while others have special kennel facilities for your beloved canines.

But before taking your dog on the cruise line, make sure that you know about their policies and if they allow animals into their premises.

In the case of the kennel facilities, make sure that you have checked it thoroughly and it is safe from all kinds of harmful elements. If you have any queries, it is better that you ask them before going on board.

Tips for Traveling with Dogs by Train

Dogs and other animals are usually not allowed on trains but as per the Pets on Trains Act, Amtrak allows the passengers to bring their animals with them. Other than this, other railroad services may also allow ESAs and pets to accompany their owners.

When traveling by train, make sure that you have kept your dog comfortable and have a good stock of food and water for him. Moreover, keeping your dog safe and looking after its exercise at station stops is your responsibility.

Traveling with your dog is a great and cherishing experience, no matter which mode of travel you use, but to make it worthwhile, you must make proper arrangements. Make sure that you are well-prepared and have everything ready to ensure a smooth ride with your buddy and have a safe flight.